Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions.
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 childhood and the grades, we prioritize experiential, relationship-based learning. Instruction is never delivered on devices. Use of electric devices like tablets and laptops is limited to middle school grades to produce products such as presentations or conduct research or for students who need accommodations. This supports the development of imagination, focus, and social interaction and collaboration. Technology is introduced in developmentally appropriate ways in middle school alongside a Cyber Civics curriculum, a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students how to become ethical, safe, and productive digital citizens.
River Valley offers a holistic, screen-free education rooted in authentic 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.
Our Early childhood programming is play based and includes a rhythmic balance between play, practical work, and plenty of outdoor time.
The grades experience balances academics, artistic work (such as music, handwork, or painting), movement, and outdoor play. Main Lesson—the core academic block study is held in the morning, followed by specialty subjects and creative work in the afternoon. All grades including middle school offers plenty of time spent outdoors.
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.
Start the Enrollment Process
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.
