A school for the real-world learning
Waldkinder – The School is a community for learners aged 6 to 18, centered on self-directed discovery, real-world challenges, and learning in nature. Inspired by the Acton Academy model, our school empowers each learner to take ownership of their education, set meaningful goals, and grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate human being.
At our school learning happens everywhere — in studios, outdoors, in the community, and through projects that matter. Nature remains a constant source of inspiration, resilience, and curiosity. In mixed-age studios, learners collaborate, mentor one another, and tackle challenges that build not just academic mastery, but also character, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
We believe that education should prepare children for life, not just for tests. By blending freedom with responsibility, and curiosity with rigour, we help our learners develop the courage to take risks, the empathy to work well with others, and the determination to follow their unique path.
Our promise: when they leave Waldkinder, our young people will be ready for anything the future holds — equipped with the skills, values, and mindset to make a positive difference in the world.
Growing through Purpose, Mastery, and Character
Our learners set goals, manage their time, and take ownership of their education. With freedom and responsibility, they build the skills and mindset to become independent, lifelong learners
Our educators serve as Socratic Guides- posing thoughtful questions, encouraging deep reflection, and helping learners think critically, rather than delivering information. This means that we do not operate with traditional instructional models where experts impart knowledge,
instead educators are game-makers who create opportunities for learners to explore and learn independently or in groups in relevant ways
Growth is measured by understanding, not pace. Learners move forward when they've truly mastered a skill, building confidence and a strong foundation for future challenges. This means that each child will go at their own pace and may be above or behind traditional grade levels in
any given area of learning.
I am the resident electronics and STEAM specialist— a guide who turns circuits and code into gateways for wonder. With a deep passion for hands-on learning and innovation,I bring the invisible world of technology to life for our learners. Whether I’m simplifying complex electronics into playful experiments or guiding a student’s curiosity toward a working prototype, I am here to nurture a spirit of discovery and confidence in those I guide. Through my guidance, young engineers experience the joy of building, experimenting, and lighting up their own “eureka” moments.
I have always felt at home among children. After starting out in accounting, I followed her heart into teaching and never looked back. I now bring creativity, organisation, and a love for hands-on learning to my work, whether in the classroom or out in nature. From first-grade exploration to summer craft workshops, my favourite part of guiding is watching children’s curiosity spark — and finding new ways to nurture it.
I’ve set out on many different adventures before finding my way back to education — my very first love. Though my studies were in the field of teaching, I took time to explore other paths, deepening my connection to the world of books along the way.
When the invitation came to rejoin the Waldkinder team, I felt both excitement and anticipation — as if stepping into a new adventure where nothing is set in stone and everything is created together.
With a background in German language studies, I found my natural home in Sibiu. I’m happiest when surrounded by nature, free to wander and explore.
I am originally from Antigua, Guatemala. I am passionate about sports especially soccer and basketball. I am always up for outdoor adventures whether it be enjoying a campfire BBQ, hiking volcanos, or finding beautiful views to photograph. As a natural sports mentor, I love inspiring players of all ages to stay active, build skills, win and lose with grace, and most importantly: have fun.
I am the Computer Science Guide, blending a love for technology with a passion for guiding young minds. Drawn to the way coding can turn ideas into reality, I helps learners see computers not just as machines, but as creative partners. With patience and a knack for making complex concepts approachable, I’m here to turn programming, robotics, and digital design into exciting adventures. Outside the studio, I enjoy exploring new technologies, AI powered tools to benefit the wold around me, solving puzzles, and spending time in nature — always curious, always learning, and always ready to pass that curiosity on to the children.
I am a musician, actor, and poet who believes learning comes alive when it’s experienced with all the senses. My background in the performing arts brings a unique energy to the studio — blending music, storytelling, and creativity into every project. At Waldkinder School I use the power of performance to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help learners express themselves authentically. My invitation for the learners is to see the world as a stage for exploration and discovery.
Waldkinder is learner-driven — there are no bells, no lectures, and no teacher-as-authority figure. Learners take ownership of their progress, set goals, and collaborate on real-world projects. Mixed-age studios foster peer mentoring, self-governance, and independence. Learning happens through mastery, portfolios, and public exhibitions rather than grades.
We are part of the global Acton Academy Network of over 300 schools. We follow the same Learning Design created at the original Acton campus, which blends self-paced academics, real-world projects, and character growth.
Yes — we are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools and in the process of being recognized by ARACIP as an international school in Romania.
What grades do you offer?
A: We currently have mixed-age studios covering US Kindergarten to Grade 5:
Our year runs September–July, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (drop-off from 8:30 am).
Technology is a tool, not a toy. In Lower Elementary, learners use laptops for 20–60 minutes/day; in Upper Elementary, 30–90 minutes/day — mostly for self-paced Core Skills. Non-tech alternatives are encouraged.
Learners set daily, weekly, and session goals. Progress is tracked through mastery checks, online learning data, exhibitions of work, and occasional standardized tests — but we never “teach to the test.”
We share Montessori’s respect for independence but combine it with Socratic discussions, interactive technology, and hands-on projects.
Guides ask great questions rather than give answers, prompting learners to think critically, debate, and discover solutions themselves.
We believe each learner has a unique gift and calling. Our mission is to help them discover it and use it to make a positive difference, in whatever path they choose.
It’s the idea that life is an adventure — with challenges to overcome and a purpose to fulfill. Our role is to prepare each learner for their journey with courage, integrity, and skill.
Phones and smartwatches stay away during school hours. Electronics at Waldkinder are used only as learning tools.