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Orchard School

2288 Trout Gulch Rd
Aptos, CA 95003

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Tel: (831) 688-1074

www.orchardschoolaptos.org

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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

View School Calendar

Campus Size

14 acres

Student Body

Total Students

59 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

23%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

6 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

20%

Average Class Size

16 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

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

Online Application

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

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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).

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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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Cruz County, CA is $17,204 for elementary schools and $27,042 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Santa Cruz County, CA is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).