Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
As an independent school, each family’s financial contribution to Richmond Waldorf School is important and adds to the welfare of our community. The primary responsibility for financing a child’s education rests with the family, and we seek families who are committed to making this important investment in their child’s future. We also believe that a Waldorf education should be available to any child, regardless of financial circumstance, and we balance this belief with the practical realities of our school’s financial requirements and needs.
Uncertain about affording a Waldorf education? Reach out to us! We are here to support families and students who are eager to join our community and benefit from this unique educational experience. We offer a robust financial aid program based on an impartial evaluation of each household’s contribution towards tuition. Financial aid is available from Preschool through 8th grade.
We also offer a Founders Scholarship program which offers a tuition-free placement for two students per 6th grade class. Recipients will retain their tuition-free places through graduation from 8th grade. This scholarship is for qualified middle school students only. Reach out or read on to learn more.
2024-2025 Annual Tuition Rates:
3-day Early Childhood: $7,750
5-day Early Childhood: $10,895
1st – 3rd Grade: $17,000
4th – 5th Grade: $17,345
6th – 8th Grade: $18,035
3rd and 8th Grade Only: $275 Class Trip Fee
School Fees
Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee:$200 per enrolled child.
This fee is due upon enrollment via TADS and secures the child’s placement.
Parent Association Dues: $35 per family
Finance Fee for Tuition: RWS charges the following additional fees to families using a payment plan. This fee is a percent of total net tuition due.
- 2% finance fee for 2 installments
- 3% finance fee for 4 installments
- 4% fee for monthly installments
Aftercare registration fees are separate. Learn more about Aftercare here.
Financial Aid Information
Richmond Waldorf School is committed to supporting interested families in affording a private Waldorf education. We have a comprehensive financial aid program and welcome students of all races, ethnicities, cultural and religious heritages, socio-economic backgrounds, geographic origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures.
Financial Aid Deadline for 2025-2026 School Year: January 31, 2025
Mid-Year financial aid applications for 25-26 school year are considered on a rolling basis only when space is available. Inquire to learn more.
We use Blackbaud Financial Aid Management System to determine financial aid awards.
We understand that even with the greatest commitment, some families still find it challenging to finance an independent Waldorf education. RWS offers tuition adjustment to families who demonstrate financial need, and about 35% of our families receive some sort of assistance. We cannot eliminate the expense entirely, and there is no one formula that applies to all families. If Waldorf Education is right for your family but you are not sure how to afford it, we encourage you to apply for Financial Aid.
SSS conducts fair and confidential financial need assessments for families that want to be considered for Tuition Adjustment. Please note that financial documentation is required. Contact us for more information or to better understand what you might qualify for.
Payment Plans
Richmond Waldorf School partners with Blackbaud for billing services. The Enrollment Fee is due upon enrollment with a signed contract. Other fees will be added to the tuition agreement.
Tuition can be paid in full, in semi-annually, quarterly, or over 12 months. Payment plans will begin in June 2025 (or upon enrollment for mid-year transfers). All tuition and fees for the year must be paid by May 2026.
Multi Child Discounts
This discount is automatically reflected on applicable enrollment contracts for the youngest child’s tuition. This discount does not apply to fees.
| Child | Discount |
| First Child | No Discount |
| Second Child | 15% Discount |
| Third Child | 20% Discount |
| Fourth and all Subsequent Children | 25% Discount |
Additional TADS Fees
As of July 1, 2022, TADS now charges the following additional fees for payments:
- ACH – 0.3% fee. Minimum of $3, maximum of $7 per transaction.
- Credit card fee 3%
- $20 installment fee for 1 or 2 payments
- $60 installment fee for 4 or monthly payments
Family Resources
Blackbaud Resources:
Virginia529
Families with 529 college savings plans are now able to use those investments to pay up to $10,000 per year in tuition expenses for their children’s K-12 education. Families are encouraged to visit Virginia529.com and to consult with a financial advisor to evaluate the potential benefits available under this new law. To arrange tuition payment through a 529 plan, please contact our Business Office.
The Founders Scholarship was initiated by the RWS Board of Trustees in 2010 to provide this unique education to students in the Richmond community who might not otherwise be able to attend private school. We encourage families with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
