Boarding Schools  The Orme School

The Orme School www.ormeschool.org

The Orme School is a unique community of teachers and students who share a passion for academic excellence, adventure, and personal challenge. Established in 1929, the School is located along Ash Creek in the high country of central Arizona, an area of striking natural beauty. It is surrounded by public land with a working cattle ranch. The Orme School values of Tradition, Excellence, and Character are enmeshed in our boarding and day school programs for grades K through 12. We are proud that 100 percent of our graduates are accepted to colleges, universities, or junior colleges.

In a Southwestern, college-preparatory environment, The Orme School develops sound character, intellectual growth and curiosity, and an appreciation of our diverse cultural heritage and natural environment. The nurturing of each student’s physical, aesthetic, and spiritual life is emphasized through high expectations and a strong sense of personal and community responsibility.

 Academics

The heart of any college-preparatory school is the academic program. Orme’s size provides ample opportunity for flexibility, while small classes offer individual attention and more direct involvement with faculty members. And learning is not confined to the classroom, for the School takes advantage of its unique setting with frequent field trips and outdoor educational experiences.

 Special Highlights

Outdoor Adventuring. Outdoor Adventuring is an after-school activity that exposes students to many different outdoor pursuits. As they learn to thrive in wild country, they gain practical skills and confidence while they develop leadership and decision-making ability. Skills include rock climbing, rappelling, jumaring, mountain biking, backpacking, kayaking, cross-country route finding, interpreting topographic maps, land navigation (day and night), and knowledge of the region’s natural and human history: life zones, plants, wildlife, geology, weather, climate, astronomy, and archeology.

Horsemanship. Orme’s horsemanship program offers opportunities for students of all abilities, from novice to accomplished equestrian. Beginners are taught all the basics of both riding and horse management. Students may ride School horses or board their own private horse on campus. As they come to understand and respect their horse, students also learn self-discipline, responsibility, and nurturing as they gain pride and self-esteem.

 Top colleges attended by students

Northern Arizona University, Johns Hopkins University, Florida A&M University, Arizona State University, American University, Boston University, University of Washington, William Woods University, U of Wisconsin, Madison

 What the school looks for in students…

“The Orme School seeks students who want opportunities available to them while they prepare for college. Orme expects students to contribute to the School community, and to have an understanding of the importance of integrity and personal responsibility as they relate to community living. Admission to Orme is based on personal character, academic excellence and commitment.”