Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • How old should my child be to apply to the Preschool program?

    In general, students applying to the Preschool program should be three years of age by August 30 of the year of entry to The Orchard School.
  • What types of students is Orchard looking for?

    We are looking for students with a variety of backgrounds and talents who will be able to make significant contributions to the Orchard community through their academic achievement, creative talent, positive social behavior, and participation in the school’s program.
  • Do I have to re-apply if my child was not admitted?

    It is not necessary to re-apply or submit the $100 application fee. However, the admissions committee wishes to have the most current and up-to-date information on applicants to the school. New teacher recommendation forms, school records, academic testing, and a school visit are required each year if you wish your child to be considered for placement for the following academic school year.
  • Is financial assistance available?

    We recognize that an Orchard education is a major investment and one that can be a challenge for some families. While we expect families to take primary responsibility for the cost of their child(ren)'s education, Orchard remains committed to helping families afford this educational choice. In order to make education more affordable, The Orchard School is committed to providing need-based Flexible Tuition. While we strive to meet the financial need for our new families, we are unable to provide assistance for all eligible families. Priority consideration is given to Orchard's current families. 

    The deadline to apply for Flexible Tuition for new families is January 31, 2024. With a finite Flexible Tuition budget, we are not able to guarantee late requests. 
  • Are campus tours available?

    NEXT OPEN HOUSE DATES: 


    OCTOBER 12th:
    Please join us on Thursday, October 12th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for the next Admissions Open House: An Evening at Orchard.



    Mix, mingle, and stroll the halls of Orchard while experiencing the best in Progressive education. See the educational spaces where hands-on experiential learning comes to life and chat with teachers and specialists while indulging in complimentary wine and beer.  

    This event is for parents/guardians only.

    REGISTER HERE or click the link above.



    NOVEMBER 16th:
    Join us for an open house led by our student ambassadors. Stay tuned for more to come on this event. RSVP today!  

    REGISTER HERE



    COFFEE WITH ADMISSIONS
    Click the link below, begin filling out the form, and you'll be able to choose from one of the dates. We hope to see you soon!

    Coffee with Admissions Link


    SCHEDULED TOURS:
    We would love to have you join us on campus for an admissions tour. Private tours give parents and guardians a more detailed look at our 43-acre wooded campus and can help you envision how your child can flourish at Orchard.

    Click the link below, begin filling out the form, and you'll be able to choose a time slot. 
     
    September Tour Schedule

    October Tour Schedule



    VIRTUAL TOUR:
    Enjoy this VIRTUAL TOUR of Orchard!
    For the safety of our students, please bring your driver's license with you in order to check-in and tour the campus. Tours last approximately one hour. We look forward to seeing you!
  • When will we be notified of our admission decision?

    Admission decisions will be mailed on March 1, 2024 to all applicants who have completed their admissions file.
  • Can I turn in the application early?

    Yes. We encourage families to submit their application prior to the deadline so that we can schedule the required visits as early as possible. All forms are due prior to the child(ren) visiting the school. Only after we receive all the required documentation can we begin the evaluation process.
  • Does Orchard give preference to sibling applicants?

    While Orchard is committed to being a family school, the school strives to balance its consideration of sibling and legacy applicants with its desire to bring new families into the community and to maintain academic and behavioral excellence. Students are selected for available spaces by considering the composition of the class. Priority consideration is given to the academic profile, diversity and gender balance of each class.
  • What is the typical class size?

    Orchard prides itself in offering small classes and providing its students with personal attention. The average class size in preschool is 15 students, and the average class size for kindergarten through grade eight is 18 students.
  • When are applications due?

    Applications for admission must be received by January 31, 2024 to be considered for first-round offers in March. After this date, applications will be considered through rolling admission as positions remain available.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students: The Orchard School values diversity and seeks talented students. Orchard admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.