About Orchard House
At a Glance
Founded in 1998, Orchard House School is specifically designed to meet the academic, social, and developmental needs of middle school girls in the Richmond area. The mission of the school is to inspire, educate, and enhance the positive development of each girl. Instruction is based on methods proven to be most effective for girls. Currently, students come from over 20 different schools and 25 different zip codes. Intentionally, the school welcomes girls of varying ability. Once girls graduate, they return to diverse public, private, parochial, and governor's high schools. Graduates of Orchard House are recognized consistently by their high schools for academic excellence, athletic achievements, artistic talent, and leadership ability.
Orchard House has been recognized by national leaders in girls' education for its rigorous interdisciplinary program of academics including its program in literary and visual arts and its hands-on approach to math, science, and technology. Girls benefit further by specific training in organization and study skills. Orchard House has a comprehensive arts program composed of drama, visual arts, dance, and music. The girls' physical well-being is developed through the physical education program and after-school athletic teams. All of these programs are enhanced by an inclusive community that consistently reinforces positive social skills. Every aspect of the school is intentionally based and planned on the developmental and academic needs of girls.
Orchard House considers its leadership program to be the heart of the curriculum. Designed to ensure that girls have the skills and opportunities to develop competency and personal authenticity, the goal is for each girl to develop a sense of leadership and commitment to the broader community. Components of the leadership program include: art, ethics and decision making, finance, health and well-being, cultural models of leadership, civics and citizenship, in-house community and social skills, personal styles and self-awareness, career awareness, public speaking and communication, women's history, and service learning.
Orchard House is committed to maintaining a diverse community through both its people and programs. The curriculum is designed to foster respect, strengthen personal excellence, build confidence, and develop well-rounded girls who are engaged and active learners and who understand their potential to contribute to the world.
