Two-Day Homeschool Program (Grades 1-5)
Mondays and Tuesdays: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Waldorf-Inspired • Nature-Based • Screen-Free Homeschool Enrichment
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The Two-Day Homeschool Enrichment Program is designed for homeschooling families seeking a rhythmic, community-centered learning environment that meaningfully complements home education. Children spend two full days each week engaged in hands-on, developmentally aligned learning that supports intellectual growth, emotional resilience, social connection, and a lasting love of learning.
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All Spring River K–8 programs are intentionally screen-free, allowing children to engage fully with their bodies, senses, peers, teachers, and the natural world. Class sizes are intentionally small and will not exceed 12 students per class.
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Program Overview
Grounded in Waldorf-inspired pedagogy and shaped by parent feedback, the Two-Day Program emphasizes learning through direct experience, movement, imagination, meaningful work, and time in nature.
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Why Two Days?
For many homeschooling families, two days offer the ideal balance between structure and flexibility, community and independence, and guided learning and home-based education.
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The Two-Day Homeschool Enrichment Program provides:
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A steady weekly rhythm that anchors the homeschool week without over-scheduling.
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Meaningful peer relationships and social learning within a small, consistent class community.
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Access to experienced teachers and rich group learning experiences that are difficult to replicate at home.
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Time for children to engage deeply in hands-on learning, artistic expression, movement, and nature-based experiences.
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The flexibility for families to maintain ownership of their home education while benefiting from the support of an engaged learning community.​
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Two days allow children to enjoy the richness of community life while preserving the flexibility, family time, and individualized learning that draw many families to homeschooling.
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Thoughtfully Prepared Teachers
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At Spring River, we believe exceptional teaching begins with thoughtful preparation. During the summer, our faculty is dedicates time to collaborative planning, grade-specific Waldorf study, and curriculum development for the school year ahead.
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Whenever possible, we intentionally loop teachers with their classes, allowing relationships to deepen over multiple years and giving teachers a richer understanding of each child's strengths, learning style, and developmental journey.
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As part of their preparation for the school year, teachers are engaged in grade-specific Waldorf study focused on the developmental needs and curriculum of the grade they will be teaching. Faculty members work with experienced Waldorf mentors to strengthen lesson planning, deepen pedagogical understanding, and prepare for a meaningful year of learning.
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This investment in professional growth reflects our commitment to providing children with a thoughtful, relationship-centered, and developmentally appropriate education.
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Community & Festival Life at Spring River
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Students in the Two-Day Homeschool Enrichment Program enjoy a rich festival life of their own while also participating in the broader traditions of the Spring River community.
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Within the Two-Day Program, students celebrate the rhythms of the seasons through class plays, Michaelmas, the Winter Spiral, May Day, seasonal festivals, and other classroom celebrations that nurture imagination, courage, gratitude, and community. These traditions provide children with a strong sense of rhythm and belonging throughout the school year.
Beyond their classroom community, Two-Day students also participate in many Spring River festivals and events, including the Martinmas Camping Weekend, Parent Enrichment Evenings, the Winter Market, music performances, the Spring Festival, and other all-school celebrations. This shared festival life strengthens friendships across programs while allowing Two-Day families to become active members of the wider Spring River community.
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Integrated Student Support
New for 2026–2027
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Spring River is also implementing an Integrated Student Support Program within the Two-Day Homeschool Enrichment Program, informed by the work of Kim John Payne, to support each child's academic, social, and emotional development.
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This whole-child approach emphasizes thoughtful observation, strong partnerships with families, and developmentally appropriate supports that strengthen both individual students and the classroom community.
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Admissions Timeline
Applying for 2026–2027
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year will open for returning students on Feb 2 and for new students on Feb 20th.
Limited Availability: Spring 2026 (Current Year)
A limited number of spaces may be available for the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year, depending on placement and program fit. Families interested in joining mid-year are encouraged to contact our admissions team to discuss availability.
