Vision Statement:

River Valley Waldorf School is an independent Waldorf school serving children and families of all spiritual practices and religious beliefs, ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. Inspired by the insights and worldview of Rudolf Steiner, the school is centered on the primary education of children and honors the rhythms of human development as a basis for learning throughout life. River Valley Waldorf School prepares children to meet the future with compassion, a will to practical action, and creative independent thinking.

River Valley Waldorf School, as part of the global Waldorf education movement, recognizes a need for increased social responsibility and renewal in today’s world. River Valley Waldorf School celebrates an inclusive world community and engages parents in developing the wholeness of each child. As a community, we cultivate confidence, a sense of belonging, and bear an intention to heal the earth.

Mission Statement:

River Valley Waldorf School is committed to hiring and maintaining experienced Waldorf-trained faculty devoted to the well-being and long-term development of the students. As part of its intention to sustain a global perspective, River Valley Waldorf School will seek faculty, students and families from around the world. High academic standards will be complemented with a full engagement of artistic work. River Valley Waldorf School will provide ongoing support for the faculty and staff through a professional development program including mentorship, peer review, curriculum and leadership training, and workshops. The faculty and administrative staff will draw their inspiration from the insights of Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf education. Faculty and staff are carried as valued and integral members of River Valley Waldorf School community.

River Valley Waldorf School’s curriculum is based upon ongoing study and insights into the children and their stages of development. In addition to the traditional academic subjects, students engage in a wide-range of other studies including, foreign languages, handwork, physical education, eurythmy and the full spectrum of arts with an aim toward social responsibility and healing the earth. Over time, River Valley Waldorf School will grow its early childhood programs, complete the eight year grade school curriculum, develop a full high school, and provide a teacher training program.

We will provide opportunities for parents and the community at large to learn about and participate in the cultural, spiritual, and social life of the school. River Valley Waldorf School will celebrate seasonal festivals within the curriculum and with the wider community as an expression of reverence for and connection to nature and the life rhythms of the earth.

River Valley Waldorf School recognizes the importance of financial sustainability. The trustees plan for a diversity of revenue sources to provide for well-compensated teachers and staff, exceptional facilities, well-funded programs, and adequate financial reserves. The River Valley Waldorf School’s commitment to keeping the tuition affordable will be matched by active fund development, enrollment, and public outreach programs.

Stewardship of the current building and grounds, and planning for future facilities will reflect and support the school’s values of enduring natural beauty, harmonious spaces, healthy materials, and sustainability.

River Valley Waldorf School will practice innovative good governance that supports strong servant leadership, individual and group initiative, and community inclusion. The role of administration is to build trust and develop relationships throughout the school and community that augment those established among parents, teachers, and children. Clear, responsible, and empowering communication is central to the health and development of The River Valley Waldorf School.

Active participation with other regional and international Waldorf schools enriches the cultural life of the school. In addition, collaboration with other organizations will provide expanded resources and further the visibility of River Valley Waldorf School as an important member of the Delaware River Valley community and raise awareness of Waldorf education’s global impact.