COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND COMMITMENT
ORCHARD CREATES CONNECTIONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME: The journey of our students includes close relationships with teachers, authentic relationships with peers, and lasting relationships with the entire community. Orchard has history, and we are all part of an amazing story that continues to be told today. ORCHARD FOSTERS A DEEP AND ABIDING SENSE OF COMMITMENT: The choice to attend an independent school is an investment with a priceless return — a curious, confident, caring child who will make a positive impact in the world. The ability to keep our classes small and our tuition competitive and to maintain our campus (the big things!) does not exist without the commitment and generosity of donors. Collectively, it is our responsibility to support this generation of students and the next, and to never lose the determination to inspire a true lifelong love of learning. The halls of Orchard are filled with laughter and joy. They are filled with a sense of curiosity and well-being. They are filled with hope, purpose, and passion. Thank you for being part of this rich and abiding legacy, an education as essential today as it was more than 100 years ago.
While much has changed in the world since nine mothers boldly and successfully chose a new path for educating children in Indianapolis 102 years ago, the same spirit that animated their vision of Progressive education lives on today at The Orchard School. From the humble beginnings with 22 students and one teacher to today’s 43-acre wooded campus with nearly 500 students, the
daily purpose of our work at Orchard is true to the vision of our founders. They envisioned a school that provided “conditions which strengthen and vivify the physical being, enlist the finest use of the mental endowment, and preserve the sincerity and joy of the emotional life” (Marietta Johnson, from “A Path Well Chosen: History of The Orchard School”). As I have the privilege and opportunity to engage with current students and families, as well as the many alumni for whom Orchard holds a place of deep love and meaning in their lives, three themes continue to consistently emerge from those conversations. ORCHARD NURTURES A DEEP SENSE OF COMMUNITY: Orchard’s treasure is its community of students, teachers, current and past families, staff, and alumni. This is evidenced by the countless hours given by parent volunteers, teachers, and staff committed to ensuring every child is seen, known, and loved.
Warmest regards,
Ed Hollinger Interim Head of School
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