Mount Barker Waldorf School offers independent Waldorf education for boys and girls from early years through secondary in the Adelaide Hills.
NAPLAN in line with national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a B overall.
Mount Barker Waldorf School offers independent Waldorf education for boys and girls from early years through secondary in the Adelaide Hills. The school follows Steiner principles, emphasising inquiry-led learning and whole-child development alongside academic work. It's known for a strongly pastoral approach and close-knit community feel, suiting families who value progressive education and meaningful relationships within school life.
Mount Barker Waldorf School is also known as MBWS and MBWS Mount Barker.
Mount Barker Waldorf School has an overall SchoolRank score of 51.3/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B (Average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1087 (81st percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Mount Barker Waldorf School, Year 3 students averaged 357 across the tested NAPLAN domains, well below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 486, in line with the national average of 490 for that year level, and Year 7 students averaged 523, below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 609, well above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Reading. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Mount Barker Waldorf School is a small Independent combined school with approximately 321 students. It offers education for years R-12. As an Independent school, enrolment typically involves an application process. Contact the school directly for enrolment criteria, waiting lists, and open day information.
Mount Barker Waldorf School has approximate annual tuition fees of $7,565. Actual fees may vary by year level, and additional costs for uniforms, camps, and extracurricular activities typically apply. The school grades C+ (Below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Mount Barker Waldorf School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.8:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 40% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 90%, which is good.
Mount Barker Waldorf School is located in Mount Barker, SA, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1087 (81st percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.