Extraordinary.
Just Like Every Girl.
Education for Girls | Grades 5-8
DEDICATED TO GIRLS
Our Mission
Orchard House Middle School is a thoughtfully designed school for girls in grades five through eight, located in Richmond, Virginia’s Historic Fan District. We educate and inspire middle school girls in a responsive, academically engaging community that fosters each girl's intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, emotional integrity, and physical well-being.
Why Orchard House?
Middle school marks a significant time in a girl’s life. It’s when she develops – physically, emotionally and intellectually – at a pace rivaled only by her first few years of life. Because of these rapid developmental changes and external pressures girls are facing, confidence can drop during these years, but it doesn’t have to. We believe in the distinctive value of a middle school experience designed specifically for girls. Orchard House helps them make the most of these years and develop a strong sense of self.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OHMS
Upcoming Events
There’s always something going on at OHMS. So whether you’re a prospective student, current family, or alumna, check out our upcoming events and come join the fun!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OHMS
Featured News
At Orchard House, our extraordinary girls always have something going on. From inspiring class discussions to exciting field trips around the city, each day is an opportunity for them to discover more about the world – and themselves. Learn more about OHMS through these resources and insights from faculty and staff.
This summer we challenge you to read for fun! Earn points by reading as many books as you can this summer. Submit the books you read by giving us the title, author, and the category it falls under.
The OHMS Parent Book Club is an opportunity to discuss shared experiences and challenges facing students and parents.
This timeline was created by the Honors English 8, Class of 2024 students to highlight some of the history behind the “home” of Orchard House Middle School from its inception to the current day.
March is Women's History Month, and this year we're focusing on women who are close to home for us at OHMS, whether that means Virginia women or women instrumental in the foundation of Orchard House Middle School itself.
his morning, stylist and artist Kamala Bhagat visited our students to talk about Afrofuturism, biophilic design, and how inspiration is transformed into materials and textiles during her creative process. In the afternoon, 7th and 8th graders heard from stylist and creative director Jon Cope about how many opportunities you can find to hone your skills while on your path to whatever you define as success.
Students heard from playwright and screenwriter Brittany Fisher, watched a series of short films, and participated in a discussion facilitated by parents from this year's Black History Month committee. Fisher shared her experience surrounding the creative process, particularly with the short film Bleach, which was developed as part of a program with Richmond's Cadence Theatre Company.
Kayla Allen, Shelley Greene, and Erika Holmes perform for students and discuss their experience as Black string musicians.
Lenise Robinson has been a professional stylist since 2008. She is also a mom, a sister, daughter, and a veteran. She launched her multicultural salon Parlour in 2016, specializing in healthy hair care for all textures.
An enormous thank you goes out to Hamilton Glass P'24 for his conceptual, organizing, and creative work—we're so excited to have this visual representation of how special our school is to all of us and to have you and the rest of Richmond see OHMS in full color!
Rob Cardwell of CBS 6 dropped in during STEMester to record a segment for Building Better Minds. Check out the video for an overview of our week of curiosity, fun, and exploration
During our 2024 Black History Month celebration we are introducing the theme of Strings and Threads.
Each year on Election Day, alumnae are invited to have lunch with us while they let classmates and teachers know what’s new in their lives.
Orchard House begins in 5th grade - to begin girls’ middle schools years from a place of strength.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can make sure your daughter is prepared for the school year!