Tuition & Fees

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 financial aid program based on an impartial evaluation of each household. Financial aid is available from Preschool through 8th grade, although mostly focused on the Grades. While 35% of our families receive some level of financial aid, awards typically do not exceed 35% of tuition, with 50% of tuition being the maximum. 

We also offer the Founders Scholarship 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. 

 

 

2025-2026 Annual Tuition Rates:

3-day Early Childhood: $8,175

5-day Early Childhood: $11,495

Kindergarten: $15,100

1st – 3rd Grade: $17,800

4th – 5th Grade: $18,040

6th – 8th Grade: $18,755

3rd and 8th Grade Only: $475 Class Trip Fee

School Fees

Nonrefundable Reenrollment Fee: $200 per reenrolled child.

New Student Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee (Early Childhood): $275

New Student Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee (Grades 1-8): $500

This fee is due upon enrollment via Blackbaud and secures the child’s placement.

Parent Association Dues: $50 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 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. 

We understand that even with the greatest commitment, some families still find it challenging to finance an independent Waldorf education. Our Financial Aid program offers aid to students for whom full tuition cost is a barrier. Financial aid is need-based and partial in nature, and we encourage parents to apply for assistance after other sources of funding have been explored.

Financial Aid Deadline for 2025-2026 School Year: January 31, 2025

Mid-Year financial aid applications for 2025-2026 school year are considered on a rolling basis only when funds are available. Inquire to learn more.

We use Blackbaud Financial Aid Management System to determine financial aid awards.

For more information, visit our Financial Aid page. 

Blackbaud School ID#: 15510 – Richmond Waldorf School

Although our funds are limited, approximately 35% of our families receive some level of aid to offset tuition. While we can offer limited assistance to our Early Childhood families, predominantly our awards are focused in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Awards typically do not exceed 35% of tuition, with 50% being the maximum offered.

There is no one formula that applies to all families’ circumstances, and families of various income levels may be eligible for assistance. So if Waldorf education is right for your student(s) but you are not sure how to afford it, we encourage you to apply for Financial Aid

Blackbaud conducts fair and confidential financial need assessments for families that want to be considered for Financial Aid. Please note that financial documentation is required. Contact for more information or to answer any questions.

 

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

Blackbaud is our 2025/2026 Tuition Management System. 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

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. 

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Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

Richmond Waldorf School