experiential learning

When families begin the school search, the focus is naturally on the child: Will my child be happy here? Will they learn and grow? Will they feel known?

But over time, something else becomes clear—the school you choose shapes not just your child’s experience, but your family’s life as well.

It influences your rhythms, your values, your weekends, your conversations at the dinner table. It shapes who you spend time with, how you think about parenting, and the kind of community you are part of, often for many years.

At Richmond Waldorf School, we think about education in this broader, more human way. Waldorf education is intentionally designed to support not only the child, but the whole family and ultimately, broader society. With teacher looping, our teachers work with students and their families over multiple years, building relationships and a deep understanding of each child. This continuity allows for meaningful partnership—one where parents feel supported, seen, and connected.

One of the ways this comes to life is through the rhythm of the year.

As the seasons change, so too does the life of the school. In the fall, we gather for festivals that celebrate light and harvest. In the winter, we slow down and bring warmth and reflection into our classrooms and community. Spring invites movement, growth, and joyful celebration culminating in traditions like our May Faire, where families come together to welcome the season with music, flowers, and time outdoors.

These are not just events, they are shared experiences that mark time, create memory, and connect families to one another in meaningful ways.

Furthermore, nature is not something we visit occasionally, it is something we move with. You see it in our outdoor play, our field trips, and the way curriculum unfolds in age-appropriate ways. Third graders spend time at farms, deepening their understanding of the land and where food comes from. Fifth graders study botany and visit a working bee sanctuary. Middle school students push themselves on longer trips that build resilience, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, such as biking the Capital Trail or taking on the mighty James River!

When we think about academic success, we often picture desks, books, and time spent inside the classroom. But what if some of the most meaningful academic learning happens outside—hands in the soil, observing the seasons, tending something over time?

More research is pointing to the powerful impact of gardening and nature-based learning on students—not just for their well-being, but for their academic growth as well. Studies show that school gardening programs can deepen understanding in subjects like math and science, while also improving engagement, behavior, and overall attitude toward school.

At Richmond Waldorf School, this is something we have long known to be true.

Gardening is an integral part of our Waldorf education and experiential curriculum– especially in the 3rd and 5th grades– and a key component of our hands-on learning approach.

When a child plants a seed, they are not only learning about botany—they are experiencing it. Students are able to observe patterns, measure growth, notice changes in weather, and begin to understand cause and effect in tangible ways. Math and science come alive through real-world application. Even ethics begin to take root, as children experience responsibility, patience, and the interconnectedness of living things.

Just as importantly, gardening invites children into a relationship with the natural world. As a school that values nature-based learning, we believe that connection to the environment is essential to a child’s development. Students begin to notice the subtle shifts of the seasons, to care for something beyond themselves, and to take pride in the work of their hands.