Ages 2-6
Early Childhood
Play-rich days in nature spark wonder, fosters healthy body and brain integration, and joyful beginnings for young learners where children experience that the world is good.
Explore Early ChildhoodEducating 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.
7:1 teacher to student ratio
Teacher to student ratio
15 students average per class
Average class size
Virtually 100% screen-free learning
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 6-11
Lower School
Integrated academics, arts, and hands-on learning ignites 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.”
Nestled on seven wooded acres along the Delaware, River Valley Waldorf School feels like home—sun-lit classrooms furnished with natural materials open to gardens, wooded trails, and grassy hills.
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.
Meet the members of the River Valley Waldorf faculty.
Bridget Brier
Grade 6 Class Teacher
“I love this pedagogy’s richness and experiential-based methods, and I love that our students are comfortable in so many art forms. I...
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...
Alanna Crivellaro
Enrollment Coordinator
“I believe in Waldorf education because it is guided by a unique and deep understanding of the development of children as human...
Annette Smith
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
“I’d been taking classes at Sunbridge and at Circle of Seasons for a couple of years and fell in love with the...
Benjamin Rogers-Petro
Music Teacher
“I have nothing but fondness and deep appreciation for Waldorf education, and the friendships I made; life long bonds forged by common...
Sarah Bahnke
Business Manager
“My passion regarding Waldorf education is that children are taught as a whole and not just academically.”
Rheanon Beam
Early Childhood Support Teacher
Quote from Rheanon coming soon
Patrick Janssen
Director of Operations
On sustainability: “Since I was appointed as Operations Administrator in January 2021, I have been part of a team that has worked...
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,...
Gabrielle Nembhard
Pedagogical Chair
“I love how Waldorf education is health-giving. It supports and maximizes children’s growth and development physically, emotionally, and mentally. Waldorf education supports...
Shannon O’Connell
Fine Arts Teacher
“I love the idea and practice of nurturing the individual spirit of each student. It is so important for children to be...
Daphne Pavlinsky
Business Assistant
“Love starts when we push aside our ego and make room for someone else.” ~ Rudolf Steiner
Process
Start the Journey, Enroll Your Child
Submit an Inquiry
Inquire NowSend 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.
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.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Hear From Students
Why Waldorf?
The Waldorf Advantage
A single class teacher often guides a class for multiple years which we refer to as ‘looping.’ Sometimes the same class teacher may loop with a class from second through eighth grade, fostering deep relationships and adapting lessons to meet each developmental stage.
Age and stage based academics are integrated with art, music, movement, and the natural world.
Screen-free learning makes way for connection-rich experiences that frees children to stay present, curious, and learn ‘how to think – not what to think.’
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Years of Waldorf Education
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Waldorf Students in North America
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Waldorf Schools Worldwide
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Calendar
Upcoming Events
See our full school event schedule.