Learn More & Apply
For program-specific questions:
2dayadmin@springriverschool.org
To begin the application process or speak with our Enrollment Coordinator:
enrollment@springriverschool.org
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First Grade Daily Rhythm & Curriculum (Ages 6-7)
Crossing the Threshold with Wonder and Imagination
Class Teacher: Ms. Sofia Villegas
​First grade marks an important threshold in a child’s development. At this stage, children are emerging from the world of early childhood and entering the grades with growing readiness for structure, rhythm, and formal learning. They continue to learn most deeply through imagination, movement, imitation, and beauty, and they thrive when new academic skills are introduced in a gentle, living way.
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At Spring River, our First Grade Two-Day Enrichment Program offers a nurturing, Waldorf-inspired environment where academic foundations are introduced through story, movement, art, and meaningful connection with the natural world.
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Daily Rhythm: Circle & Main Lesson
Each morning begins with a grounding Circle that includes seasonal verses, singing, movement, and rhythmic activities. This shared rhythm supports focus, joy, and readiness for learning while helping first graders settle into the school day with confidence and ease.
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The Main Lesson introduces early literacy and numeracy through rich storytelling, artistic work, movement, and hands-on activity. In first grade, children are gently welcomed into the foundations of academic learning in a way that meets their developmental stage and honors their natural enthusiasm and wonder.
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Core learning themes include:
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Story as the Foundation
Fairy tales, nature stories, and folk tales provide the heart of the curriculum. Through stories, children encounter vivid images and meaningful experiences that nourish imagination, support emotional development, and lay the groundwork for future learning.
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Literacy Through Story & Art
Letters and sounds are introduced through image, movement, drawing, and oral language. This approach allows reading and writing to grow out of a rich imaginative experience rather than abstract instruction alone.
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Mathematics & Form
Numbers are introduced through movement, rhythm, story, and hands-on practice. Form drawing, pattern work, and number exploration support coordination, spatial awareness, and early mathematical understanding.
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Nature as Teacher
Each day includes time outdoors to observe seasonal changes, explore the natural world, and build reverence through direct experience. These moments support curiosity, sensory integration, and a deep relationship with the living world.
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Head, Heart, and Hands
Learning is fully integrated through movement, music, storytelling, visual arts, handwork, and practical activity, nurturing the whole child and honoring multiple ways of learning. Outdoor play and connection with nature remain a vital part of each morning, supporting creativity, physical development, and social growth.
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Enrichment & Exploration
Afternoons are dedicated to rotating enrichment experiences led by talented community educators and specialists who bring their passions and expertise into the classroom. These mixed-age experiences encourage collaboration, creativity, leadership, and joyful learning while exposing students to a rich variety of artistic and practical skills.
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Our enrichment faculty includes:
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Handwork with Ms. Kira Mauro, board member of DIG Local, guiding students in traditional fiber arts and handcrafts.
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Movement & Games with Mr. Bobby, fostering teamwork, coordination, confidence, and joyful physical activity.
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Festival Arts with Ms. Sofía, celebrating the seasons through meaningful artistic traditions and creative expression.
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American Sign Language (ASL) with Ms. Kelly Lindsey, introducing students to the beauty of visual language and inclusive communication.
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Music with Ms. Linda Minke, nurturing rhythm, singing, listening, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
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Together, these enrichment experiences complement the morning curriculum while helping students develop creativity, confidence, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to their community
A Warm Beginning to the Grades
Our First Grade Two-Day Program offers children a gentle and purposeful beginning to the grades. Through rhythm, beauty, story, and movement, students begin building foundational academic skills while developing confidence, joy, and a love of learning within a caring, nature-based community.
Ms. Sofia and her daughter, who attends our 4-day program
2nd Grade Daily Rhythm and Curriculum (Ages 7-8)
Growing in Skill, Confidence and Compassion
Class Teacher: Ashlyn Tiberio
Second grade is a meaningful year of growth in confidence, skill, and social awareness. At this stage, children are ready to deepen the foundations laid in first grade while continuing to learn through imagination, rhythm, movement, and artistic experience. They are increasingly capable of focus, practice, and responsibility, yet still thrive in an environment that is warm, relational, and developmentally responsive.
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At Spring River, our Second Grade Two-Day Enrichment Program offers a nurturing, Waldorf-inspired environment where literacy, numeracy, and artistic capacities are strengthened through story, movement, art, and meaningful connection with the natural world.
