Whether you’re familiar with Waldorf education or exploring it for the first time, our admissions process is warm, intentional, and centered around building a partnership that supports your child’s growth and your family.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we’re honored you’re considering River Valley Waldorf School.
Our admissions process is designed to be thoughtful, collaborative, and supportive, helping you get to know us and allowing us to learn more about your child and family.
We welcome applications year-round, and guide each family through a personalized process based on your child’s age and grade level. Below is an overview of what to expect.
To begin the admissions process at River Valley Waldorf School, please submit an inquiry form. Your inquiry will provide our school with details to guide the next steps of the process. You will receive follow-up communication with an invitation to visit our school and information to learn more about our programs.
We would love to welcome you to River Valley for a School Tour or an Open House event. School Tours occur on school-day mornings and allow adults to observe how our school offers education. Open House mornings are offered seasonally and encourage the adults and children to participate in hands-on Waldorf education experiences. These are wonderful opportunities to explore our school, learn about Waldorf education, and observe our programs.
Complete an online application for the program in which you are interested in enrolling your child. As a Waldorf school, we align program/grade placement with the child’s age as to most wholly meet them from a developmental point of view. Please see our age guidelines below:
Early Childhood students: 2 years, 7 months – 6 years
1st grade students: 6 years by June 1st
(children with birth dates from 6/1 – 9/1 will also be considered for 1st grade readiness)
2nd grade students: 7 years by June 1st
3rd grade students: 8 years by June 1st
As continues through the grades using the 6/1 date
Children, 4 years old and over, are expected to attend River Valley for a classroom visit to become acquainted with, explore and experience education as offered by River Valley Waldorf School, a truly unique opportunity. Classroom visits give children a chance to experience our curriculum and daily rhythm, while allowing teachers to observe how they engage with peers and the learning environment at River Valley.
Early Childhood (under 4 years old): A visit is not required
Early Childhood (4 years old and over): A morning visit (8:30am-12:30pm)
Rising 1st Graders: One full day visit
Grades 2-8: Three full days visit
Parents are scheduled to attend a meeting with the Enrollment Coordinator, the Class Teacher, and/or a member of the Admissions Committee to reflect on the visit, share and discuss detailed child information, learn responsibilities within the school community, and ensure we are aligned in supporting your child’s growth and development.
Within one week, River Valley Waldorf School will share the updated admissions status for your child with your family.
To secure enrollment at River Valley Waldorf School, an enrollment contract must be signed and submitted through our online admissions portal. A commitment materials fee of $455 for early childhood students and $630 for grades students is required to submit an enrollment contract.
Academics
At River Valley Waldorf School, our developmentally aligned, arts-integrated curriculum supports the natural progression of childhood and adolescence. Each stage builds intentionally on the last, sparking wonder, building confidence, and shaping curious, capable lifelong learners.
Our Early Childhood program offers a rich, play-based environment where young children learn through imagination, hands-on activities, rhythm, and storytelling. Grounded in nature and focused on social-emotional development, it lays the foundation for confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
In the Lower School, children are engaged through a curriculum that speaks to the whole child. Rich stories form the backbone of each lesson, igniting imagination and emotional connection, while hands-on exploration, artistic expression, and purposeful work bring learning to life. Through movement, music, form drawing, nature studies, and practical activities, students build strong academic foundations while nurturing creativity, resilience, and a lasting sense of wonder.
In Middle School, students are met with a curriculum designed to match their emerging capacities for abstract thinking, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through engaging academic work, artistic exploration, and meaningful real-world connections, they are encouraged to think critically, express themselves authentically, and take increasing ownership of their learning. Our Middle School program supports students in developing confidence, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey.
testimonials
SCHOOL STATISTICS
Founded in 1995, River Valley has grown from a grassroots parent initiative to a thriving pre-K through 8th grade independent Waldorf school.
One of over 1,000 Waldorf schools in 70+ countries, offering a proven, developmentally aligned approach that educates the whole child—head, heart, and hands.
A low school-wide student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 allows for meaningful relationships and individualized attention.
River Valley students spend their full school day away from screens, immersed in art, music, outdoor education, and experiential academics.
Students spend time outdoors every day, regardless of the season—gardening, exploring the forest, and engaging in purposeful movement.
Most class teachers loop with their students for multiple years, building deep trust and continuity. Many have served the school for over a decade.
River Valley is fully accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), and our Early Childhood program is accredited by WECAN.
Nearly 95% of River Valley graduates who apply to private or selective public high schools are accepted to their first choice school. Our alumni are confident, capable, and ready for the next stage of their educational journey.
Our approach honors each student’s individuality while fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing them not just for school, but for life.
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.
