Educating Children with Creativity, Compassion, & Community

Pre-K through 8th grade private Waldorf school in Pennsylvania.

Who We Are

Learning That Nurtures the Whole Child

We believe every child is unique and should have an education that honors their individuality. We move beyond the conventional, one-size-fits-all model—focusing instead on a whole-child approach that cultivates creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

At River Valley Waldorf School, we let kids be kids. Child development informs every aspect of our curriculum, programming, and approach to teaching. Our faculty and curriculum create opportunities for your child to be fully engaged in the learning process through their imagination in an environment that honors individuality and creativity.

Children learn best when they have meaningful connections with their teachers and classmates. Trust and connection form the foundation for a truly collaborative and supportive learning environment in which each child can fully unfold and develop their own unique gifts and skills.

About River Valley

groups of students running across an open field

three early childhood students in aprons making food

class of middle school students smiling for a photo

group of middle schools playing string instruments in orchestra

8:1 teacher to student ratio

Teacher to student ratio

15 students average per class

Average class size

4–6 hours daily off screens

Daily time away from screens

Programs

Academics

Teaching follows the natural rhythm of childhood’s three seven-year stages—wonder-filled imitation in early childhood, imagination-rich feeling in the grades, and idealistic thinking in adolescence.

Ages 2-6

Early Childhood

Play-rich days in nature spark wonder, skills, and joyful beginnings for young learners. Where children experience that the world is good.

Explore Early Childhood

Ages 6-11

Lower School

Integrated academics, arts, and hands-on projects ignite curiosity and solid foundations. Where students learn through beautiful experiences of the world.

Explore Lower School

Ages 11-14

Middle School

Deep academics, vibrant arts, and hands-on mastery cultivate independent, capable teens. Where we prepare critical thinkers to encounter high school and beyond.

Explore Middle School

“Finding and being able to move to have my son attend RVWS was an unexpected wonder in our lives."
“It’s been worth all of the hard work of moving. He used to go to OT; now in his words he’s a “Professional Knitter”. He has the opportunity to climb trees at recess and during after-care.

He gets to play with children of different ages – both younger and older and I think that is such a benefit for him.

The school is a close-knit warm community.”

Leslie Barnett
RVWS Parent

Campus

A Haven of Learning Among the Trees

Discover Our Campus

Nestled on seven wooded acres along the Delaware, River Valley Waldorf School feels like home—sun-lit classrooms of natural materials open to gardens, trails, and forts.

Our 7-acre, partially forested campus inspires exploration, creativity, and meaningful outdoor learning.

With two main buildings, a dedicated garden, and diverse play spaces, our campus is designed to immerse children in the natural world.

A vibrant teaching garden engages students in seasonal rhythms and hands-on discovery.

Faculty

Our Passionate, Expert Teachers

See All Faculty

Meet the members of the River Valley Waldorf faculty.

Sheena Ifkovitch
Garden Gate Lead Teacher
“I resonate with the school’s mission to ‘nurture the individual spirit of each child.’ In my work I see Waldorf Education as...
Eve Sheldon
Music Teacher
“I feel Waldorf education really tries to see the child for who they are and who they are becoming. I want to...
Stacy Zink
Practical Arts Teacher
“My passion for Waldorf Education comes from its philosophy that hands-on doing is as important as intellectual pursuits. Through woodworking and gardening,...
Esther Hiamang
Math Skills Teacher
“Curiosity, which may or may not eventuate in something useful, is probably the outstanding characteristic of modern thinking” – Abraham Flexner
Allegra Ketchum
Advancement Director
“My passion regarding Waldorf education is that it follows the children’s natural development and encourages them to fully realize their potential. Also,...
Molly MacDonald
Grades 2 & 3 Class Teacher
“I love how each teacher strives to meet the children in front of them. Each class and group of children has its...
Jacqueline Foley
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“It’s amazing how each child blooms throughout the year. Watching the connection of mind, body, and soul blossom from the beginning of...
Noemi Nieves-Hoblin
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“I’m excited to join the River Valley community this year. As an artist, I am drawn to the strong use of imagination,...
Sarah Bahnke
Business Manager
“My passion regarding Waldorf education is that children are taught as a whole and not just academically.”
Susan Dils
Games and Movement Teacher
“I believe that movement and physical activity are essential components of a holistic education. Through games and movement, children not only develop...
Daphne Pavlinsky
Business Assistant
“Love starts when we push aside our ego and make room for someone else.” ~ Rudolf Steiner
Shenayah Herschkowitz
Grade 7 Class Teacher
“I am passionate about how Waldorf Education considers each child holistically, with the goal of meeting them where they are and nourishing...

Process

Start the Journey, Enroll Your Child

Submit an Inquiry
Send a brief form, and our enrollment specialists will call you by the next business day to learn about your child, share how Waldorf nurtures whole-child growth, and answer every question you have.

Inquire Now
Take a Tour
Walk sun-lit classrooms alive with song, fresh-baked bread, and vibrant art; see intentionally arranged spaces that spark belonging, and feel the Waldorf difference with all your senses.
Watch Your Child Thrive
Enroll and watch your child blossom through a nurturing program that celebrates individuality, builds resilience and joy, and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and purposeful growth.