Richmond Waldorf School

This school is awful. We are leaving because both our children were very unhappy. It was a chore to convince them that they had to go to school. They re-hired a teacher wo was emotionally abusive because she is friends with the boardmembers. this school has had 9 different heads of schools in the last 6 years. the've had 6 different board chairs in the last 4 years. we are not the only family leaving this school. Children are not allowed to read until 2nd grade. that should tell you everything

For those who look for a Waldorf education, this school is only accredited for early childhood (not for grades1-8).Richmond Waldorf School was funded in 1996 and still hasn't been accredited for the grades. That's why most parents leave the school before their kids start first grade. Those that remain, stay because they have (mental, social, linguistic, behavioral, physical) issues. If you're comfortable with Waldorf education, Richmond Waldorf School has waived most of the Rudolf Steiner fundamentals in order to keep geting more kids enrolled. Their staff is always changing, which notoriously shows their weak institutional establishment. They are also constantly changing their logo in order to avoid the previous negative (aka truthful) reviews. If you are looking for a healthy Waldorf environment, that avoids contact with media, this is not the appropriate school for you. They welcome video games and devices with no educational purpose. If you are looking for a healthy nutritional approach for your kids, you will be welcomed with junk food, caffeinated drinks, right at the very first open house, followed by: lunchtimes, fundraisers, and all school activities (suggested by parents, and greeted by the school). If you are a Waldorf parent looking for artistic activities, this not for you. Most of the parents in that community lack the talent, gift or inspiration that a truly Waldorf education should provide, you will experiment online shopping, instead of creating traditional Waldorf art (like costumes for a play and decorations for festivities). Most teachers lack the basic artistic teaching which inspires and motivates creativity in children during class time. The school does not provide outdoor activities or safe space for the natural development of the children required by all Waldorf schools all around the world, that's the main reason they have to make up so many field trips, which are not in the budget and you will find yourself fundraising for every single field trip, which is planned and chosen by the teachers whom have individual power over the curriculum, institution, parents, and children (some teachers have changed or misunderstood the terminology of guidance versus manipulation) think about this if you are a big family. If you are looking for a school with spirituality, values and principles, be aware of an old habit of gossiping. It's so strong and fortified by the passing of the years that generations already gone are still on the tip of the tongue of the community. Gossiping is almost a tradition from child to parent, from parent to teacher and back. If you are looking for your child's natural musical expression as Rudolf Steiner suggested, for a non-autodirected education, but instinctively developed by each individual child, Richmond Waldorf School has a very structured musical curriculum at the same level of regulated public schools ,approved by parents that don't agree with Waldorf education but have their children in a "named" Waldorf School to make them feel "special." To be a Waldorf school is to be more than just a name. Look for credentials, not for smiley faces looking at your check book, if they reach for your money first, its a business, if they strive for virtues, it's a community. Lastly, (as advice) if it occurs to you to leave the school, better do it quietly, or you and your child(dren) will be followed by a secret code of consecutive, bad recommendations. This school should be sued for their destructive habit of conspiring against parents leaving the school (if they haven't been already).

Really do your research. Read reviews on yelp an YP and here http://thewaldorfreview.blogspot.com/2012/05/richmond-waldorf-school-reviews-by.html. I pulled our kids to find they were testing 2 and 3 years behind grade level.

It is fine for Pre-k or for a student that you felt did not need academic training but needed socialization. They will accept children that have learning issues, but they do NOT support it. So if your child is not up to speed with the others, you can expect that your child will be given busy work during main lesson.

Also, despite them saying they are non-religious, prayer was part of their daily routine. So if you are not comfortable with that, research. We also found it to be a very sexist environment.

The teaching methods are based on ideas of a man who has been dead for more than 90 years. The 'main lessons' consist of the children copying down what the teacher writes on the board word for word. The children do not even write in lower case until 2nd grade. They are not even taught to read until 2nd grade based on Steiner's belief that reading readiness is based on when a child loses his first baby teeth. There are no graded worksheets and parents have absolutely no idea of how their child is progressing academically. Math is not taught every day in lower school. The school will tell you that math is encorporated through out the day but actual hands on, writing down, using counters is NOT taught every day. This seriously affects a child's advancement in math.