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Daily Rhythm: Circle & Main Lesson
Morning begins with a grounding Circle that includes seasonal verses, singing, movement, and rhythmic activities. This daily rhythm supports focus, joy, and readiness for learning while giving second graders a sense of continuity, confidence, and growing participation.
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The Main Lesson deepens literacy and numeracy through storytelling, artistic practice, movement, and hands-on work. In second grade, children continue to learn through living images while also building greater stamina, skill, and independence in their academic work.
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Main Lesson Themes
Semester One: Stories of Character — Fables & Tales from Around the World
Fables and traditional stories form the foundation of second grade. Through these stories, students explore human strengths and weaknesses, as well as kindness, foolishness, perseverance, and compassion. These stories support literacy development, comprehension, writing, narration, and artistic illustration, as well as social and emotional development.
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Semester Two: Stories of Courage & Compassion — Saints, Heroes, and Historical Figures
Students hear stories of real individuals who showed courage, kindness, perseverance, and service to others. These stories help children explore moral development, empathy, and the balance between human weakness and human greatness while continuing to strengthen reading, writing, and artistic skills.
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​​Mathematics & Form Drawing
Mathematics in second grade focuses on strengthening number sense and confidence with the four processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), place value, math facts, and word problems through movement, rhythm, games, and written work. Form drawing continues with more complex patterns that support handwriting, spatial awareness, focus, coordination, and early geometric thinking.
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Nature Study & Outdoor Learning
Nature study continues through seasonal observation, nature walks, journaling, and outdoor exploration. Students begin to observe patterns in nature more carefully and develop early scientific thinking through direct experience. Daily outdoor time remains an essential part of the morning rhythm, supporting physical vitality, observation skills, and peer connection.
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Enrichment & Exploration
Afternoons are dedicated to rotating enrichment experiences led by talented community educators and specialists who bring their passions and expertise into the classroom. These mixed-age experiences encourage collaboration, creativity, leadership, and joyful learning while exposing students to a rich variety of artistic and practical skills.
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Our enrichment faculty includes:
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Handwork with Ms. Kira Mauro, board member of DIG Local, guiding students in traditional fiber arts and handcrafts.
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Movement & Games with Mr. Bobby, fostering teamwork, coordination, confidence, and joyful physical activity.
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Festival Arts with Ms. Sofia, celebrating the seasons through meaningful artistic traditions and creative expression.
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American Sign Language (ASL) with Ms. Kelly Lindsey, introducing students to the beauty of visual language and inclusive communication.
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Music with Ms. Linda Minke, nurturing rhythm, singing, listening, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
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Together, these enrichment experiences complement the morning curriculum while helping students develop creativity, confidence, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to their community
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A Year of Deepening and Growth
Our Second Grade Two-Day Program offers children continuity, warmth, and appropriate challenge. Through rhythm, story, artistic work, and nature-based learning, students deepen foundational skills, grow in confidence and social awareness, and continue to develop a meaningful relationship with learning within a caring community.
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Third Grade Daily Rhythm and Curriculum (Ages 8-9)
Practical Life through Nature, Community, and Meaningful Work
Class Teacher: Ms. Carrie Dooley
A year of meaningful work, purposeful learning, and growing independence through authentic, hands-on experiences.
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Third grade represents a pivotal stage in a child's development. As children grow more aware of themselves as individuals, they begin to seek clarity, structure, and a deeper understanding of how the world works. At Spring River, we meet this important developmental milestone through meaningful work that connects children to the land, their community, and one another.
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Guided by lead teacher Ms. Carrie Dooley, founder of Shakti Life Kitchen, our Third Grade Two-Day Enrichment Program is rooted in the Waldorf study of Practical Life. Through gardening, culinary arts, craftsmanship, building projects, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and outdoor exploration, students discover how human beings work together to care for one another and the world around them.
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This living curriculum beautifully complements the traditional Waldorf-inspired third grade study of farming, shelter, practical arts, measurement, and the relationship between human beings and the earth. Students don't simply learn about practical life—they live it.
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Daily Rhythm: Circle & Main Lesson
Each morning begins with an opening Circle that includes seasonal songs, poetry, movement, and rhythmic activities. This shared practice creates a sense of rhythm and belonging before students move into their academic and experiential work.
