Raleigh Day School

Raleigh Day School is a truly exceptional school. Its Waldorf approach creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and grow at their own pace. The teachers genuinely care about each child's development—academically, emotionally, and socially. The curriculum blends academics with creativity and hands-on learning, helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. It's a school that honors the whole child, and it shows in the joyful energy of the classroom and the meaningful growth you see in every child who attends.

We have had the pleasure of being part of this amazing school for a few years now, and I am grateful for it every day my daughter comes home from school and wants nothing more than to go right back! She is thriving and has never felt safer, more capable, or more engaged with learning than she has at this school.

Raleigh Day School has been such a great place for my daughter-she's in 4th grade now and has loved her two years here. Her teacher is just amazing, always finding ways to make learning fun and personal. The kids get a really well-rounded education with lots of hands-on activities, time outside, music, and even cooking. The best part is the school feels like a family to my daughter, which makes all the difference.

So grateful for a school that focuses on the whole child, as current science is showing us is necessary. Cannot recommend a mixed-age early childhood class enough. Our 4.5-year-old is on her second year with the school and showcases the benefits daily! Our child is excited to go to school every day and not a fan of weekends, lol. We look forward to many more years with this amazing group of parents and teachers!

My daughter is attending her second year in the early childhood class. The growth she has shown over the past year has been astounding! Due to the pandemic, she spent the first couple years of her life with very little child interaction. Thanks to this school and the wonderful teachers she's had, she has blossomed into a chatty, friendly, and very caring child. She gets to spend her days in the woods, playing in creeks and trees, using her imagination to the fullest. The teacher encourages play with everyone, so there is no exclusion because of age or size. When she started, she was the youngest and smallest. The rest of her class embraced and guided her on what they do and how they do it. She never felt left out because she was little, and even when they have school events, the older kids in other grades make sure my daughter and the rest of the early childhood class are included. She gets to work with her hands, developing her fine motor skills; she's learning songs, gets to paint and sew, and helps cook the soup they have once a week. She's also learning about nature and animals and has a whole woody trail to explore. As I said, this is her second year, and she is still excited every morning to wake up and go to school. That's just a small example of what they do It is a fully immersive experience for these kids, and I hope she gets to spend many years with this school.

Our family moved to Raleigh three years ago specifically so our child could attend this school, and it has been the best educational decision we've made. From the first day, she felt welcomed and immediately at home. Raleigh Day School stands out for its strong emphasis on outdoor time and hands-on exploration. Rain gear is part of the daily essentials because the children spend significant time outside in almost any weather. This was a major change from her previous daycare, where she spent most of the day indoors following a rigid schedule. The freedom of movement here—combined with extensive gross motor activity—had an immediate positive impact on her behavior, confidence, and overall well-being. Teachers are consistently warm, supportive, and developmentally aware. The school does not use time-outs and maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio (typically under 14 per class), ensuring every child receives individual attention. Students learn practical skills—like cutting their own snacks—and are encouraged to explore. On her first day, I found her up in a tree, proudly calling out to me. That level of trust and independence is rare. These kids are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They will find beauty in a rock's mineral pattern; they probably will make themselves a slingshot at one point or surprise you with a child-size scarf they knit themselves or silks they colored. Raleigh Day School follows the traditional Waldorf curriculum, which prioritizes developmental readiness. Academic skills such as writing are introduced only when the child's brain is truly prepared. This prevents the common issue of children memorizing whole words as pictures rather than understanding letter formation. Gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and creative play are all introduced in a thoughtful, sequential way, without relying on screens or apps. Peer learning and student initiative are also major strengths. Older children help younger ones, and student-led projects—such as independently organized plays—are part of the culture. This builds confidence, collaboration, and genuine leadership. Practical considerations are excellent: 0-minute wait times for both pick-up and drop-off Immediate response when calling school administration (no hold times) Drop-off begins at 8:15 AM Aftercare available until 5:00 PM Overall, this school provides a nurturing, developmentally sound, and truly joyful learning environment. Our child has thrived here in ways we didn't know were possible, and we're grateful every day that we chose this school.

Raleigh Day School has been a game changer for our daughter and our family. Our daughter is learning, growing and becoming more aware of who she is and more confident in herself with every day at RDS. RDS is the first school where she has felt that she belongs and that speaks volumes to the students, teachers and environment there. The intentional flow of the day through learning experiences that take the children from the classroom to the outdoors, and through a variety of movement and creative hands on activities has stoked her desire to learn and to work hard at it. Our teacher, Mrs. Sexton, knows her students well and provides individualized support in an inclusive way that doesn't make my daughter feel "othered". After two years of seeing my daughter grow more and more stressed, anxious and hopeless despite sensory and academic interventions at her last school, I knew that there had to be a better solution out there. I'm so glad I found and made the change to Waldorf Education and Raleigh Day School.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.