EDUCATION THAT INSPIRES
Engaging
Academics
Fostering curiosity and a love of learning is the core of our academic approach.
The adolescent brain needs to be actively engaged to experience optimal learning. At OHMS, every subject offers opportunities for project based learning, real life applications, and artistic expression as students master content and acquire both subject and study skills. Small, collaborative classes give every girl a chance to shine. With leadership at the heart of each class, the OHMS curriculum caters to the developmental and academic needs of girls in grades 5-8. Our programs are designed so that each girl has the opportunity to lead with confidence, build strong relationships with their peers and teachers and gather a sense of self through the subject matter.
Curriculum
Math
Our math program is about so much more than numbers and getting the right answer. Designed to be developmentally appropriate, it teaches students how to think in different ways, solve problems methodically and strategically and to see interdisciplinary and real world connections in the subject matter.
Math is also our only subject that separates classes based on learning style, achievement and work habits so every girl feels supported and no one is left behind. Our methodology emphasizes skill development and competency and prepares girls for success in high school math and beyond.
History
Our history program takes girls from ancient history in the Fifth Grade all the way to modern U.S. history in the Eighth Grade. We dive into the richness and never shy away from the messiness of the human experience so our students can learn about continuity and change, success and failure, and repression and freedom in different parts of the world. Students are encouraged to think for themselves, stay organized with course material, work with others in group projects and to dive deeper through research essays.
We take an interactive approach so students aren’t just listening and taking notes; they are also sharing opinions, making presentations, creating art projects, role-playing in skits, and completing online work all within an energetic, lively classroom setting. In other words, they get to be active participants in their own education.
Science
Our science program focuses on creativity, observation, problem solving, and innovation. Research shows that middle school girls learn best when guided through memorable, first-hand experiences. As a result, our program includes hands-on investigations and field activities, laboratory experiments to emphasize the scientific method, and high-level thinking exercises to engage in problem solving.
Science isn’t just something to be memorized or read about - at Orchard House it’s an interactive, immersive and applicable subject matter that engages every part of the learning process.
English
We believe that each girl thrives when she becomes an active reader. That means girls in all grades are given the chance to read books of their own choosing and are given adequate classroom time to savor them. Additionally, teacher-selected literature is thoughtfully chosen from a variety of genres to promote reading comprehension, vocabulary development, analytical and critical thinking skills and academic conversations. Class discussions abound.
Writing also takes center stage as girls learn to use the power of their own voices in a variety of formats, from short story writing and poetry to persuasive and comprehensive essays.
Spanish
At OHMS, we believe our students benefit greatly from studying the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. With a focus on meaningful interaction, students in all grades engage daily in Spanish conversation with their teacher and peers, helping them discover its relevance and practical application. Through this immersive program, students experience greater ease in grasping grammatical concepts, improved reading, writing, oral, and listening skills, and excellent high school preparation.
Our program is intentionally designed not just to teach a language, but to provide an understanding of other world cultures and respect for the perspectives of people from different backgrounds.We encourage girls to use their language skills and cultural competence to make connections outside of our walls.
Arts Block
Our arts program inspires girls to take artistic risks in a safe, creative learning environment. We believe that giving girls artistic freedom during middle school can have long-lasting positive effects on their creativity and confidence.
All girls participate in visual art, dance, theater arts, and music for a full quarter of the academic year, giving them time to embrace each art form in a meaningful way that is immersive and expansive. Over time they go from learning about an art form to creating it on their own, whether that’s student-designed choreography, original plays or music or artwork that expresses their individuality.
While the emphasis is firmly on the creative process, performance is also celebrated each quarter through a showcase for fellow students, families and friends that we call Studio. Through artistic study and performance, self-confidence evolves and is nurtured throughout each girl’s four years.
PE & Health
Our Health and Physical Education program lays the foundation for a healthy, active life. We emphasize the mental and physical benefits of exercise, using the city of Richmond as our playground. Whether running along Monument Avenue or visiting city parks to play organized sports, there are plenty of heartrate-raising, fun outdoor activities.
One quarter of each school year is devoted to health education, which is integrated into our P.E. curriculum. We cover topics that are critical for middle school girls such as body image, nutrition, self-care, sex and drug education. Our comprehensive approach to health and well-being empowers our students to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily life in middle school and beyond.
GOING BEYOND
Signature Programs
We believe in getting girls in rooms where they have access to authentic modes of leadership and nurturing their confidence to take on that leadership. Through our signature programs, girls learn to claim their space and take an active part in a culture of pass-it-on sisterhood.
STEMester
STEMester is a weeklong immersive program wherein all students put academic classes on pause and participate in a deep examination of a specific facet of science, technology, engineering, and math. A mini-course for each grade provides exposure to aspects and opportunities in the STEM fields. Field trips and guest speakers represent the many ways STEM plays a critical role in countless educational paths, careers, and social movements.
Explore
Adolescence is a critical time for girls to explore their identities in relation to themselves and society. Our Explore program takes students through lessons and activities in the areas of: social media awareness in partnership with The Social Institute, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), Coding, and Healthy Minds which equips girls with tools for managing stress and maintaining their well-being.
C.O.R.E.
Through hands-on learning, service projects, and experiences in real-life scenarios, the C.O.R.E program helps girls make Connections in their own thought processes and in interactions with others; be Open to new ideas, experiences, and people; remain Resilient and courageous when confronted with challenges and adversity and to be Engaged as citizens of the world.
City as a Classroom
With our central location in the heart of Richmond’s Fan district, there are many cultural, historical and educational opportunities within walking distance of our campus. Having authentic experiences in real-life settings is an unparalleled learning experience, and one we offer to our girls as often as possible.
Contact Us
We’re excited that you’re considering Orchard House – where girls love middle school. If you’re ready to talk about what an independent, all girls middle school education looks like for you or your daughter we invite you to get in touch.