Waldorf education was founded during a unique and critical time in history. In the aftermath of WWI, Rudolf Steiner created an education which honors the human spirit. The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt across the globe. During this unique and critical time in our history, we continue that work to adapt and provide a safe and quality curriculum that stays true to our identity as a Waldorf school.
RWS is currently offering on-campus instruction. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic affected all schools in the Spring of 2020, we began our Distance Learning program, taking Waldorf education beyond the classrom. We implemented and adapted our curriculum, holding these principals for our work with students, parents, and colleagues:
- Community – We value the strength of our community in its whole and in its constituent parts: the parents, the individual classes, the teachers, the students, the board, and the administration.
- Collaboration – Although farther apart in distance, we must work more collaboratively than ever. We appreciate the support of the parents as they move into a new role in their children’s education.
- Consistency – We are creating a new rhythm to meet the children in this new situation. We continue to develop teaching that is developmentally appropriate, artistically engaging, and academically challenging.
Improved Distance Learning Guidelines & Expectations
We have taken into account many suggestions and concerns about distance learning and reviewed our approach over the spring and summer. For the 2020-2021 school year, enrolled families may opt for “At Home Learning”, so that their child receives a Waldorf education while learning remotely. The RWS Pedagogical Task Team created guidelines and expectations for delivering distance learning, should we need to use that method again. Please see below links to review these documents.
A Glimpse into Waldorf: Beyond the Classroom
Join Us on Instagram
Share your posts using #beyondtheclassroom and #richmondwaldorfschool
A scene from Summergarden’s Friday water play day.☀️💦 🎉 We are so grateful to be more than $8,000 over our Annual Fund goal, with those legacy dollars ALL going directly to playground improvements! But we can’t stop there. Be a part of the momentum and give by this Sunday, June 30th to make an impact on play for our students now and for years to come. ❤️ www.richmondwaldorf.com/annual-fund #letthemplay #rva #waldorfearlychildhood #waldorfeducation #waldorfelementaryschool
Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates! We could not be more proud to have them as RWS alums. ❤️ We wish them all the best in high school, and know that this is not a goodbye but a see you again soon.
Our Final Assembly of 2024 included beautiful performances across the grades and particularly special moments from our 8th graders with the Gumboot Dance and our Middle School Choir’s touching “Fly Away Home.” After the Reverse Rose Ceremony concluded, we joined together as a community and sang this version of the Irish Blessing.
🎶 May troubles be less and blessings be more And nothing but happiness come to your door And may you have luck wherever you go Your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow May winds be at your back And sun be overhead May friends be at your side where ever you are led And may the sun shine all the day long And everything go right and nothing go wrong And may those you love bring love back to you And may all the wishes that you wish come true. May joy and peace surround you contentment latch your door May happiness be with you now and bless you evermore. 🎶 🌹 #waldorfeducation #rva #graduation #waldorfmiddleschool
Some photos from our 7th grade’s adventure last week! They went camping at @firstlandingstatepark, explored @vaaquarium, conquered a ropes course, and swam, hiked, and kayaked at the beach!It was a wonderful celebration of a year of welcoming so many new friends into our class and supporting classmates in new experiences. ❤️ #waldorfeducation #rva #waldorfmiddleschool #experientiallearning #fieldtrips
The 2nd grade and their Gnome Party! Such an awesome accomplishment. 🎉 #handwork #knitting #waldorfeducation #waldorfelementaryschool
The 5th grade explored “Ancients in the Neighborhood” with the Valentine Museum last week. As an extension of their study of Ancient Greece, the Valentine staff took them on a walking tour of the Court End neighborhood in Richmond, which features many beautiful examples of neoclassical design and architecture. After their walking tour, the class saw inside The Wickham House that showcases the neoclassical elements that were so popular in the 19th century. Thanks to @thevalentinerva for a great visit! #fieldtrip #ancientgreece #waldorfelementaryschool #waldorfeducation #rva
Our amazing Acorn students out on RWS’s Bike Track with Mr. Glenn this week! 🚲💪
RWS has a unique Biking Program that begins with six week blocks in our Early Childhood classes and progresses to weekly biking classes for our Grades students. Read more about our decade of Biking at RWS which was recently featured in AWSNA’s Renewal magazine https://richmondwaldorf.com/pedals-of-progress-how-richmond-waldorf-school-built-its-bike-program/ . #rva #biking #waldorfeducation #earlychildhood #waldorfelementaryschool
“The lifeline of Waldorf has been invaluable for our family. I feel that we get a good balance of Zoom time and self/parent-instruction time and am thrilled by how well our teachers have adapted…..I commend Mr. Trostli, Ms. Mac, Ms. Baranova, Mr. Thornton, and Ms. Walker for keeping the kids engaged, and for being a familiar, loving presence in our home.”
—RWS Parent
