Hawthorne Valley School is a Pre-K through Grade 12 Waldorf school and is part of a 700+ acre biodynamic farm in Columbia County, NY, nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires.
We accept boarding students in High School who participate in our Home-Based program, living with a school family.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 289 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,370
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
depends on students individual needs
Year Founded
1973
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
289 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
6%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
29:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Students are encouraged to dress comfortably but not in a way that will be immodest or distracting.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$20,370
Tuition Notes
Tuition range from 10,830 for 5 mornings of kindergarten to 20,370 for high school. Boarding fees not included.
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Amy Flaum
Admissions Associate
James Thompson
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
After school arts club, After school drama program
Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
After school arts club, After school drama program
School Notes
- Hawthorne Valley School is committed to the ideals, insights, and methods of Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner. The art of education practiced at Hawthorne Valley School seeks to balance academic discipline, artistic creativity, and practical skills in our students. Educating perception, feeling, imagination, and cognition through the arts is a central principle and practice in Waldorf education. Hawthorne Valley School is devoted to the development of free, moral, and capable individuals who are able to impart purpose and direction to their lives. Hawthorne Valley School seeks to build a living connection to the environment' scientifically, artistically, and practically. The School participates fully in an educational community, within the Hawthorne Valley Association, that includes biodynamic farmers and gardeners, environmental educators, and working artists and artisans. We also actively contribute to the wider community of Columbia County and successfully demonstrate the vitality of an independent educational and cultural life.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hawthorne Valley School cost?
Hawthorne Valley School's tuition is approximately $20,370 for private students.
What schools are Hawthorne Valley School often compared to?
Hawthorne Valley School is often viewed alongside schools like Darrow School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Hawthorne Valley School?
The acceptance rate of Hawthorne Valley School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 79%.
What sports does Hawthorne Valley School offer?
Hawthorne Valley School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Hawthorne Valley School?
The application deadline for Hawthorne Valley School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 11/25/2016
Great place to for children to learn the art of life. 400 acres to roam on. Very friendly and accepting apsmophere. Great teachers. What more could you want?
3 10/29/2016
We love HVS. Such a deep commitment from all those who take part in the rich school community... teachers, parents, administration AND the children. Our two boys love school and so do we!
4 10/29/2016
Hawthorne Valley as provided our sons such a rich education thus far. The love to learn. The time spent in the classroom they dive in, but the time spent doing work outside the traditional classroom setting only deepens what they've learned... time on the farm, working math problems on a building site, doing black smithing. Amazing!
5 10/29/2016
HVS is an incredibly special place. The early learning program is nothing short of magical and spectacular. The nurturing environment is all encompassing. My child fell soundly asleep the first day of pre-k - peaceful and happy. The landscape is bucolic, the community dedicated and compassionate, and the teachers are beacons for the children. We couldn't be happier with HVS. Our children are cultivating strong bodies, pure hearts and minds.
Endorse Hawthorne Valley School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.