Strategic Path Update – November 2025
Dear Richmond Waldorf School Community,
It was about a year ago that the 2030 Strategic Path, our school’s long-range plan, was finalized. Over the last 11 months we have taken many steps together along the path in direct support of the 3 themes as we grow and reach towards our school’s vision:
- Theme 1: Seamless Learning
- Theme 2: Vibrant Community Connections
- Theme 3: Sustainable Growth & Well-being
Below are some of the results, or milestones, that express the positive impact made that moves us along the many pathways of the 2030 Strategic Path:
Theme 1: Seamless Learning
Cultivate an inclusive learning environment that fosters the unique capacities of each child and ignites a lifelong love of learning.
PATHWAY
Increase flex elective course opportunities within the middle school program
MILESTONE
Eurythmy Teacher: This position has been posted for the 2026-2027 school year to bring back a eurythmy program to our school. Additionally, a grant application has been submitted to support the costs associated with training related to this position.
PATHWAY
Expand technology literacy and digital citizenship to prepare students for high school
MILESTONE
Computers: Additional computers have been purchased to meet varying needs of the school, including some of the technology needs of the middle school students.
PATHWAY
Expand current roles to provide adequate support needed to develop, execute, and maintain new extra-curricular opportunities
MILESTONE
Enrichment Coordinator: A job description has been drafted to post for an Enrichment Coordinator position to start in the summer of 2026. This position would oversee current and future extracurricular programming to include aftercare, athletics, camps, parent-child, and other programs.
PATHWAY
Review the early childhood and grades programs with a strong focus towards mission, the current student body, equity, and inclusion
MILESTONE
Curriculum Review: The October professional development day was primarily dedicated to priming ongoing work of curriculum review, with a focus on early childhood and special subject programs.
PATHWAY
Develop a continuum of support and services for the social, emotional, and academic needs of the students
MILESTONE
Educational Support: The Educational Support section was expanded to include 3 positions this school year: Literacy Specialist, Math Support Specialist, and Developmental Support Specialist.
Theme 2: Vibrant Community Connections
Build a thriving and inclusive community where collaboration strengthens connections and all members are valued.
PATHWAY
Partner with the Parents Association and College to refine our volunteer expectations for families that is authentic and meaningful
MILESTONE
Parent Association (PA) and College: Volunteer expectation feedback was collected from the PA officers, PA class representatives, and College members.
PATHWAY
Formalize partnerships with businesses and organizations, with an emphasis on the Northside area of Richmond, that share common values with the school
MILESTONE
Donations: In partnership with local non-profit organizations, food and clothing collections have been completed and donated.
Partnerships: The development committee has initiated research in order to launch a partnership level opportunity for businesses and organizations.
PATHWAY
Dedicate at least one community work day to partner with outside organizations each year
MILESTONE
Community Service: Connections have been made with several local organizations with one committed to partnering with us for a service opportunity during our next professional development day.
Theme 3: Sustainable Growth & Well-being
With harmony and with practical application, ensure the school’s long-term viability and the well-being of all members of the school community.
PATHWAY
Formalize the professional development (PD) requirements of employees, and allow budget and time for employees to seek out PDs that are specific to their own growth
MILESTONE
Professional Development: There has been a significant increase in employees seeking out and requesting funding for professional development opportunities that are specific to their own growth. Some examples include early childhood assistant training for Waldorf schools, human resource courses, advancement and fundraising courses, Waldorf extra lesson certification, and supporting neurodiverse learners seminars.
PATHWAY
Address critical facility gaps with solutions that will not conflict with a future master site plan
MILESTONE
Campus Improvements: From HVAC to playscape, most of the intended uses of the Employee Retention Credit funds support the enhancement of the school campus.
PATHWAY
Identify opportunities to offer practicum/student teaching opportunities for college students
MILESTONE
Universities: Initial connections have been made with the VCU School of Education. We continue to offer practicum time for VCU Fellows residing at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
PATHWAY
Formalize a program for on-boarding new faculty and staff members
MILESTONE
Human Resources Coordinator: This position’s responsibilities have continued to be refined and bolstered with support to improve upon the onboarding process for new employees.
PATHWAY
Improve communication among realms through shared agreements, reciprocal sharing, and a clear understanding of each other’s roles, responsibilities, and ways of working
MILESTONE
Co-Governance: The commitment of the board and college to co-create a governance manual demonstrates a desire to deepen collaborative and generative governance.
The goal statements under each theme in the tables above provide a shared view of the future and inspiration as we walk along the different pathways. Some work will naturally take longer on this 5-year journey than others. In the next 2030 Strategic Path update that will come out in the spring I will elaborate upon some of the anticipated timelines for certain pathways and opportunities to get involved.
It is with joy and gratitude that I walk this path with you.
Together We Serve,

Andrew Ross,
Executive Director


