Philosophy
Now more than ever, preparing students to live in a competitive, global society requires keeping pace with the rapidly changing world. Technology offers students new tools to explore, research, record, present and connect with the world beyond. The Orchard School’s progressive roots emphasize the need for academic excellence through hands-on, student-centered learning opportunities. The use of technology is a natural outgrowth of Orchard’s educational philosophy. As a result, The Orchard School has embarked on a One-to-One Laptop Program, initially funded by a 2003 grant from the Ruth Lilly Endowment and other donors.
Elements
Orchard's One-to-One Laptop Program provides students in grades two through eight and faculty with laptops and software programs. Participants are connected through a wireless network to school resources and through the Internet to our global partners and information resources. Students will utilize their laptops and key software to deepen work within core-curricular areas. Our early childhood through first grade students use iPads to enhance their learning. Every classroom in the elementary school blogs. Blogging meets the International Society for Technology standards of Communication/Collaboration and Digital Citizenship.