Susquehanna Waldorf School, 15 W. Walnut St., Marietta, will host an open house on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees may tour the classrooms, watch a traditional puppet play, and learn about the curriculum. The school is open to children in prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Fans of the children's series "Bluey" may discover there are similarities between the school featured in the show - Glasshouse Primary - and real-world Waldorf schools.

Waldorf education champions the idea that childhood is a time for creativity and wonder. Just like Bluey and Bingo transform tree stumps into helicopters or conjure up magical kingdoms from everyday objects, students engage in open-ended play with natural materials like wooden blocks, silks, and handmade toys. These early experiences with imaginative play lay the foundation for creative problem-solving and innovation as students grow into their middle school years.

At Susquehanna Waldorf School, lessons go beyond textbooks. Whether exploring math through hands-on activities or learning life skills through collaborative projects, students seek to develop critical thinking and empathy. In the early grades, experiential learning is included to build confidence and curiosity, while middle school students take on increasingly complex projects that integrate artistic, academic, and practical skills to foster resilience and independence.

All students, including the middle-schoolers, spend ample time outside, exploring the Susquehanna River and learning through nature walks. Waldorf education emphasizes the value of connecting with the earth and fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. Early outdoor experiences evolve into more structured ecological studies in the older grades, deepening students' understanding of their place in the world and their responsibility to it.

The school also seeks to create an environment where everyone feels like family. Eighth-grade students serve as buddies to younger children, building a sense of mentorship and connection across ages. Older students take on leadership roles, modeling empathy and cooperation for younger peers while preparing for their next educational journey.

In addition to the open house, the school offers private tours. To contact the school about scheduling a tour, visit http://www.susquehannawaldorf.org.

The Susquehanna Waldorf School, founded in 1987, envisions a community where children love to learn and are inspired to live with purpose, compassion, and joy. The school's mission is to foster creative, confident, and compassionate learners through an education that nurtures the head, heart, and hands.