Old Orchard School

OLD ORCHARD SCHOOL

WHERE STUDENTS ARE THE HEART OF A WARM AND SUPPORTIVE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY

Old Orchard School was established in 1973 by founder Dannie Weston. Uninspired by the educational opportunities available to her own children, Mrs. Weston decided to create the school she wanted for them: a warm and friendly educational community that would ask a lot of its students academically and socially, and provide them with the skills, encouragement and support they would need to rise to the challenge.

Old Orchard opened with one classroom, two grades, and Mrs. Weston as its only teacher. Today, the school offers Jr. Kindergarten through 8th Grade across two campuses in Campbell, CA. The student body represents a diverse group of students, drawn from all corners of and all communities within Silicon Valley. Old Orchard, much like its students, grew at a challenging but comfortable pace, always engaged, but never rushed.

Now in its 46th year, Old Orchard continues to grow and evolve while still honoring its founder's values. Academic subjects are accelerated, but never rushed. Instruction is hands-on and led by talented teachers who are passionate about their subjects and skilled at making them accessible to learners of all kinds. In all grades and in every subject, teachers emphasize comprehension and cultivate students' critical thinking skills, encouraging them to work toward thoughtful solutions to challenging questions. Students are encouraged to "compete" only with themselves and to do their best every day. Digital, visual and performing arts programs offer balance in the student's day, providing creative outlets that also strengthen their academic work. From Jr. Kindergarten through 8th Grade, faculty and staff have the time to work closely with individual students, whether it be guiding them through tough math problems or coaching them through life lessons. Technology is embraced in all classrooms, with the youngest students learning their way around laptops and iPads and the building blocks of programming and slightly older students delving into digital media, 3D printing, videography, app design, animation, robotics and more.

Graduates are regularly accepted at the Bay Area's top private high schools and the nation's most selective colleges. But they rarely leave Old Orchard entirely. They return frequently to visit teachers and friends, share what they are up to, and to say thanks for the great start in school and in life. The reason is simple. Old Orchard has grown, but Dannie Weston's original vision remains firmly in place: A school's sole purpose is to serve children in every possible sense.

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At Old Orchard, students are the heart of a warm and supportive educational community. We ask a lot of our students, academically and socially, and provide them with the skills, encouragement, and support they need to rise to the challenge.

Academic subjects are accelerated but never rushed. Comprehension and critical thinking are stressed above rote learning. Digital, visual and performing arts programs provide balance to our students' school day. Every step of the way, our JrK-8th grade staff have the time to work closely with individual students, whether it be guiding them through tough math problems or coaching them through life lessons.

The best way to experience Old Orchard is to visit campus and see firsthand what makes our community so special. We warmly welcome prospective families to visit for a school-day tour and attend one of our upcoming Open House events.

SCHEDULE A SCHOOL-DAY TOUR

Sign up for a private, school-day tour to experience a day in the life at Old Orchard. Explore campus, see our teachers and students in action in the classroom, and meet one on one with a member of our Admission Team. Tours are offered Tuesday-Thursday from mid-September through May and require advanced registration. You may sign up online or contact our Admission Office at admission@oldorchardschool.com or (408) 680-2330 to coordinate a time.

JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE
TO LEARN MORE!
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Saturday, February 1, 2020
11 am - 2 pm

Explore campus and classrooms Meet JrK - 8th Grade teachers Speak with students, parents and alumni Pre-registration is encouraged to help speed up the check-in process.