ALL ABOUT HER
Orchard House Difference
Transforming the middle school experience into four unforgettable years.
At Orchard House Middle School, we help girls build a foundation today that impacts their lives tomorrow. Every aspect of an OHMS education is intentionally based on the developmental and academic needs of middle school girls. Leadership is at the heart of our curriculum, with programs designed to ensure each girl has the skills and opportunities needed to develop personal autonomy, as well as a commitment to the broader community. Our extraordinary girls come from over 20 different schools and zip codes. Upon graduation, they go on to attend public, private, parochial, and governor’s high schools where they are consistently recognized for their talents, achievements, and above all, confidence in themselves.
80
Total School Enrollment
10
Average Math
Class Size
20
Average
Grade Size
200
Art Projects
Completed Yearly
Our Approach
There is no place like Orchard House.
Our holistic approach to middle school education provides a responsive, academically engaging community that fosters each girl's intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, emotional integrity, and physical well-being. Beyond the curriculum, the strong, consistent relationships fostered between our faculty and students throughout their four years, as well as small, collaborative classes, gives every girl a chance to thrive. Additionally, our beloved school traditions are a source of pride and offer a sense of belonging that brings everyone together from across all grades. Throughout their time here, we pay close and careful attention to preparing the girls to excel in the many learning environments they will encounter after graduation.
A STRONG START
Why 5th Grade?
Research shows that girls learn best in a single-sex environment with their self esteem peaking around 10 years old. That’s why our all-girls education begins in fifth grade. As Richmond’s only independent middle school dedicated to girls, we nurture each girl’s confidence so she can reach her fullest potential in middle school – and beyond.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
Diversity & Community
We believe in the power of diversity and are continually working to evolve Orchard House into a school that accurately reflects the city in which we live. We honor and respect each girl’s unique personality and perspective, and the myriad of experiences that make her like no one else. By meeting girls where they are, we’re better able to create space for learning, reflection, and even forgiveness in our mistakes as we pursue a more just and inclusive school. We acknowledge that power and privilege are real, that equity work is ever-changing, and accountability is as much about character as it is about schoolwork. We teach these lessons on a daily basis because diversity is not only the heart of the OHMS experience, it’s what makes our girls even more extraordinary.
Our People
Our staff is incredibly passionate not just about their subject matter, but about connecting with girls where they’re at and helping them grow.