Free minds and bright hearts. That is what the Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner of Via Pini in Milan aims to create. It stands as a beacon. It champions children’s talents and cherishes them like precious gifts. The school’s expansive garden promotes freedom. It allows children to release their boundless energy.
But what exactly does “Libera” mean in the context of Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner? It signifies a free association of parents united by a shared educational ideal. It embodies the feeling one gets when immersed in its music and art. It is the state of mind needed for true learning and growth. Many simply call it the Steiner School of Via Pini. But it’s truly the Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner.
Founded on the principles of Rudolf Steiner’s pedagogy, the Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner emphasizes the harmonious development of will. It nurtures feelings and thoughts. It fully considers each child’s developmental stage and emotional world. It is a paritaria school. It includes Sezione Primavera which is a playgroup. Furthermore, it includes Scuola dell’Infanzia which is a nursery school. It also includes Scuola Primaria which is an elementary school. Finally, it also has a Secondary School. These form a cohesive inter-school cycle.
For the youngest ones, the Sezione Primavera welcomes children who turn two within the calendar year. The Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner provides a warm secure environment. Children find safety and trust here. Spaces are furnished with natural materials. Unstructured non-technological games are encouraged. Activities both in class and in the garden allow the child to experiment with movement. They also develop their imagination. They begin to relate to peers and the world. The Scuola dell’Infanzia allows children to play freely. They are able to do this in a healthy natural environment.
Educators support each child’s development. They consistently propose activities to imitate. These activities follow daily and weekly rhythms. These fit into the larger rhythm of the year and its festivals. These activities include drawing and listening to fairy tales. Further activities are painting and artistic manual activities. Singing, eurhythmy and bread preparation are also included.
Interestingly, the teacher accompanies the same group of children for eight years. These are elementary and middle school. They get to know each child very well. They support individual growth. They also pay close attention to the group. Collaboration between teachers and parents is fundamental. This is so because they are jointly responsible for educational choices. This ensures educational harmony between school and family.
The community around the children has created the Libera Associazione Pedagogica Rudolf Steiner. All parents and friends are invited to join. This is to support the educational project. It also contributes to spreading this cultural and pedagogical approach.
Parents and teachers share responsibility. They develop a trusting relationship. This brings well-being and tranquility to the environment around the children. The association manages the school’s administration. It promotes courses, conferences, artistic and craft activities. It organizes annual festivals. It also organizes events to present the kindergarten and school. All this is done by parents, friends and teachers together. This supports the need to deepen knowledge of Steiner pedagogy. The purpose is to grow together with the children.
Getting here is quite easy. The Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner is near Milano Lambrate train station. You can reach it by metro line MM2 to Lambrate station. Alternatively take trams 11, 23 or 33. Buses 54, 55, 75 or 93 will also get you here. By car, take the Tangenziale Est ring road. Exit at Lambrate. Parking is available nearby.
The Libera Scuola Rudolf Steiner is more than just a school. It is a community. It’s a philosophy. It is a commitment to nurturing the potential within each child. So next time you are in the Lambrate area, take a moment to appreciate this unique institution.