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
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Ms Amey’s 3rd graders are on their Farm Trip this week to Hawthorne Valley, a biodynamic farm near Hudson, NY. Their year-long study of agriculture, farming, and animal husbandry culminates with this very special 5-day adventure. The Farm Trip is an important component of the Waldorf curriculum, and is often the first trip away from family. Nine year olds are in a time where they are becoming more independent and capable, and are learning by doing— mucking stalls, milling flour and making cheese. We are so proud of our students! ❤️🧑🌾👩🌾🐷🐣🐮🧀 🥖 #waldorfeducation #waldorfelementaryschool #farmtrip #interdisciplinarylearning #experientiallearning #farming
RWS’ Parent Toddler program, Sprouts, is set to resume next Friday! We are looking for a few more families to join us. Sessions are Fridays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
This is a great program to join if you are interested in Waldorf education and looking to connect with other young families around parenting topics, all while getting a front row seat to the children’s play! Registration still open at https://richmondwaldorf.com/parent-toddler-program/. Questions? Give Valerie Hogan a call at 804-377-8024. #parentchildclass #waldorfeducation #earlychildhoodeducation #rva
Visit www.richmondwaldorf.com/employment and apply today!
Richmond Waldorf School was founded in 1996 with a passion for providing children a holistic education that falls in alignment with their natural human development through hands-on, nature-rich, and play-based experiences. We are dedicated to providing a learning environment that cultivates creative thinking, genuine inquiry, and a love of learning.
RWS has grown from a single Kindergarten classroom to a campus that serves over 190 students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Our specialty program includes Movement Arts, Russian, Spanish, Biking, Handwork, Woodwork, Music & Strings, Visual Arts, and Latin.
Richmond Waldorf School is a Candidate School of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America), SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools) and is a member of WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America). We have a College of Teachers, Board of Trustees, and Parents Association that help ensure support for the health of the school.
Our school is located on a beautiful, urban campus in the Northside of Richmond, Virginia in close proximity to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and only a few hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington, DC, and the coastal beaches of Virginia and North Carolina. Richmond is a rapidly growing city with amazing restaurants, a thriving art and music scene, and a plethora of outdoor parks and walking trails. The James River winds its way through the heart of the city, offering four seasons of adventure and beauty. 🌈
Join us on Saturday, May 4 for our annual May Faire Festival! For more information, visit www.richmondwaldorf.com/mayfaire .
Some beautiful creatures adorning our chalk boards! A bright-eyed calf for our 3rd graders who will embark on their farm trip next week, cherry blossoms blooming beside Saint Francis and the blessing of the animals in 2nd grade, and a vibrant African Elephant from the 7th grade Geography block. 😍#chalkart #waldorfeducation #waldorfelementaryschool #waldorfmiddleschool #geography #farmtrip #stfrancis #steameducationforkids
Ms Hayward’s 7th graders took the train up to DC to visit The National Gallery of Art in support of their recent Renaissance History block. They saw magnificent paintings, including Raphael’s “Madonna & Child” and Leonardo’s “Ginevra deBenci.” Included here are also their Albrecht Durer study, a German Renaissance Artist. #renaissanceart #arthistory #waldorfeducation #waldorfmiddleschool #steam #nationalgalleryofart
“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
