Orchard School (2026 Profile)

Home > California > Santa Cruz County > Aptos

Orchard School

2288 Trout Gulch Rd
Aptos, CA 95003

Tel: (831) 688-1074

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Orchard School, founded in 1983, is rooted in the belief that children naturally want to learn, and when given a safe, dynamic scholastic experience, grow to be happy and independent life-long learners.

We believe that children need to live vigorously in an environment that invites exploration.

Our woods, orchard, open fields, and seasonal stream provide rich resources and stimulation. Our mission is to provide an educational experience in which a child's self esteem and intellectual curiosity remain intact; to offer a scholastic curriculum which is factually rich, skill building, environmentally and socially strong; and to nurture responsibility, independence and empowerment in the academic process for success in life's future pursuits.

Quick Facts (2026)

School Type: Alternative School
Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 59 students
Yearly Tuition: $14,400
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

School Type

Alternative School

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6

Year Founded

1985

School Calendar

Campus Size

14 acres

Student Body

Total Students

59 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

23%

State avg.: 52%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

6 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

20%

Average Class Size

16 students

List of Courses Offered

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$14,400

View national tuition avg.

% on Financial Aid

20%

Admissions Director

Manila Bol

Admissions Associate

Rosy Weiser

Application URL

School Notes

Orchard School, founded in 1983, is rooted in the belief that children naturally want to learn, and when given a safe, dynamic scholastic experience, grow to be happy and independent life-long learners. We believe that children need to live vigorously in an environment that invites exploration. Our woods, orchard, open fields, and seasonal stream provide rich resources and stimulation. Our mission is to provide an educational experience in which a child's self esteem and intellectual curiosity remain intact; to offer a scholastic curriculum which is factually rich, skill building, environmentally and socially strong; and to nurture responsibility, independence and empowerment in the academic process for success in life's future pursuits.

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Orchard School cost?

Orchard School's tuition is approximately $14,400 for private students.

When is the application deadline for Orchard School?

The application deadline for Orchard School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

Endorse Orchard School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

August 18, 2026

Ask Current Parents What Admissions Won't Answer

Learn how to ask current private school parents revealing questions about culture, academics, communication, costs, discipline, and community life before deciding whether a school truly fits your family well.

August 18, 2026

When School Anxiety Is Really a School Fit Problem

Learn when school anxiety may signal a poor school fit, how parents can identify academic or social mismatches, and when changing private schools deserves serious consideration for families today.

August 18, 2026

Will My Child Find Their People? Evaluating School Culture

Learn how to evaluate private school culture, student belonging, friendships, teacher relationships, social dynamics, and authentic community fit so your child can find the right place to thrive and connect.

Quick Facts (2026)

School Type: Alternative School
Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 59 students
Yearly Tuition: $14,400
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Cruz County, CA is $17,758 for elementary schools and $29,726 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Santa Cruz County, CA is 90% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).