River Valley School is a non-sectarian, non-profit, independent Waldorf school serving children and families of all spiritual practices and religious beliefs, racial, ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds.
Nestled on top of the rolling hills of Upper Bucks County, overlooking the Delaware River, River Valley Waldorf School`s award winning school building is filled with sunlight and surrounded by 7 1/2 acres of fields and woodlands.
Beginning with our Early Childhood Program which includes Parent-Child, Pre-K and Kindergarten classes, and on through our Grade School, River Valley Waldorf School honors the rhythms of human development as a basis for learning throughout life.
Our mission is to prepare children to meet the future with compassion, a will to practical action and creative, independent thinking.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 125 students
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
River Valley Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
125 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
41%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
chorus, handwork, orchestra, soap stone sculpting, wood working
chorus, handwork, orchestra, soap stone sculpting, wood working
School Notes
- River Valley Waldorf School Vision Statement:
- River Valley Waldorf School prepares the children of our community to meet the future with compassion, a will to practical action, creative independent thinking and a life-long quest for learning. Inspired by the insights and worldview of Rudolf Steiner, the school honors the rhythms of human development as a basis for learning throughout life. As a community, we seek to build confidence, a sense of belonging and strength of purpose. River Valley Waldorf School, as part of the global Waldorf education movement, cultivates social responsibility and a respect for the earth.
- River Valley Waldorf School Mission Statement:
- River Valley Waldorf School nurtures the individual spirit of each child. Our holistic education is based on social renewal, a kinship with nature, high academic standards and a full complement of the arts. With Rudolf Steiner`s pedagogy at its foundation, this curriculum is brought to life by our experienced and compassionate Waldorf trained faculty through ongoing study into the children and their stages of development. Our children, faculty and staff are supported by the diversity of the parents and community. Together, we celebrate seasonal festivals as we cultivate the cultural, spiritual and social life of the school.
- As part of the global Waldorf education movement, River Valley School recognizes a need for increased social responsibility and renewal in today`s world. River Valley School celebrates an inclusive world community with faculty and families from 5 continents and 17 different countries. Founded in 1994, River Valley Waldorf School is our area`s only school offering a Waldorf education and is a proud member of the growing network of over 800 Waldorf schools worldwide. For more information please contact: River Valley Waldorf School, 1395 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 (610) 982-5606 email: info@rivervalleyschool.org
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of River Valley Waldorf School?
The acceptance rate of River Valley Waldorf School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. River Valley Waldorf School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What is River Valley Waldorf School's ranking?
River Valley Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for River Valley Waldorf School?
The application deadline for River Valley Waldorf School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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People that viewed River Valley Waldorf School also viewed these schools: Regina Academy @ St. John The Baptist School, Calvary Christian School, Greene Street Friends School, Frankford Friends School and Waldron Mercy Academy.
The nearest high school and elementary school to River Valley Waldorf School is Warren Glen Academy (5.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Secret Garden Montessori (3.3 miles away)
Show me:
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School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: NS-8 | 100 students 5.6 miles 4040 Durham Road
Ottsville, PA 18942
(610) 847-5523
Ottsville, PA 18942
(610) 847-5523
5.6
NS-8
100
Grades: K-8 | 141 students 29.8 miles 676 Lincoln Highway
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
(215) 736-2391
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
(215) 736-2391
29.8
K-8
141
Grades: PK-8 | 310 students 36.6 miles 5511 Greene St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
36.6
PK-8
310
Grades: NS-8 37.7 miles 1500 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 533-5368
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 533-5368
37.7
NS-8
n/a
Grades: NS-8 | 410 students 38.9 miles 513 Montgomery Avenue
Merion Station, PA 19066
(610) 664-9847
Merion Station, PA 19066
(610) 664-9847
38.9
NS-8
410
School Reviews
5 4/6/2019
River Valley has been the guiding light in our family's life since we began our journey here 7 years ago. We have watched our two daughters thrive under the guidance of the many incredibly dedicated teachers. They not only guide them in the traditional subjects, but the holistic approach of the curriculum extends far beyond that. I have personally seen how the teachers equally value the cultivation of empathy and integrity in each child. In a world where these qualities seem to no longer be nurtured in schools, and are not-so-subtly replaced by the cultivation of competitiveness and a me-first attitude, River Valley gives me hope for the next generation. I truly believe every teacher in this school cares about the daily experience of each and every student, can call them all by name, and is intrinsically involved in their educational journey. The campus is beautiful and welcoming, with great plans in store for expansion. The gardens, woods, and playgrounds are a child's dream-come-true. That and the generous amount of outdoor time that is built into every day has truly helped to inspire a deep and meaningful connection to nature in our children. The early childhood wing is a sacred space, an environment that has fostered imaginative play, real learning, and a culture of kindness for both our girls. Now our children are in the grade school and we have been privileged to work side-by-side in a partnership with each of their amazing teachers to continue the development and unfolding of each of our daughters' unique talents and personalities. The faculty and community are wonderful, inclusive, and our interactions with everyone have proved to always be a respite from the busy, hectic world outside the school. We have enormous gratitude for what this school has provided for our girls and for our family.
5 1/31/2013
My daughter has thrived in the Waldorf learning environment. We selected the River Valley Waldorf School because of the developmental approach to learning. When our daughter was in Kindergarten, she was free to move, socialize and use her imagination. In seventh grade her enthusiasm for learning is still strong.
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