Orchard Receives a $6 Million Grant From Lilly Endowment to Expand Outdoor Learning
Dear Orchard Community,
I am pleased to announce that The Orchard School has received a $6 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. This is the largest grant received in Orchard’s history!
I am pleased to announce that The Orchard School has received a $6 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. This is the largest grant received in Orchard’s history!
It is one of 34 large-scale implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school. Lilly Endowment is making large-scale implementation grants to public schools in Indianapolis through a separate, complementary initiative.
THIS GRANT WILL FUND THE CREATION OF:
THIS GRANT WILL FUND THE CREATION OF:
- A Multi-Use Indoor/Outdoor Space for learning, dining, performances, and community gatherings
- Direct classroom-to-nature access points that allow students to move easily between indoor and outdoor environments
- An expanded Middle School playground that extends into our wooded campus and offers new opportunities for exploration, play, and hands-on learning
- Biophilic reflection areas intentionally designed to provide calming, restorative moments throughout the school day
- ADA-compliant pathways ensuring that every member of our community can enjoy these new spaces
This project was shaped by extensive feedback from students, families, faculty, and alumni, as well as national research highlighting the benefits of outdoor learning and natural environments for students.
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The creation of these outdoor learning spaces will complement Orchard’s Resilient Educators, Resilient Students program, which is funded by a $223,000 implementation grant from Lilly Endowment through phase 2 of the Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. The program integrates social-emotional learning, professional development, family education, and intentional outdoor learning. Together, these efforts strengthen emotional resilience, deepen the school-to-home partnership, and enhance students’ academic readiness.
We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment for this extraordinary investment in our students and educators. These thoughtfully designed outdoor learning spaces will strengthen our ability to nurture resilient learners and support the well being of our community for years to come. I am pleased to see Lilly Endowment supporting so many other private and public schools across Marion County. Their commitment strengthens the broader learning community and advances the success of children throughout Indianapolis.
As always, we extend heartfelt thanks to our students, colleagues, current and past parents, alumni, grandparents, donors, and friends for your steadfast support. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for every Orchard student.
Warm regards,
Ed
Ed
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