At The Orchard School, our mission is to develop and educate the whole child. We are a non-sectarian, independent school, committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership and love of learning.
General Info:
Address: 615 W 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 251-9253
Website: orchard.org/
Open House Date: Thursday, November 21; registration required at orchard.org/visit
Q&A with The Orchard School:
What makes Orchard unique?
The Orchard School is a progressive, nonsectarian, independent school founded in 1922. For more than 100 years, we have been the leader in Progressive education in Central Indiana. Utilizing our 43-acre wooded campus, our nationally-recognized programs are designed to develop and educate the whole child.
We provide a transformative and foundational education for students in preschool through eighth grade. We believe in engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered and experiential learning environment. Students love Orchard because their individuality is honored, and the academics are challenging, yet fun, creating a love of learning that is fostered by teachers who know them well.
Our small student to teacher ratio affords dedicated teachers the emotional space to create meaningful relationships, building an inclusive and accepting community. All this takes place in a warm, nurturing community where diversity is evident, recognized and celebrated.
What is Orchard’s age/grade range?
Preschool (age 3/4), Pre-Kindergarten (age 4/5) through Grade 8.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Our goal through the admissions process is to help you determine if The Orchard School is the best educational fit for your child and your family. The Admissions Team is here to help you through this process. There is limited availability for the 2024-25 school year, we encourage you to inquire with [email protected] asap with any questions. The 2025-26 school year is currently enrolling! Go Owls!
Does Orchard offer financial assistance?
We believe that the best way to prepare students for the real world is to have a student body that mirrors the diversity of the world around them. We strive to achieve a community that is representative of all ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and other types of diversity.
Last year, Orchard awarded nearly $2 million to 30% of the student body through the Flexible Tuition budget.
What are the standard school day hours?
School day hours are 7:50 am – 3:20 pm.
Does Orchard offer before/after school care? Does Orchard offer afterschool activities?
Orchard’s Extended Day program offers numerous options during before- and after-school hours. Kids Connect’s Preschool – Kindergarten, 1st-4th grade, and Teen Connect (5th-8th Grade) programs provide a full range of developed activities and also provide the structure to connect students with clubs and classes, athletic programs and events. These programs are available from 7:00 a.m.- 7:40 a.m. and from 3:20 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. An additional fee is assessed for Kids Connect.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
No strict dress code. Along with honoring the natural curiosity of students, we also pride ourselves on giving students opportunities to express themselves.
How many children attend the school? How many students are in the average classroom?
Average of 500. 16-18 class size.
Does Orchard have a homework policy?
EARLY CHILDHOOD (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) & ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Grades 1-4):
Elementary School does not issue traditional homework. Each grade level offers suggested skill practice activities that are intended to help reinforce classroom concepts and skills taught. For example, we will frequently suggest a dose of independent, choice reading and math fact practice. Teachers are encouraged to share family resources that accompany our core curriculum and other links and resources that help reiterate what they have taught as suggestions for families who may want to explore more explicit activities. All practice at home is optional.
In second through fourth grades, we begin to slowly scaffold in responsibility, independence, and stamina for at-home practice in preparation for the transition to Middle School. Some minor homework assignments may appear as the year progresses. However, we firmly believe that a child’s time at home to rest, recover, and spend time doing activities they choose and are passionate about is important. At-home practice should not compete or get in the way of time with family or a child’s chance to reset at home during Elementary School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 5-8):
Homework is assigned to reinforce classroom work, challenge and enrich students academically, and foster self-discipline, organizational skills, and good study habits. Fifth grade students may have homework four nights a week (Monday-Thursday), while students in grades 6, 7, and 8 have nightly homework and often have homework over the weekend. The number of assignments per night and the amount of homework varies throughout the year; it should not exceed 90 minutes total.
Does Orchard offer support for students with special needs?
Our learning support program offers students time with a dedicated team of learning specialists to receive remediation in literacy and math across our divisions. We offer limited, in-house support services to qualified students in order to help support classroom accommodations, grade-level remediation, and progress monitoring toward benchmarks. We frequently partner with third-party private providers and Washington Township Schools to help determine evaluation needs for extended services like speech, occupational therapy, and educational and developmental assessments.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Orchard offer?
The Orchard School Extended Program’s focus is to provide quality before-school care, after-school care, clubs and classes, athletics and summer opportunities for our community. These programs are dedicated to providing a safe and accepting environment where children can learn, grow, play and explore. Our primary objectives are to support The Orchard School’s mission, extend the excellence of the academic school day, and develop good citizens by emphasizing the teaching of social skills.
Are there any new features at The Orchard School?
Orchard offers a variety of amenities, programs, and services designed to support and enrich the student experience. Our 43-acre wooded campus, featuring a 27-element ropes/challenge course, provides a natural setting for learning and exploration, fostering a deep connection with nature. Elementary students gather hundreds of gallons of sap each year during science class, transforming it into maple syrup in our Sugar Shack for the much-anticipated annual pancake breakfast organized by the Alumni Heritage Association.
Middle school students can explore their passions during Winterm, a two-week intensive term in the spring. They select mixed-grade courses based on personal interests, diving deep into topics like musical productions, healthy cooking, business leadership, and creative writing. Additionally, our no-cut sports policy ensures all students can participate and grow through athletics.
Beyond sports, we offer after-school clubs and classes (K-8) that allow students to pursue their interests and discover new passions. Our large theater space gives nearly every grade the chance to shine on stage, fostering confidence and creativity. For students needing additional support, we offer learning and social-emotional services to help them thrive academically and personally. Our student support team includes learning support teachers and school counselors across preschool through 8th grade, all working together to ensure every student’s success and well-being. Our LEED-certified Makerspace engages students in every grade with hands-on projects that enhance applied math skills and nurture creativity.
If a learning environment that has been nurturing curiosity, creativity, and personal growth for over a century aligns with your family’s values, Orchard may be the ideal place for your child to thrive.
Who should parents contact for more information about Orchard?
Our admissions team would be glad to chat with you at [email protected]. 🦉😁
