Central to Rudolf Steiner School principles is the belief that children should be cognizant of, and dedicated to their community, embracing its challenges and concerns as an ongoing commitment. It not only broadens their perspective but also instills a sense of responsibility towards creating a more harmonious and equitable society.

Nurturing a meaningful bond among our students serves as the cornerstone of this journey. Right from the early grades, we actively encourage them to engage in activities that foster connections with their peers across different levels. They gradually expand to external initiatives with a significant influence on the wider community.

Engaging students in service to their community fosters a lifelong appreciation and commitment for serving others. Rudolf Steiner’s Community Engagement Program encompasses substantial, long-term collaborations with diverse institutions in New York City.

High school students can apply to serve as peer tutors to younger children, serve in our dining hall, and care for the green spaces and initiatives throughout the school among a host of other possibilities.

A capstone of our community engagement program is the class trip to Kimberton Hills in Junior year. Steiner students spend the week working alongside the members of this Camphill Community.

Camphill is a worldwide social initiative that creates communities designed to include people with and without intellectual disabilities. Having learned farming, gardening, cooking, and other practical skills over the course of previous class trips, Juniors are now able to contribute meaningfully to the work of the community while encountering human beings who experience the world very differently than they do. This trip is frequently cited by students and alumni as a life-changing experience that profoundly enriches their understanding of being human.