Old Orchard School

My kids started here this year in 2nd and 3rd grades. The entire school and parent community was extremely welcoming. We have been so happy with the academics -- and the creative way that they teach subjects to make the content more memorable and interesting. In addition there is excellent art and drama classes. A wonderful, well-rounded education and warm, supportive environment. What more could you want?
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two kids go through Old Orchard and I have been beyond pleased with the results. One highlight is that the classes stress interdisciplinary learning. For example, in first grade each child writes an "I Have a Dream" speech in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. After about a week of working on their speech and painting a watercolor portrait of Dr. King, each child gets up and delivers their speech to the class. So they are writing, doing public speaking, learning art techniques, and learning about civil rights - all at once. In fourth grade the kids learn about California history and go panning for gold. In older grades, the kids learn about fossils and bones and go on an archaeological dig. They also take classes in video editing and robotics and programming, and each child programs their own Android app. Talk about good career training! Finally, the teachers are top-notch and the classes are small, so each child gets loads of personal attention. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred my 2 children into this school from another private school. It's academically head and shoulders above the others. They're both at the middle school now and they LOVE it, even with a heavy workload. The teachers clearly enjoy what they do and care about each child. The only real "drama" that occurs is in their excellent drama program. The children who come through Old Orchard are confident, well spoken, very well prepared for HS and very kind to each other. We're so thrilled to have made the move and grateful that this kind of education is available.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at Old Orchard. What I like most is that the school offers an excellent education in an incredibly warm environment. The academics at the school are top notch, yet the school is very "whole child" focused. The kids have drama, art and music several times throughout the week. Same with PE. And they get Spanish daily. Some classrooms even have gardens where the kids plant fruits and veggies. There are also lots of field trips - to see plays, to go to museums, to go to farms, etc. In the older grades, the kids go on an archaeological dig. There is also a strong character development component to the school. The kids learn, from early on, how to be good citizens of the world. The school also has a strong anti-bullying program. The parent community is very kind and open and welcoming. There are no cliques. There are plenty of opportunities to help out at school, but you don't have to help out at all if you don't want. There is no fundraising, and no mandatory service hours. Basically, you can be as involved or univolved as you like. Finally, the afterschool program is amazing. Classes include piano, dance, drama, sports, video production, playwriting, and robotics.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically, this school is well above others. My child transferred to this school after attending another private school and the curriculum was 6-12 months ahead of the other school. Socially, it is a bit of a manufactured environment in that the school is very small with only high functioning bright children attending. There does not seem to be any bullying, fighting or drama and all the children are polite and well behaved. If you child starts Old Orchard early enough to get used to the fast pace of learning, they will be successfull. However, if you are transferring in, you should be prepared for an adjustment in expectations. This school gives an enormous amount of feedback to the children and the homework at the Upper School level is very intense and may be stressfull for some children if they are not used to the volume.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids love this school. I remember not wanting to even go to school, they can't wait. It is a very small school where everybody knows everybody, which I think really helps the kid's self esteem. The academics are advanced but that is what private school is for. Totally recommended!
--Submitted by a parent

I LOVE Old Orchard. My kids go there and they love it, too. What a wonderful community!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a gem of a school with a warm, wonderful community. Academics are solid, and they're rounded out by an amazing enrichment program with art, music, theater, Spanish, and computers. Great teachers and staff who really know the kids' individual personalities and offer tremendous support. The only downside is tuition, which is awfully high.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is absolutely amazing. My kid is second year in this school. She has picked up so much on her confidence. She keeps bring us surprise not only on the academic side, but also the social skills. I have talked quite a few parents with kids in different grade. We are all amazed. How can the kids learn at such a unbelievable speed without feeling any stress? My girl loves to finish her light homework everyday. This is absolutely an excellent school with reasonable price.
--Submitted by a parent

Small personalize school with an academic focus. Both of my children have thrived at this school where the teachers know every child by name. In addition, since it is small, they have participated in the after school sports programs where they likely would not have at a larger school. My son graduated from the school in 07 and found the transition to a large private High School very easy - academics were what he was use to and easily made new friends. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent