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Raleigh Day School aspires to become Wake County`s first fully recognized Waldorf school and is actively pursuing membership in the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. We had earned Associate status with the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, a first step in the process of becoming a certified Waldorf School.
We offer Spanish, handwork (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, woodworking), and music (pentatonic and diatonic flute, singing, folk dancing, ukulele) as a part of our regular curriculum. Watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, and movement are incorporated into the daily and weekly curriculum.
We are currently a mixed age Kindergarten - Fourth Grade. We
will be adding a new grade each year.
Our mission is to educate the child in mind, body and spirit so
that they may contribute their unique gifts to humanity with
conviction and clarity of their life`s purpose, and to create
a supportive and nourishing learning community that cherishes
each individual.Each year the school will seek to
employ teachers with Waldorf teacher training
certificates or those who are engaged in Waldorf
teacher training and are being mentored/supervised in the
Waldorf pedagogy. We will add one grade each year until we
reach 8th grade, and continue to expand our Early Childhood
program.
The vision of a Waldorf school in the capital city of North
Carolina has been held for many years. At last, in the fall of
2020, through the pioneering spirits of a mother-daughter team and
three Waldorf teachers, The Unity School (now Raleigh Day School)
was born. The timing to start a school was unlikely as we were in
the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the circumstances afforded
us the opportunity to create an educational experience outdoors so
that children could benefit from face-to-face social interactions
while having their first school encounter. Outdoor structures were
built in a beautiful natural setting in the woods by a
creek.The traditional Waldorf curriculum was implemented by
certified and experienced Waldorf teachers both in the early
childhood program and in the first grade. The outdoor setting
proved to be a healthy environment: we had no cases of Covid
illness during that first year and only had a handful of virtual
days necesitated by extreme inclement weather. We began our journey
that year with 18 students, and in our second year when we moved
indoors, we nearly doubled in size. We are now entering our fourth
year with grades one through four and a stable early childhood
program. We are located in the center of Raleigh on the
beautiful grounds of the former St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
In 2022 The Unity School (now Raleigh Day School) was
recognized as an Associate Member of WECAN.This is the first
step toward our goal of becoming an accredited Waldorf school and
full member of AWSNA. Our faculty and administrative leaders are
committed to this process which includes self-study, peer review,
observation, interviews and reports.
Raleigh Day School's tuition is approximately $10,200 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Raleigh Day School?
The acceptance rate of Raleigh Day School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Raleigh Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.
Grades: PK-K15.4 miles 150 Towne Village Dr Cary, NC 27513 (919) 467-1112
15.4
PK-K
n/a
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(10 reviews)
510/27/2023
This is our first year at the Raleigh Day School, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this program. My daughter is in the Early Childhood (mixed age kindergarten) class, and as a child of the pandemic I was worried that she would have a hard time integrating into school as she has only stayed with family until this point. My worries were unfounded. In just seven weeks, I have seen her form secure attachments to both her teacher and the assistant teacher. They meet challenges with connection, and are absolutely committed to a holistic education and fostering a respectful and peaceful environment. She wakes up excited to go to school each day and see her friends, and shares many details of all the wonderful things she is learning. Please do not be deterred by the location. The space is wonderful and safe, the student-to-teacher ratio is low, and everything is set up in a way that is intentional and incredibly welcoming.
- Posted by Parent - Rachel G.
51/23/2023
We feel so thankful to have found The Unity School. It truly is a little haven of caring and safety for our daughter, who had previously struggled in a school setting. We love how the teachers tie their passion for education together with their knowledge of child development, to ensure each child is given what he/she needs in each moment. We could not ask for a more loving or dedicated group of teachers!
- Posted by Parent - Alexis P
510/27/2022
I am proud and honored to work with like-minded professionals, who value developmentally appropriate education and the intention of the practice. Upon making all decisions, we aim to thoroughly discuss, digest, and decide to leave no stone unturned. It is a pleasure to work among all of these individuals who pour their hearts into this school and pedagogy. From admin, board, college of teachers, and staff, we all work hard for transparency and clear communication through an abundance of love and respect. with gratitude, Jamie Pike Kelly.
- Posted by Teacher - Jamie Pike Kelly
510/27/2022
Our experience at The Unity School has been incredible. We have 2 kids, kindergarten and 3rd grade, have been there for 3 years, and are very happy with the quality of Waldorf education the school provides. My kids wake up every day excited to go to school, and come home happy, exhausted, singing, and eager to share the experiences of the day. The teachers are amazing, supportive, and communicative with parents. The way the teachers hold and guide the kids through play and learning is I think what helps create this really grounded confidence I see in them - something invaluable for their academic future. The other wonderful aspect of TUS is the parent community as a whole - everyone is connected and involved, it's really just been a great experience all around. We could not be happier than we are with The Unity School, and very highly recommend it!
- Posted by Parent - Lydia
510/21/2022
We were looking for a Waldorf school for our children and are so thankful we found The Unity School. TUS has a beautiful mission; wonderful faculty, staff, students, and families; and are a special community!
- Posted by Parent - Marissa
510/11/2022
Our family is in our second year with two children at The Unity School and we are very pleased with our choice. The teachers are passionate, available, caring, and wise. The school encourages students to explore the natural rhythms of childhood, to value patience and pause, and to develop personal growth. The small class sizes and the supportive community offer a welcoming warmth each day. Learning in a tech-free environment that rejects the modern-day distractions of a hurried, digital pace is such a gift in this time we live in. All of these factors allow our children to be focused, happy, and eager to learn and actively play. The Unity School has fit our needs.
- Posted by Parent - Mary and Eldon Peters
510/11/2022
I have never worked with a community of parents and teachers who are so committed to the loving care and development of every child. This school is a joy to work in and a gift to the community. I am honored to be a part of it.
- Posted by Teacher - Heather Power
59/30/2022
It is a joy to work with faculty and staff who are fully committed to Waldorf education! Our teachers have invested in Waldorf teacher training and embody the principles of the pedagogy in their ways of being with our students and colleagues. I am privileged to work in such a professional environment imbued with compassion.
- Posted by Administrator - Lucy Chartier
59/23/2022
TUS provides a warm environment for children to fall in love with learning and discover who they are. TUS manifests the quote: "Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom."An authentic, inclusive, community-driven Waldorf community in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham area.
- Posted by Parent - Ewen
59/23/2022
We have just begun our second year at The Unity School. Our family could not be happier with the instruction our child is receiving. What I witness everyday, is our teachers being fully present with the children while presenting an incredibly well thought-out and beautiful educational experience. The sense of community and caring is truly special.
- Posted by Parent - Bridget Leibold
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The average private school tuition in Raleigh, NC is $11,118 for elementary schools and $14,256 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