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The remainder of the morning blends literacy, mathematics, nature study, artistic work, and practical skills into an integrated learning experience, allowing each subject to deepen and enrich the others through the rhythm of the seasons.
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Main Lesson Blocks
Humanity, Character, and the Natural World
Through stories, legends, and rich narrative experiences, students explore courage, perseverance, responsibility, and humanity's relationship with the natural world. Reading, writing, mathematics, form drawing, painting, music, and movement are woven naturally throughout the curriculum, creating meaningful connections across each area of study.
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Practical Life & the Human Relationship to Earth
Garden → Outdoor Kitchen → Table → Market
One of the signature experiences of the year is our Garden → Outdoor Kitchen → Table → Market journey.
Drawing on Ms. Carrie's experience as founder of Shakti Life Kitchen and her passion for gardening, culinary arts, and experiential learning, students cultivate gardens, learn sustainable growing practices, harvest seasonal produce, prepare nourishing meals in our outdoor kitchen, and experience the joy of gathering around a shared table.
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As the seasons unfold, students explore the complete cycle of food—from seed to harvest, from kitchen to community. They may preserve foods, create herbal teas, make simple handcrafted products, and prepare seasonal offerings that may be shared through community markets. Along the way, they gain an age-appropriate understanding of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, hospitality, generosity, and environmental stewardship while experiencing the satisfaction of creating something meaningful with their own hands.
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Students may also participate in collaborative building projects—such as contributing to the creation of a student greenhouse or another outdoor learning structure—providing authentic opportunities to practice planning, measurement, teamwork, problem-solving, and stewardship. These long-term projects help children discover that meaningful work can leave a lasting gift for future students.
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Throughout the year, literacy and numeracy skills are strengthened through integrated practice in reading, writing, mathematics, and form drawing. Artistic activities such as painting, movement, music, and drama are woven throughout the curriculum to support comprehension, creativity, and healthy development. Daily outdoor time and nature immersion remain essential components of the morning rhythm, supporting physical vitality, observation skills, and peer connection.
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​​Enrichment & Exploration
Afternoons are dedicated to rotating enrichment experiences led by talented community educators and specialists who bring their passions and expertise into the classroom. These mixed-age experiences encourage collaboration, creativity, leadership, and joyful learning while exposing students to a rich variety of artistic and practical skills.
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Our enrichment faculty includes:
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Handwork with Ms. Kira Mauro, board member of DIG Local, guiding students in traditional fiber arts and handcrafts.
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Movement & Games with Mr. Bobby, fostering teamwork, coordination, confidence, and joyful physical activity.
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Festival Arts with Ms. Sofía, celebrating the seasons through meaningful artistic traditions and creative expression.
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American Sign Language (ASL) with Ms. Kelly Lindsey, introducing students to the beauty of visual language and inclusive communication.
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Music with Ms. Linda Minke, nurturing rhythm, singing, listening, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
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Together, these enrichment experiences complement the morning curriculum while helping students develop creativity, confidence, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to their community
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Growing Through Meaningful Work
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Third grade is often called the "Practical Life Year" in Waldorf education because children are ready to discover that they are capable of making real contributions to the world around them.
Whether tending a garden, preparing a shared meal, constructing a project, creating handcrafted goods, caring for the land, or participating in a seasonal market, students experience the dignity of purposeful work and the joy of contributing to something larger than themselves.
At Spring River, we believe children learn best when head, heart, and hands work together. Through meaningful work, rich stories, artistic expression, and authentic experiences in nature, students grow not only in academic understanding, but also in confidence, compassion, creativity, and a lifelong sense of purpose.
Combined Fourth & Fifth Grade (Ages 9-11)
Strengthening Thinking & Self-Understanding
Class Teacher: Mr. Bobby Spahn
Fourth and Fifth grades together represent a significant step in a student’s development. At this stage, children are strengthening their capacity for independent thinking, moral reasoning, and clear observation of the world around them. They are ready to engage more consciously with the natural world and the human experience—while still needing rhythm, beauty, and meaningful connection to ground their growth.
Spring River’s combined Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Two-Day Program offers a Waldorf-inspired learning environment that balances intellectual challenge with artistic expression, movement, and immersion in nature. Students are supported as they move toward greater responsibility and self-confidence within a steady, relationship-centered rhythm.
