The Camphill School’s mission is to create wholeness for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We do this through education and therapy in extended family living. Our approach helps our students more fully and meaningfully participate in life, be better understood, and unfold their potential.

We welcome live-in volunteers from around the world who help us build a culturally diverse, enriching life for our students and everyone in our community. Our warm and nurturing environment supports growth opportunities for students and volunteers alike through a blend of nature, music, art, and community.

View our live-in volunteer opportunities.

A Living Education

The Camphill School is the only Waldorf school in North America that exclusively serves children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and it includes kindergarten through 12th grade at the Children’s Village at Beaver Run and the Transition Program at Beaver Farm. Both campuses are in the beautiful rural countryside of northern Chester County, Pennsylvania, 45 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

Meadowsweet, our Waldorf Kindergarten, is an integrated program composed of ten to twelve children, including children with special needs.

The adapted Waldorf curriculum in the 1st through 12th grade at Beaver Run presents traditional scholastic subjects, both academically and experientially, stimulating young minds and nurturing healthy social and emotional development. Our wide range of educational programming is designed to enhance and maximize every child’s potential. In addition to age-appropriate class assignments, small group and individualized instruction addresses each child’s needs and abilities.

The Transition Program at Beaver Farm is situated ten miles from the main campus on a biodynamic/organic farm bordering French Creek. In addition to the vocational crews in artisan crafts, land work, cooking and food processing, continued academic support is an integral part of the Transition Program. The goal is to help students reach their maximum potential so that they may acquire more independence and maturity as they strive towards a meaningful adult life.

Therapies are fully integrated into all our offerings. In addition to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, many other therapies are offered, including: horseback riding, art and music therapy, together with anthroposophical therapies like therapeutic eurythmy, rhythmical massage, and colored shadow display.

Volunteering at The Camphill School allows you to immerse yourself in community and nature. It offers you the chance to gain skills and experience that stand out on your resume while you make a difference in your life and in the lives of children.