Orchard School
Where learning comes to life
Orchard School
Where learning comes to life
We aim to provide an educational experience (K-6) where children learn in a healthy, non-competitive atmosphere with an interactive, hands-on curriculum that builds academic skills; respects the individual child, the community and the environment, and nurtures the intrinsic process of learning.
Our Philosophy
We believe that children need to live vigorously in an environment that invites learning, and we know that they will thrive given the time, the space, the resources, and the gentle and respectful guidance of skilled mentors. Much as we value core academic skills, we also find it important to nurture and protect childhood, giving kids the chance to do things like climb, dig, run, unicycle, gaze at the clouds, sing, prepare and share food, and feel the earth beneath their feet.
The Campus
The Campus
Organic Gardens
Our life lab garden is comprised of about 2,000 square feet of sunny fenced land with many prolific fruit trees and raised vegetable and flower beds. As well as tending this garden, students help prepare two enormous and delectable meals each year with food grown on campus, for the annual Harvest Festival held in October, and the Thanksgiving Feast the following month. In addition, kids use garden-grown ingredients yearlong in the school’s hot lunch program and for cooking class electives.
The orchard
Our spacious 14-acre property in the Aptos foothills boasts a seasonal creek, a meadow, play structures, a swimming pool, all kinds of trees and a redwood grove. Children are given ample time to run, climb trees, play field games, dig in the sand and mud, and build forts and fairy gardens. Extended recess time is valued because unstructured play time provides an important opportunity for deep engagement and cooperative, child-driven learning.
The Animals
Three alpacas, three goats and a flock of chickens live at the school. All grades take turns caring for the farm animals -- feeding them, cleaning the corral, collecting eggs, grooming, interacting and observing. Periodically, the whole school makes an enormous human fence by linking hands to let the animals run free for a time.
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Reviews
SEE WHAT PARENTS OF ORCHARD STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCEs.
Reviews
SEE WHAT PARENTS OF ORCHARD STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCEs.
“My daughter is very comfortable and happy at Orchard, which has paved the way for her academically. I believe because she feels safe and nurtured, her brain is free to learn and experiment.”
“My daughter is really a success story for Orchard: she is a caring, curious, excited, exploring, smart, imaginative and joyous kid; Orchard fostered her personal growth in a way that no other school could have.”
“After three years attending public school, we moved our son to Orchard. This magical place is nestled in the woods, with trees to climb, unicycles to ride, a garden to plant and teachers that inspire and encourage young minds to grow. Orchard feeds the whole child and ours has blossomed. We only wish we’d become part of this wonderful little community sooner.”
“Orchard offers more than a strong academic program. The children learn leadership, self-confidence and compassion...on elective day, the children learn skills such as surfing, woodworking, sewing, archery, photography and fort building. The children carry these experiences throughout their entire lives.”
“The teaching staff knows each child well and supports and encourages their talents and interests. The lovely grounds, varied curriculum, and choice of electives is a refreshing departure from the norm, and helps to reinforce what was learned in the classroom by giving kids the opportunity to not only run and play but negotiate, take risks, collaborate, lead and challenge themselves to grow, think, and live outside of the box.”