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Developmental Focus: Clarity, Balance, and Independent Thinking
The upper elementary years call for strengthening the student’s inner stability while expanding their capacity for thoughtful engagement with the world. Our curriculum at this stage supports:
Executive Function & Organization
Developing memory, planning, and the ability to follow multi-step processes with increasing independence.
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Study Skills & Written Expression
Introducing note-taking, summarizing, and structured written work drawn from both oral and written sources.
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Emotional Balance & Moral Awareness
Supporting students as they navigate a growing sense of self, fairness, and responsibility within the group.
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Daily Rhythm: Circle & Main Lesson
Each morning begins with an opening Circle that includes movement, song, seasonal verse, and rhythmic work. This shared practice brings focus, coherence, and a sense of community while helping students arrive fully into the day.
The Main Lesson integrates academic content with artistic and experiential learning. Through storytelling, discussion, drawing, painting, movement, and drama, students engage deeply with each subject. Lessons are presented in a shared format, with expectations and follow-up work thoughtfully differentiated to support both fourth- and fifth-grade students as they build skills, confidence, and independence.
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Main Lesson Blocks
Semester One: Human & Animal
Students explore the dynamic relationship between human beings and the animal kingdom through observation, comparison, and artistic study. Beginning with the human form as a point of reference, students are guided to understand how different animals express specialized adaptations in contrast to human balance and versatility. This work cultivates careful observation, descriptive language, and a deepened respect for the living world.
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As a culminating project, each student completes an in-depth animal report that integrates research, writing, and artistic representation. Students present their work to peers, strengthening both subject mastery and communication confidence.
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Semester Two: Geography — Place, Landscape, and Culture
Students engage with geography by studying local and regional landscapes, then expanding outward to broader cultural and environmental contexts. Through mapping, storytelling, and hands-on exploration, students develop a sense of place and an understanding of how geography shapes human life. This work strengthens spatial awareness, cultural literacy, and an emerging global perspective.
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This block culminates in a National Parks exhibit, in which students research, design, and present on a featured park. Through visual displays, maps, and written summaries, students bring together geographic knowledge, environmental awareness, and presentation skills in a shared community showcase.
Throughout the year, literacy and mathematics are strengthened through focused, intentional practice within the two-day schedule. Math instruction begins with a review and deepening of fractions, ensuring a solid foundation. From there, students are introduced to more complex operations and practical applications, with an emphasis on quality of understanding over pace. Families are supported in extending practice at home, allowing skills to be reinforced consistently across the week.
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Drawing, artistic work, and movement support balance, coordination, and healthy cognitive development. Daily outdoor time and nature exploration remain essential, fostering vitality, creativity, and a grounded connection to the living world.
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Enrichment & Exploration
Afternoons are dedicated to rotating enrichment experiences led by talented community educators and specialists who bring their passions and expertise into the classroom. These mixed-age experiences encourage collaboration, creativity, leadership, and joyful learning while exposing students to a rich variety of artistic and practical skills.
​
Our enrichment faculty includes:
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Handwork with Ms. Kira Mauro, board member of DIG Local, guiding students in traditional fiber arts and handcrafts.
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Movement & Games with Mr. Bobby, fostering teamwork, coordination, confidence, and joyful physical activity.
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Spanish with Ms. Sofía, an introduction to world language and culture.
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American Sign Language (ASL) with Ms. Kelly Lindsey, introducing students to the beauty of visual language and inclusive communication.
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Music with Ms. Linda Minke, nurturing rhythm, singing, listening, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
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Together, these enrichment experiences complement the morning curriculum while helping students develop creativity, confidence, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to their community
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Strengthening Minds, Rooted in Rhythm
Our Fourth and Fifth Grade program meets students at a moment of growing clarity and independence, offering challenge, beauty, and meaningful work within a supportive community. Through a steady rhythm and a Waldorf-inspired approach, students deepen academic skills, strengthen self-confidence, and cultivate a thoughtful relationship with the world—within a caring, nature-based environment.
Fifth Graders will get the opportunity to compete in the Greek Games with other Waldorf inspired schools