Dear Parents, 

Thank you for your recent interest in our school.   The Orchard School was first opened in 1957 and sold to the previous owners in 1969.  They operated the school for 35 years during which time the school was inspired by the Waldorf educational approach.  As the current owners of the Orchard School we are intrigued by this approach, but consider our approach to education and childcare as an eclectic integrating many different approaches that have been proven effective. 

Central to our philosophy is the great importance we place on creating a warm, caring, home-like environment in which children can develop, learn, and experience life as children.  Our goal is to Nurture, Shelter, Role Model and Love them unconditionally.  Love that is warm and understanding, firm and clear, gentle and uncritical, reverent and respectful so that each unique personality will flourish.  In our home like setting, careful, detailed attention is given to the entire environment.  Food, décor, toys, equipment, activities, and discipline are all carefully considered, as are the words, gestures, attitudes and personal development of the caregivers.  Most importantly, we strive to give children what they need according to their natural development.  We expect of ourselves what we should expect of one caring for our own children.  In fact you will often hear the children referring to each other as being their “daytime family.”  It is our privilege to serve your children and you.

In our hurried world of working parents and daycare, children may well be missing much of their childhood.  The aim of the Orchard School is to meet the growing needs of children and families today.  Most families need two incomes to make ends meet and many families are headed by only one parent and for this reason we anticipate that our flexible schedule will be a blessing to many families.  We believe that the Orchard School can be your child’s home away from home.  Your child’s second home.  A place where they are comfortable, belong, feel loved, and are happy. 

We recognize that in order to fulfill our mission we must work closely with parents and support their needs as well.  Our staff is readily accessible to parents and trained to listen carefully to their concerns and suggestions.  We expect our services to evolve as the needs and lives of parents and children grow and change.  Our services are ever evolving offering Preschool, Daycare, and Before/after School Care (walking children to/from Wilson Elementary School), as well as programs like Focused Theme and Social Skills Groups, After School Homework Help Groups, Family Support, as well as Individual/Group/Family Counseling for all ages.  We also have a library of books on individual/family issues available to parents.   Our Music Program for preschoolers includes a music and motion class once a week.  Students in this class do not necessarily have to be students in our preschool/daycare program. (The price is included in tuition for preschool students attending that day).  Our music program for preschool to adult includes one private lesson and group for preschoolers.  (Ask about our rates)  This small group provides each student the opportunity for small group tutoring to reinforce/enhance their music reading, general music knowledge, and skill in playing their chosen instrument.  Our Music Class, Social Skills Class, Drawing Fundamentals Class and Arts and Crafts Classes are taking ongoing registrations so please call ASAP to enroll.

In addition, our campus is located on three beautiful acres of property including an Apple Orchard and Pears too, Bike Track, and Wading Pool for your child to run, play and enjoy.  Inside the facility you will find Five Computers for the children, a Clubhouse, Ball Pit, and Life Room (also used for the social skills group) to enhance indoor play and dramatic learning/expression.  We have a lot to offer and can’t wait to share it with you.  We will give you a tour of our facility, give you a detailed overview of our comprehensive curriculum (Thematic and Developmental Approach), and receive a parent packet with policy and rate information.   Thank you for your time.  We hope to see you at our school.

Sincerely,