entire river valley waldorf student body sitting around a fire outside in a green field

Our Admissions Process

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.

Welcoming You to River Valley Waldorf School

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.

two female early childhood students sitting at a table with their teacher
  • group of lower grades and middle school students throwing javelins in an open field

    Inquiry

    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.

    Send Inquiry
  • 4 lower grades students sitting a table with their teacher

    School Visit

    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.

  • female student holding a pencil and writing on a work sheet

    Application

    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

  • group of early childhood students sitting at a table

    Classroom Visit

    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

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    Interview

    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.

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    Decision

    Within one week, River Valley Waldorf School will share the updated admissions status for your child with your family.

  • 8th grade boy receiving diploma from teacher on stage at graduation

    Enrollment

    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

Programs: Early Childhood, Lower School, & Middle School

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.

  • Early Childhood

    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.

    Explore Early Childhood
    two early childhood girl students laughing together
  • Lower School (Grades 1–5)

    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.

    Explore Lower School
    2nd or 3rd grade boy laughing while holding a card sitting next to two other students
  • Middle School (Grades 6–8)

    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.

    Explore Middle School
    8th grade class posing together outside on a fall day

testimonials

Heartfelt Stories from Our River Valley Families

“Finding and being able to move to have my son attend RVWS was an unexpected wonder in our lives, and 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 B.

Parent, 2030

“[At River Valley] I started flourishing both emotionally and physically... I have learned how to use the resources around me, to expand my critical thinking, stretch my imagination, [and] to be my best self.”

Vivian W.

Class of 2025

“I have been able to embrace more than I could imagine....[Before River Valley] I never really connected with teachers or felt excited about any subject, but when I came to River Valley that all changed and my passion for math and art was found.”

Gryphon K.

Class of 2025

“I know I will always remember the things I’ve learned from RVWS for the rest of my life. I’ll always remember to express myself for who I am and learn and listen to other people.”

Brigit L.

Class of 2025

“I have been here a long time and it has been a wild and fun journey....My time here has set a baseplate for who I am and I think it will continue to hold the rest of what’s to be built.”

Ridge L.

Class of 2025

“I can use the lessons I’ve learned to help people around the world. I know that I have a say in changing our world and the power to help people. I have learned at River Valley the value of group discussion, meetings, and patience.”

Harriet M.

Class of 2025

“I am grateful for so many things that [my class teacher] Ms. Watson has taught me but I am most changed by how she supported me, encouraged me, checked in with how I was feeling and made me feel comfortable to be completely myself.

"The environment in our classroom and in the entire school is so accepting and non judgemental....River Valley will always be a part of us, and have an impact on who we are today and who we are in the future.”

Genevieve P.

Class of 2025

SCHOOL STATISTICS

By the Numbers: A Meaningful Education, Measured Differently

  • 30 Years of Inspired Learning

    Founded in 1995, River Valley has grown from a grassroots parent initiative to a thriving pre-K through 8th grade independent Waldorf school.

  • Part of a Global Movement

    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.

  • Low Student-Teacher Ratio

    A low school-wide student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 allows for meaningful relationships and individualized attention.

  • Hands-On, Screen-Free Learning

    River Valley students spend their full school day away from screens, immersed in art, music, outdoor education, and experiential academics.

  • Nature-Connected Learning

    Students spend time outdoors every day, regardless of the season—gardening, exploring the forest, and engaging in purposeful movement.

  • Teachers Who Stay and Grow

    Most class teachers loop with their students for multiple years, building deep trust and continuity. Many have served the school for over a decade.

  • Accredited and Recognized

    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.

  • Successful Graduates

    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.

  • An Education as Unique as Your Child

    Our approach honors each student’s individuality while fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing them not just for school, but for life.

get started

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.

Inquire Now
group of sundrop early childhood students with teacher outside for a group photo