Richmond Waldorf School

I am a parent of 2 at Richmond Waldorf School for over 6 years. My children absolutely love RWS. They love going to school, and they love their teachers. They have a true desire to learn as RWS creates lifelong learners who learn because they naturally crave the experience, challenge, and growth learning provides. As a parent, I have always valued the true love and compassion the teachers have for my children. Safety has never been a concern for me. The children are loved and protected by the RWS community. I truly feel the teachers know my children and truly love my children. I also appreciate the focus on the child, creativity, arts, nature, socialization, and structure. It provides a holistic environment for children to be children...and grow and develop in a way that is true to their nature, spirit, and development. This is a unique and special school, and I am so fortunate my children were able to have this experience.

Our journey at RWS began with the parent/child Sprouts class, continued through Early Childhood, and now we're in the grades. The EC teachers created a space where my child felt welcome and loved. The daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms changed our life. There's meaning and intention in everything. The free play introduced social skills and problem-solving. Playing outside in all weather developed resiliency. Now in the grades, my child is an avid reader, making lifelong friends, and is excited about school every single day. The field trips are incredible experiences full of memories and skills to last a lifetime. Art and beauty are woven into every subject. Every child learns to ride a bike, participate in woodwork/handwork, play instruments, and learn 2 languages, and recess is twice a day. Interacting face to face and growing relationships without screens is important to our family. The community is diverse in many ways, which I love. I am grateful for this unique, old-world, future-forward education that's developing my child as resilient, creative, collaborative, and kind.

My child completed their first year at RWS last year and we have been very impressed. Her classroom teacher is highly experienced, employs early childhood best practices, and provides a nurturing environment for the students. I appreciate the balance of academic learning and social-emotional learning throughout the school program. In addition, I have been very impressed with the communication between our teacher and the school in general. We have also met wonderful families through the events at the school. We are now thinking about staying past early childhood into the K-8 programming. This school is a special place!

I love that a Waldorf education engages the child's whole self: mind, body, hands, and heart. My kids run and jump and play; their independence grows as they master the ability to do all kinds of things for themselves, with their own hands, at their own speed; the stories they hear starting in the early childhood program take root in their imaginations and grow with them. Childhood, imagination, and freedom -- at RWS, all of these things are valued and cherished. We're very glad we found this school.

High quality academics fueled by teachers who truly care about each child and celebrate each unique spirit in a way that allows confidence to flourish and creativity to flow.The parent community is awesome, the staff has to the best anywhere, but the most incredible part of this school is the kids. It is truly inspiring to witness what a child is capable of when allowed to develop in this kind of environment.