| Home | A Waldorf Education | Admissions | Calendar | News | Special Events | FAQ | Contact Us |
 |
"When we know how to think, to think broadly, and can explain what we imagine, we make discoveries in all fields... in medicine, in science, in architecture. Without the imagination, we are dependent. With it, we are independent, free thinkers."
—Augusta Perez-Morales |
|
|
|
|
| A Waldorf Education | ||
|
|
Walk into Richmond Waldorf School and it won't take long to realize that you're in a truly unique educational environment. Maybe it's the scent of fresh bread baking in the kindergarten. Perhaps it's the sound of the fourth graders practicing violin or the first graders stomping out a changing series of rhythms as they begin learning their multiplication tables through games and movement. Or it could be the sight that becomes familiar to every Waldorf parent-the sight of children joyful and eager at the start of the school day, crowding happily at the door of the classroom as they wait to be greeted individually by their teachers.
A Waldorf education engages children's imaginations and curiosity through active, hands-on learning, and seeks to cultivate creative thinking, inquiry, and a love of learning by integrating a full curriculum in math, language arts, the sciences, and foreign languages with the visual arts, drama, music, and movement. Just as importantly, lessons connect meaningfully across the curriculum and build cumulatively through the grades, so that children develop a deep awareness of the forms and shape and patterns that weave together art and mathematics, language and history, music and games. A reverence and appreciation for the gifts of the world around us is also central to a Waldorf education; special events, activities, and celebrations throughout the school year help ground the school community in the rhythms and cycles of the seasons and the natural world and to traditions with deep roots in human culture. For more information about Waldorf education, see our FAQ page or join us for an upcoming Waldorf Education Evening. Sprouts Parent-Toddler Program For young children ages 2 ½-3 ½ , accompanied by a parent, the Sprouts program is a six-week class meeting once each week, offering activities and parent support based on Waldorf educational philosophy. Join us for creative play, songs, storytelling and more. Click here for an application. *SESSION 2 OF SPROUTS IS FULL! THERE ARE STILL SPACES AVAILABLE IN SESSION 3!*
Seedlings is a gentle transition from home to school. Emphasis is placed on practical A respect and love for nature is fostered. The teachers, the soft environment and the rhythm of age-appropriate activities provide a sense of security and fun for your child.
Open to children aged 2 years – 3 ½ years old. $450 for 17 weeks. Click here for an application. **THIS CLASS IS FILLING VERY QUICKLY AS SPACE IS LIMITED TO 10 CHILDREN! PLEASE CALL THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY. The Waldorf Kindergarten offers plenty of opportunity for meaningful imitation and creative play; songs, poems, painting, movement, bread baking, soup making, and much more. The mood of the class reflects the natural world, seasonal changes and festival themes. These are woven together through circle, story, activities and nature table themes. This program is for children aged from 3 ½ to 6. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children learn primarily through imitation and imagination. The goal of the kindergarten is to develop a sense of wonder in the young child and reverence for all living things. This creates an eagerness for the academics that follow in the grades. Kindergarten activities include:
RWS will add Grade 8 in the 2008-2009 school year The Richmond Waldorf School seeks to create the highest quality education for children with a creative, supportive learning environment based on the philosophical and pedagogical indications of Dr. Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education help the unfolding of each child's physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities. The faculty and staff, with the support of parents, strive to help students develop their inherent talents. Elementary and middle-school children learn through the guidance of a class teacher who stays with the class ideally for eight years. The curriculum includes:
To view a full curriculum chart, click here. For more general information on Waldorf Education, visit our FAQ page or the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America's new website: Why Waldorf Works. Beforecare is available beginning at 7:30am until school starts. All Beforecare is on a drop-in basis. Aftercare is available from noon to 5:30 PM. Aftercare may be contracted for the whole year, by the month, or on a drop-in basis (daily drop-in subject to space limitations). The complete Aftercare program includes lunch and rest times for participating Kindergarten students, and indoor and outdoor playtime for all participating students. Both programs are available Monday through Friday, on days when school is in session. Fees are separate from tuition; for 2007-2008 they are charged at a rate of $2.50 per advance contracted half-hour or $3 per non-advance/drop-in half-hour, billed monthly. |
*Seedlings* New!
|