HOW TO APPLY

Admissions Process

Families may apply at any time throughout the year and at any entrance age between 5th and 8th grade. At Orchard House, we are looking for girls who bring a wealth of experience and backgrounds, and who are excited to learn and grow, rather than looking to create a class of the top 10% of academic achievers. While we assess report cards and standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, it is not the only, or even primary, factor in our admissions decision.

IMPORTANT DATES:

For enrollment in the 2025-2026 school year, application and required steps should be completed by February 14, 2025.

5th Grade decisions are shared on March 6, 2025. Rolling decisions for other grades will be communicated no sooner than February 14. Late applications considered as space permits.

Tuition Assistance applications for new families should be completed by February 7, 2025. Learn more here.

Orchard House Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or family composition in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Orchard House Middle School admits students who identify as female, regardless of their biological sex.

REQUIRED STEPS IN ADMISSIONS PROCESS:

For 2025-2026 Admissions decisions, the following must be submitted by February 14, 2025 —

▢ School Records received by Orchard House Middle School

▢ Teacher Assessment received by Orchard House Middle School

▢ Parent and student interviews completed

▢ Student onsite writing sample completed day of interview

▢ Student onsite math assessment completed day of interview

▢ Full day visit for students applying for sixth through eighth grade

FIRST STEPS

Prior to your applicant’s visit to Orchard House Middle School—

▢ Parent and student portions of the application submitted via FACTS

▢ $50 application fee received by Orchard House Middle School

▢ Release of Records form received by Orchard House Middle School via FACTS

▢ Teacher Assessment form given to current teacher or one who knows applicant well via FACTS

▢ Interview scheduled for 5th Grade Applicants

▢ Interview and full day visit scheduled for 6th - 8th Grade Applicants

INTERVIEWS AND VISIT

Fifth Grade Applicants: Once parent and student applications are received by Orchard House, Director of Enrollment Management, Valerie Hogan will reach out to schedule an interview for the student and her family. Please refer to the First Steps checklist to make sure you have completed all the necessary materials prior to your visit.

Sixth - Eighth Grade Applicants:  Once parent and student applications are received by Orchard House, Director of Enrollment, Valerie Hogan will reach out to schedule an interview for the student and her family, as well as a full day visit. Please refer to the First Steps checklist to make sure you have completed all the necessary materials prior to your visit.

FACTORS IN ENROLLMENT DECISIONS

  • student’s desire to learn

  • student’s potential to respond to a challenging course of study

  • student’s awareness of and interest in an emerging sense of self

  • the ability of Orchard House to meet a student’s needs

  • student’s report cards

  • student’s tardiness and attendance records

  • student’s scores on standardized tests

  • teacher assessments

  • family and student interview

  • family and student applications

  • student onsite writing sample

  • student onsite math assessment

  • classroom availability

“Coming to Orchard House has changed my views on not only how I look at myself, but also those surrounding me. I’ve learned that though the future is important, so is appreciating what I have in the moment.”

- OHMS Student