Teacher reviews consist of statements to the effect that "the child is not completely incarted in her body" and suggests physical activities to encourage 'complete incarnation', instead of useful evaluations on academic progress.

Anthro teachers will often not get involved in student conflict aka bullying as they believe it will interfere with the victim's karma. Anthro parents/teachers very often have kids who do the bullying.

There is so much wrong about this school that all the pretty watercolor paintings, beeswax art and knitted toys do not make up for the deficiencies in academics. Don't be impressed with the 2 languages taught either. The two languages are taught at the expense of other core subjects, like math and science.

Richmond Waldorf School was our choice for middle school for our daughter. She began there as a 5th grader and will be in 8th grade this year. The curriculum is crafted in a way that couples academics, experience and inspiration for learning. A unit on Botany had her drawing plants left and right, the Astronomy unit meant a careful watch on the night sky as well as a 5 minute memorized oral and written report. Small class sizes allow teachers to challenge students in an individual way. The community within the school is a strong one and I have often appreciated her having a middle school experience that included seeing and interacting with students who are much younger. It removes the isolation that is sometimes present in a typical middle school experience. The teachers create a community of learning that also leaves space for self-expression and discovery. I have watched my daughter grow in her sense of self and desire to learn at a time when many parents see the opposite happening. The richness of experiences and the support of the staff at Richmond Waldorf school make this an ideal place for an extremely positive middle school experience.

An excellent school for holistic education. An environment that encourages critical thinking, creative expression, emotional intelligence, learning by doing, analytical reasoning, ethical decision making and appreciation for the arts. My children can play recorder, violin, lift their voices in song, knit, create beautiful paintings, and accomplish academics. Both children have moved to competitive high schools because of their preparation at RWS. Waldorf kids have a great confidence in themselves and their ability to move in the world. Dedicated teachers and administrators with an active parent community.

I am a teacher at Richmond Waldorf School and it's a great place to work. The best part about the school is the children. They are responsive, enthusiastic, appreciative and fun-loving. As a community of parents and teachers, we certainly have our challenges, but that's what keeps us growing and keeps us real. If you want a truly meaningful education for your child, check out Richmond Waldorf School!

My oldest son is completing his 8th grade year at RWS having been a student there since he was 4 years old. He has grown into a deep thinker, a prolific reader, he has an inexhaustible interest in science, history and politics and just aced a practice Algebra I SOL. In addition, he has developed skills in the performing and visual arts. Not the most social kid by nature, his Waldorf experience has helped him develop real and lasting connections with classmates and teachers. I am very proud to say that he will be attending a Governor's school for high school next fall. I would say that Waldorf has prepared my son not just for high school, but for life.

This school is AWESOME! I cannot imagine a better place to start off an education. Both our daughters have attended Richmond Waldorf and we couldn't be happier with the whole experience. So much love and nurture, teachers who truly care about each child and celebrate each unique spirit in a way that allows confidence to flourish and creativity to flow. The parent community is awesome, the staff has to the best anywhere, but the most incredible part of this school is the kids. It is truly inspiring to witness what a child is capable of when allowed to develop in this kind of environment.

I have four children at this school and they love it. The whole child is taught to think and love learning through art, nature, music, movement classes, foreign languages and more. I love that it is nontraditional and focus on the developmental approach of education!!!

My kids are thriving at Richmond Waldorf School. I highly recommend Waldorf education for everyone. It is good for your children's creativity and self-esteem.

What a delightful, inquisitive, and rich education the Richmond Waldorf School provides!!! The kids here are able to develop who they truly are so as to navigate high school and college with a real sense of purpose. You really can't get a feel for the school without a visit, there are regular observation days etc.

My family and child had an awful experience with this school. The leadership of this school has frequently and repeatedly ignored significant problems and issues with their staff and students. They also ignored safety issues.