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.

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...
Stephanie Kong
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
“I connect deeply with the Waldorf philosophy of teaching the body, mind, and spirit of the individual child through nourishing, nurturing education....
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...
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...
Layla Plaza
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“I love how a Waldorf school educates the whole child and instills a lifelong love of learning.”
Sara Sweningsen
Educational Support Coordinator & Educational Support Teacher
“I appreciate the way that Waldorf education weaves stories, art, song, crafting, and movement into the teaching of rich lessons about botany,...
Melanie Niemczura
Grades 4 & 5 Class Teacher
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars.” ~ Max Ehrmann
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...
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,...
Adena Hallinger
2nd/3rd Grade Support Teacher
“I love that Waldorf education honors the whole child while celebrating the Earth, creativity, and our connection to one another.”
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...
Sarai Nieves
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
“I love how Waldorf education values and nurtures creativity, imagination, and the spirit. It honors children and childhood, connects us to the...

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.