Athletic ProgramsRWS soccer game

Athletic Programs

Movement & Games

Movement is an intrinsic part of the Waldorf curriculum, both in main lesson classroom learning and in dedicated specialty classes. At RWS, everyone in the grades program participates in weekly biking classes, and our EC students bike in seasonal blocks. 
 
Movement Arts is offered to students in all eight grades, with students in 3rd grade and up participating in twice weekly classes. In keeping with Waldorf pedagogy, our early grades focus on cooperative games that support the classroom community alongside opportunities to practice coordination, large motor skills, physical stamina, and social skills. 
 
As students mature through the grades, team games and athletic skills are gradually introduced and practiced with more frequency. 5th graders practice skills in discus, javelin, running long jump, and wrestling, culminating in a multi-school Pentathlon event with regional Waldorf schools. 6th graders practice skills in balance, throwing, archery, and cooperative problem solving, meeting up again with regional Waldorf schools for a 6th grade Games event. In the 7th grade, the focus is circus arts, where we dive further into skills of balance, juggling, personal practice, and choreography. Across all grades, classes include components of developmental movement patterns, somatic awareness, functional movement, and creative performance. 

After School Sports

Students in grades 5 through 8 are eligible to participate in after-school sports. Soccer is offered in the fall and spring and basketball in the winter to any enrolled student.

Soccer

RWS has a middle school soccer team for students in grades 5-8.  There are no try outs but players are expected to attend the majority of practices and games, give coaches, players, referees, and other teams respect, and bring enthusiasm and interest to the sport. There is a seasonal fee of $100 which includes their jersey. All players need to have their own cleats, shin guards, socks, and ball for practices. 5th graders may be invited to play in some games at the coach’s discretion. 

Practice Schedule

Practices take place Mondays and Wednesdays after school, from 3 to 5 pm on the RWS field. Games are played Fridays off-site and in the afternoon and early evening. The fall season runs from September through November. The spring season runs from mid-March through mid-May.

Basketball

RWS has a middle school basketball team for students in grades 5 through 8.  There are no try outs but players are expected to attend the majority of practices and games, give coaches, players, referees, and other teams respect, and bring enthusiasm and interest to the sport. There is a seasonal fee which includes a uniform. All players need to have their own shoes, knee pads, and basketball.

Practice and Game Schedule

*2025-2026 Season Details TBD!

The team practices Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15 to 5 pm in the gym at RWS. Games are usually on Fridays. The season runs from late November to late February.

Go Gnomes!

Richmond Waldorf School