Discover The Orchard School

Discover a Premier Private School in Indianapolis

The Orchard School is in its 102nd year of successful student outcomes. We are a private day school in Indianapolis that serves preschool through eighth grade (middle school starts in fifth grade). Our school has a commitment to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Orchard provides a Progressive education with a focus on experiential hands-on learning. Our 43-acre wooded campus provides many outdoor learning spaces and a 27 element ropes course.

Private, Independent School with a Progressive Education

The Orchard School strives to provide students with a Progressive education, which includes hands-on learning, collaboration between teachers and students, and fostering of active citizenship. This approach to a student-focused education sets us apart from other traditional private schools. Each of our Early Childhood classrooms feature two teachers and 97 percent of families say they received a high-quality education from Orchard.
 
The Orchard School is also accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. This ensures that we meet the high standards of these organizations. To learn more about this, visit our accreditations page!


If you're new to Orchard, please fill out the form below. We would love to tell you more about our mission to develop and educate the whole child. Hope to hear from you soon!


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List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Visits & Tours

    OPEN HOUSE DATE:
    Thursday morning, November 21st, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

    The Orchard School

    Join us on Thursday, November 21st, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM for a tour of Orchard. One of the distinctive features of our school is the student ambassador program, where students get to strengthen their communication skills by leading tours for visitors like you. You’ll experience the campus through their eyes as they show you the place they love the most.

    After seeing our students in action, you’ll have a chance to chat with teachers and staff about how Orchard’s hands-on learning connects students with nature. With 43 acres of wooded campus designed to spark curiosity and growth, we can’t wait to show you why Orchard is such a special place.

    We’re excited to meet your family!



    COFFEE, TALK, & TOUR
    Join us for a conversation with current Orchard parents and learn more about our community located just a half mile down the street from Holliday Park on a 43-acre wooded campus. With over a century of history, we invite you to discover the benefits of Progressive education and our unique hands-on approach to learning. We look forward to sharing insights about our environment. The event kicks off at 9:00 AM!


    The Orchard School
     

    SCHEDULED TOURS:
    We’d love to have you on campus for an admissions tour! Private tours provide a detailed look at our 43-acre wooded campus and help you envision how your child can thrive at Orchard.

    OCTOBER TOUR DATES
    NOVEMBER TOUR DATES
    DECEMBER TOUR DATES



    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!

  • How to Apply

    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.

    Here are the steps for the application instructions.

    We look forward to receiving your application!

  • Programs

    • Early Childhood Program comprised of students in Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten classes.
    • Elementary School comprised of grades one through four.
    • Middle School comprised of grades five through eight.
    • Curriculum includes language arts, literature, science, math, technology, social studies/history, Spanish, fine arts, performing arts, health and physical education.
    • Kids Connect, a before and after school enrichment program.
    • Orchard Summer Camp, an exploration and enrichment camp for the central Indiana community.

  • Cornerstones of an Orchard Education

    • Academic Excellence: achieving high standards through critical thinking, application of knowledge, and problem solving.
    • Behavioral Excellence: developing character and personal responsibility.
    • Progressive Teaching: focusing on the child and engaging the natural curiosity to learn.
    • Diversity and Multicultural Education: inspiring a diverse student body and faculty to learn from multiple perspectives and understand the world.

  • Academic Accountability and Accreditation

    • Educational Records Bureau (ERB) scores significantly exceed national norms.
    • Curriculum aligned with national standards and proficiencies.
    • Accredited by Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

  • Students

    Approximately 500 students each year (two-thirds early childhood and elementary students; one-third middle school students).
     
    The student body, 26 percent of whom are children of color, comes from Marion and the surrounding counties.

Video: Experience The Orchard School

Take a Virtual Tour of The Orchard School






Click Here to Meet Our Graduates