Welcome to the Orchard School

I felt like I was given wings when I was here as a teacher. As an administrator, I hope to give other teachers wings, so they too can soar."

— Donna, Director, Elementary School

Located in north Indianapolis, The Orchard School is a national leader in independent school education. Orchard families come from Indianapolis and surrounding counties within a 50-mile radius. Founded in1922, The Orchard School sets and achieves high standards of excellence through a program that makes learning come alive.

For over 85 years, our philosophy has been when great teachers have the time and interest to truly engage a student’s intellectual and creative curiosity, students excel. It’s the reason 85 percent of our graduates are honor students in high school among other academic, civic, artistic, and athletic successes. Beyond academic success, Orchard honors children as the insightful, dignified human beings they are. It’s the reason our graduates grow to be confident, well-rounded, and kind.

What distinguishes us from other schools is that the child and the child’s needs are at the forefront of every decision we make. So, in addition to developing an effective curriculum, teachers focus on students as individuals. How is this particular student going to learn the thinking skills associated with science, mathematics, and technology? How is he going to learn to manipulate and negotiate the complexities of the spoken and written word? How is she going to develop the skills for thinking, inquiry, and participation in a democratic society? The Orchard curriculum aligns with state and national standards, but the results of our individualized, active learning exceed national norms.

What does it take to be an Orchard teacher? Beyond confidence, passion, dedication, creativity, flexibility, and initiative, one teacher puts it this way: “You have to be someone who wants to continually increase his or her knowledge base and someone who truly understands the power of children — that they’re not just little people. They really are the future.”

Without question respect for individuality and support of lifelong learning extends to our teachers and staff. We invite you to find out more about how The Orchard School can become a part of your career and a part of your life.

Joseph P. Marshall
Head of School