Discover our school.
Values
These are the values that we strive to uphold at River Valley.
We recognize each individual as a striving spiritual being. Because of this belief, diversity is an essential element of community. River Valley Waldorf School appreciates and embraces diversity as a strength and part of its mission in seeking universal humanity. In the realm of agreements, equality is the fundamental practice.
We view self-determination in its educational and governance practices as essential to the vitality of its vision and mission. River Valley Waldorf School is an independent school free of federal or state government curricular standards or intervention.
We respect communication as the process that builds and sustains trust throughout the community. Responsible communication is brought in context, is affirming and empowering, and indicates clear appropriate actions. River Valley Waldorf School’s communications will exercise moral tact and respect individuals’ inner freedom. We practice honesty, respect for authorship, speaking with sensitivity to the listener, and following communication protocols.
We value self-development and will create opportunities for parents and other interested parties to gain insight into the background, philosophy, activities, and programs of the school.
We consider all of its decisions, needs, and expenditures in the light of the full impact on individuals, school, community, global economy and environment.
Our Story
River Valley Waldorf School began with a shared dream.
In the early 1990s, a small group of parents, educators, artists, and professionals came together with a vision to create a Waldorf school in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, one that would nurture the whole child and serve as a beacon for community, creativity, and lifelong learning. That dream took root in 1994, with the opening of the Golden Circle Kindergarten on the grounds of Beverly Hall near Quakertown. Guided by inspiration and dedication, the school quickly blossomed, built on the principles of spiritual, non-denominational education, parent involvement, and a deep commitment to inclusion and social renewal.
By the year 2000, the school moved to its permanent home: a seven-acre campus of grassy fields and forest in Upper Black Eddy. With new classrooms and room to grow, River Valley continued to expand its programs and deepen its roots in Waldorf pedagogy. In the years that followed, the school became a full member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and earned accreditation through the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). In 2007, River Valley proudly graduated its first eighth grade class.
Today, River Valley Waldorf School is a thriving Pre-K through Grade 8 community where children are immersed in a curriculum that weaves together academic excellence, the arts, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning.
Our students develop strong capacities for independent thinking, empathy, creativity, and social responsibility preparing them to meet the world with confidence and curiosity.
As a school, we have also met challenges with strength and integrity. We have made difficult decisions, responded to past harms with transparency and accountability, and taken active steps to ensure the safety and well-being of every student. Our faculty, staff, and board are united in our ongoing commitment to child protection and to cultivating a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment where every child can flourish.
Over the years, River Valley has benefited from the generous support of philanthropic partners and the hard work of countless families and volunteers. The school has invested in campus improvements, modular classroom buildings, and expanded programming, all aimed at enriching student experience and supporting sustainable growth.
A major turning point came with the adoption of a new governance model in 2021, including the introduction of a Head of School position and a renewed structure for shared leadership. The collaboration between the Board of Trustees, Pedagogical Leadership Group, and Parent Council ensures thoughtful decision-making that is both inclusive and forward-thinking.
In 2023, our community came together once again this time to articulate a refreshed mission and vision. The result was a multi-year strategic plan that honors our past and shapes our future, grounded in Waldorf ideals and responsive to the needs of today’s families and learners.
River Valley Waldorf School is more than a school; it is a living, evolving community. It is a place where children are seen and celebrated for who they are, where families find belonging, and where education is a journey of heart, hands, and mind.
We invite you to join us as we continue to grow, learn, and build a future rooted in love, learning, and the deep joy of being in community.
Credentials
Accreditation is an important process that provides independent schools like River Valley Waldorf School with external validation of their educational quality, operational integrity, and alignment with their mission. It involves a rigorous self-study and peer review, encouraging schools to reflect deeply and continuously improve. Accreditation ensures that the school maintains high standards in academics, governance, safety, and financial sustainability, while also remaining rooted in the core principles of Waldorf education. For families, it offers confidence and trust, assuring them that the school is stable, well-managed, and committed to excellence.
River Valley Waldorf School is proud to be accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), with our early childhood program accredited by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). These accreditations reflect our commitment to high standards in education, our belief in the importance of independent education, and our dedication to Waldorf educational principles.
Get answers
Waldorf education is a developmentally based, arts-integrated approach to learning founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919. It nurtures the whole child—head, heart, and hands—by balancing academic, artistic, and practical activities throughout the school day and year.
In the early and middle grades, we prioritize experiential, relationship-based learning and limit the use of screens and devices during the school day. This supports the development of imagination, focus, and social interaction. Technology is introduced in developmentally appropriate ways in the upper grades.
River Valley offers a holistic, screen-light education rooted in deep relationships between teachers and students, integrated arts, hands-on learning, and outdoor experiences. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the developmental stages of childhood and emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth.
We are located on a beautiful 7-acre, partially forested campus in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, near the Delaware River and the NJ border. Our central location makes us accessible to families in Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties in PA, and Hunterdon and Mercer counties in NJ.
Each day includes a balance of academics, artistic work (such as music, handwork, or painting), movement, and outdoor play. Main Lesson—the core academic block—is held in the morning, followed by specialty subjects and creative work in the afternoon.
We offer programs from early childhood through Grade 8, including parent-child classes, nursery, and kindergarten.
Our students are well prepared for high school and beyond, often excelling in areas such as critical thinking, creativity, writing, and independent learning. Our curriculum builds a strong academic foundation through age-appropriate instruction that meets students where they are developmentally.
Yes, in our grades program, class teachers often “loop” with their students for multiple years, sometimes from second through eighth grade. This fosters deep relationships, continuity in learning, and a strong class community.
We emphasize respectful relationships, clear expectations, and social learning. Our teachers guide students in resolving conflict peacefully and developing empathy, self-regulation, and responsibility within a caring community.
We welcome prospective families to tour the school, attend an open house, or schedule a personal meeting with our admissions team. You can contact us directly or explore our website for more details.
River Valley is committed to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families. We strive to reflect and celebrate diversity in our curriculum, festivals, and community practices, and engage in ongoing equity and inclusion work.
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.
