Upon moving back to Oklahoma, we searched for a grade school program that fit our needs and desires. We wanted our children to learn in an environment that was respectful of their individual journey. We wanted them to have the opportunity to not just spend time playing outside on a playground, but to connect with nature on a deeper level. It was important to us that their schedule left plenty of space for rest and family time. It was especially important to us that their educational experience did not focus on preparing them to fit into an existing system, but rather, nurtured them, as whole beings, giving them the confidence to shape their future and their world to match their beautiful spirits.
From these desires, the seeds of Back to Earth began to sprout.
What began as a small gathering of families and educators has grown into an accredited Waldorf-inspired nature school, rooted in community and guided by a shared commitment to slow, sacred education.
Our History
Carlie Khodabakhsh
Founder of Back to Earth School
“We shouldn’t ask, ‘What does a person need to be able to do in order to fit into the existing social order today?‘ Instead, we should ask, “What lives in each human being, and what can be developed in him or her?”
Rudolf Steiner
Our Vision
Back to Earth School exists to provide an education rooted in reverence for the natural world and the inner life of the child. We believe that true learning unfolds when children are given the time and space to grow in harmony with their developmental stage, surrounded by beauty, rhythm, and meaningful work.
Our school utilizes the Waldorf curriculum as our pedagogical foundation. We are committed to studying, applying, and deepening our understanding of this rich approach to education. The Waldorf curriculum offers not only academic content but also a deep respect for the developmental unfolding of the human being, guiding us to meet the child with experiences and content that nourish thinking, feeling, and willing in harmony.
Our Guiding Principles
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We honor the natural curiosity of children by fostering a learning environment filled with storytelling, artistic expression, hands-on discovery, and open-ended questions.
We cultivate a love for lifelong learning by valuing imagination, curiosity, innovation, and play as essential components of intellectual growth.
We embrace a sense of awe for the world, from the tiniest insect to the vastness of the universe.
Children are encouraged to observe, ask questions, experiment, and think in new ways.
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We nurture the whole child—head, heart, and hands—creating a balanced approach to learning.
Our learning rhythm is rooted in the seasons, the needs of the developing child, and the interplay between focused work and playful exploration.
We learn through doing—crafting, building, cooking, reading, and engaging in meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to real life.
We honor individuality while fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the whole.
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We foster a deep reverence for the earth by teaching children to observe, care for, and live in harmony with the environment.
Seasonal rhythms guide our curriculum, helping students feel connected to the cycles of the earth.
Nature is our classroom. We spend time outdoors daily, engaging in environmental stewardship, wilderness skills, and experiential learning.
We use natural materials in our learning—wool, beeswax, wood, clay—connecting children to the world around them.
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Parents and educators work in partnership, creating a bridge between home and school that supports the child’s growth in all areas of life.
Our school is a living community where everyone—children, teachers, parents—has a role in shaping and supporting the learning environment.
Relationships are at the heart of education. We cultivate a culture of kindness, collaboration, and mutual respect between students, teachers, and families.
Festivals, traditions, and shared experiences bring us together, honoring both individual contributions and collective spirit.