At Waldkinder, learning begins in nature and grows alongside the child, guided by their passions and talents.
In the preschool years, we are inspired by Forest School principles to create a community where children explore freely, discover with joy, and develop autonomy, curiosity, and self-confidence.
At school, we build on the principles of learner-driven education, shaping children who become the heroes of their own learning journey.
Our students have the time to understand deeply, apply meaningfully, and learn to take responsibility, make decisions, and develop skills that will serve them for life.
We believe that meaningful learning begins with choice. When children are free to pursue what truly excites them, they grow into confident, capable people.
Learning is a shared journey. We grow through authentic relationships with peers, mentors, and the natural world. Regardless of age, we honor one another as whole people, each with something to teach and something to learn.
Real learning happens when children have the freedom to explore, make choices, and take risks paired with the guidance to reflect and grow from those experiences. We support them in becoming thoughtful, self-directed, and accountable.
A vibrant mind lives in an active body. Time outdoors, movement, and physical play are essential parts of each day, grounding children in their senses and supporting their overall well-being.
At Waldkinder, exploration comes before teaching — from the very first years through to the end of school.
Our curriculum moves beyond traditional boundaries and rigid subjects, giving children the freedom to follow their curiosity and marvel at the world’s endless wonders. Walking alongside them in these journeys of discovery is at the heart of everything we do.
Every day, each child has meaningful opportunities for academic growth while engaging in hands-on, real-world experiences.
Our program begins as early as age two and grows with the child every step of the way. In the early years, we focus on emotional security, physical development, and joyful learning in nature. As children transition to school, the emphasis shifts toward real-world learning and mastery-based education — with no one-size-fits-all approach. Our heroes have the time, space, and encouragement to explore deeply, discover their passions, and find their calling.
In the beginning, educators guide closely, creating rich learning experiences rooted in nature and community. As children grow, the adult role gradually shifts — from leading, to guiding, to stepping back — allowing them to take ownership of their learning and their lives.
As in any thriving community, we value open and honest exchanges of ideas, and relationships built on trust and shared humanity. We believe that every member — regardless of age — has something to teach and something to learn. Together, we nurture lifelong curiosity, courage, and a passion for discovery.
The Waldkinder educational model looks and feels different. It’s a place where all of us — children and adults alike — truly come alive.
When I’m not hiking or up in the mountains, you’ll find me with children. They have that unique gift of challenging you and, by the end of the journey, making you a better, more fulfilled person — and infinitely more patient!
I create, build, and play as naturally as I have embraced my role as a mother. Just as naturally, I felt a calling to join this team and went from navigating across seas and oceans to becoming a forest kindergarten educator. This is yet another journey of exploration, diving into the depths and adventures of guiding little ones on the voyage of their lives.”
I come from a Waldorf education background and I’m passionate about photography, technology, and restoring old bicycles, as well as creating experiences where children learn by engaging their creativity and imagination. These are key ingredients of Waldorf inspiration, and I use them generously in imaginative play and hands-on, experiential learning.
I have been preparing to be an educator for as long as I can remember. The local tradition led me to German school, pedagogy studies, qualification exams, and experience in kindergartens and schools here at home. What I have the chance to fully apply now, at Waldkinder, are my natural abilities—my true vocation when it comes to learning: freedom, exploration, joy, play, and discovery, which are, in fact, the secret to an educational journey that leaves a lasting mark.
I was born in Mărginime, but in high school I moved to Denmark, where I spent my formative years as an educator. Eventually, I returned with my family to the place I had left, and at Waldkinder I found the only kindergarten where I could be the educator I had hoped to become. It’s probably the only place where it truly matters to be raising happy, confident, socially capable children through play and trust, not pressure.
Everyone tells me I have a special gift when it comes to interacting with children. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a gift — it’s more of a recipe: plenty of patience, holding them close as much as they need, and looking them in the eyes with warmth. And experience — I’ve been caring for kindergarten children since I was in kindergarten myself.
I am a sociologist and trainer by education, but my life revolves around sports, mountains, and nature. A ski and climbing instructor, mother, and educator, I would say I also have two magical hands that ‘bake’ not only sugar-free treats but also outdoor exploration and adventure experiences for children of all ages.
I’m passionate about sports and every form of art. In winter, you’ll find me on skis; in summer, cycling through the mountains. And when I’m not on the move, I sculpt, paint, or sing. Children often see me singing, and I’ve discovered it’s the best way to connect with them and help them open up.
I’m also one of those whose role as a mother completely changed their perspective on life. I used to work in marketing, but being a mother of two turned all my forecasts upside down, and I traded charts and graphs for being 100% present with my children. Through them, I’ve become the person I am today — an educator in-the making who feels called to share her gift by working with other children in the largest spot I found in the heart of nature: the Waldkinder garden.
Stefan este un artist vizual fascinat de necunoscut. Aproape tot timpul își plasează arta in zone neconvenționale și cauta sa abordeze noi teritorii, sa exploreze forme de expresie și de manifestare neobișnuite. Pentru propriul amuzament, s-a angajat in redefinirea sculpturii prin elemente de joc. Este un limbaj pe care îl folosește cu succes in exercițiile cu copiii, provocându-i sa dea frâu liber chiar și ideilor și conexiunilor ieșite din comun care, pe aceasta cale, devin obiecte utopice sau performari artistice.
Paul e actor al Teatrului Gong și personaj efervescent și ludic el însuși, natural conectat cu copiii și cu universul vârstei “totul e posibil”. El propune ateliere de jocuri creative si non-competitive inspirate din arta teatrala în care copiii îsi pot antrena diferite abilități personale. Gândirea creativa și spontaneitatea, exprimare corporala prin mișcare, expresia emoțiilor dar și abilități conversaționale și de relaționare în grup sunt toate coordonate ale jocurilor pe care copiii le construiesc împreună cu Paul și educatorii.
Laura creeaza experiențe de descoperire personală prin cele mai neașteptate explorări artistice. Copiii lucrează cu corpul lor, în zbor sau rostogolire, cu culoare, cu lut sau cu obiecte naturale culese în pădure și își construiesc abilități de cunoaștere și autocunoaștere, abilități sociale, practice și de comunicare eficientă.
Andrei a primit la 13 ani prima lui chitară – iar acum aduce o chitară copiilor în fiecare săptămână și împreună se bucură de muzică, de refrene cunoscute și de dans, le povestește despre sunete, corzi sau note și, de fiecare data, fără greșeală, le da mai departe din marea lui pasiune pentru muzică!
Mena e profesor cu har, bunica din basme și autor de biscuiti de care nu te saturi. Atelierele ei de engleza au un strop de magic fie pentru ca se întâmplă in explorare la pădure, în camere secrete cu atmosfera de poveste sau printre personaje fascinante pe care le creează la fiecare întâlnire.
