Established in 1929, Arizona's premier co-ed boarding school is nestled in a breathtaking 26,000-acre working cattle ranch. Experience an authentic Western atmosphere, small class sizes, and a vibrant global community.
We prioritize character development, intellectual curiosity, and academic success.
Join us for athletics, horsemanship, arts, rigorous academics (including AP courses), outdoor adventure, and more!
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 8-12, PG
- Enrollment: 95 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $51,500
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Orme School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Boarding Focus
Affordability
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
We provide support for mild to moderate learning differences. We review educational assessments during the admissions process to ensure we can meet each individual's needs.
n/a
Year Founded
1929
1907
Campus Size
300 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
95 students
319 students
% Students of Color
37%
27%
% International Students
40%
21%
% Students Boarding
100%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
71%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$2 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$51,500
(Orme School tuition includes boarding, textbooks, additional evening academic support by faculty, and most after-school activities and sports. Tuition also covers Orme’s specialty signature programs, such as Orme Games and Fine Arts Festival.)
(Orme School tuition includes boarding, textbooks, additional evening academic support by faculty, and most after-school activities and sports. Tuition also covers Orme’s specialty signature programs, such as Orme Games and Fine Arts Festival.)
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,500
Tuition international students
$51,500
$58,300
Summer Program Cost
$1,500
% Students on Financial Aid
65%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$24,000
(Financial aid is need-based)
(Financial aid is need-based)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
70%
64%
Director of Admissions
Jara Ruiz Anchia
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
Courses
AP Art History, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry , AP Computer Science A , AP English Language and Composition, AP Englishness Literature and Composition , AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Physics , AP Spanish, AP Spanish Language , AP Spanish Literature , AP Statistics , AP United States Government , AP US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
13
23
Extracurriculars
Ski Club
Club or Organization:
Equestrian Club, Gardening Club, International Club, Mathletes, Outdoor Leadership, Robotics Club, Summer School and Camp, Technology Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Caravan, Sustainability Club
Club or Organization:
Equestrian Club, Gardening Club, International Club, Mathletes, Outdoor Leadership, Robotics Club, Summer School and Camp, Technology Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Caravan, Sustainability Club
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- School Motto: Excellence. Tradition. Character.
- School Mascot: Warriors
- Established in 1929, The Orme School is a beacon of educational excellence for grades 8-12 and postgraduates. Our co-educational boarding school is nestled within a vast 26,000-acre working cattle ranch and features a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northern Arizona. Located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, we enjoy a temperate climate and are surrounded by iconic destinations like Phoenix, Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon.
- At Orme, we pride ourselves on our immersive 100% boarding model, fostering collaboration, community, and enduring friendships. We are dedicated to nurturing a diverse global community and actively promoting the development of sound character, intellectual curiosity, and scholastic growth. Our mission is to equip students with essential skills and values, preparing them for a successful journey through college and life.
- Our Mission and Philosophy: We strive to develop sound character, scholastic growth, and intellectual curiosity, enabling students to succeed at the college of their choice and in life. From experiential academics to sports, arts, sustainability, and horsemanship programs, there's something for every student to explore at Orme. No prior proficiency is required - just a genuine desire to learn and grow.
- Academic Rigor with Personalized Attention: At Orme, we challenge our students academically while providing personalized attention and support. We offer a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students seeking advanced academic challenges. At the same time, we recognize and celebrate our students' diverse learning styles and needs. We offer comprehensive support services for students with mild to moderate learning differences, ensuring that every student has the resources and accommodations they need to succeed academically.
- Holistic Education: We understand that education goes beyond the classroom. That's why we offer a holistic approach that encompasses academics, athletics, arts, outdoor education, sustainability, and community service. Our goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world while also finding what is fulfilling for themselves.
- Small Class Sizes and Supportive Community: With small class sizes and a close-knit community, students at Orme receive individualized support and encouragement. Our campus environment is warm, inclusive, and supportive, fostering meaningful connections between students and faculty. With students from across the globe, Orme offers an international experience where students learn from one another and celebrate cultural diversity. Our supportive community fosters friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
- Financial Assistance: We understand that the cost of private education can be a concern for many families. That's why we offer financial assistance to help make The Orme School more accessible.
- Beautiful Campus and Outdoor Opportunities: Situated on a sprawling 300-acre campus amidst the stunning landscapes of Arizona, Orme offers abundant outdoor exploration and adventure opportunities. From hiking and horseback riding to gardening and sustainability initiatives, our students have the chance to connect with nature and develop a deep appreciation for the environment.
- College Preparation and Success: Our academic and residential life program prepares students for success in college and beyond. With guidance from our college counseling team, students receive personalized support throughout the college application process, ensuring they find the best-fit institutions to pursue their academic and career goals.
- LD types supported: We provide support for mild to moderate learning differences. We review educational assessments during the admissions process to ensure we can meet each individual's needs.
- The Orme School accreditations: Cognia, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), The College Board, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Ron McLean, mentioned by Jimmy Stewart, Class of 1963 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Orme School cost?
The Orme School's tuition is approximately $51,500 for boarding students.
What schools are The Orme School often compared to?
The Orme Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Verde Valley School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Orme School?
The acceptance rate of The Orme School is 70%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from The Orme School?
The Orme School famous alumni include: Ron McLean, mentioned by Jimmy Stewart, Class of 1963.
What sports does The Orme School offer?
The Orme School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Equestrian, Riding, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Volleyball and Wrestling.
Does The Orme School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Orme School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Orme School's ranking?
The Orme School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of boarding students, High percentage of students on financial aid and Low student:teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for The Orme School?
The application deadline for The Orme School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The Orme School does a unique way of teaching kids that are struggling with their schoolwork. For instance, if a student Is having a hard time keeping their grades up the school with put them. . .
This school has a lot of unique activities. It truly helps showcase your talents through a lot of unique activities. . .
The connection that faculty and students have is truly amazing at the Orme School. Orme community is very close together and super supportive.. . .
Show more reviews (5 reviews)
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Orme School vs. Verde Valley School
People that viewed The Orme School also viewed these schools: Verde Valley School, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Cate School, Wasatch Academy and Stevenson School.
The nearest boarding school to The Orme School is Verde Valley School (30.2 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
120 students 30.2 miles 3511 Verde Valley School Road
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-2272
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-2272
30.2
9-12
120
230 students 505.2 miles 6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
(719) 391-5251
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
(719) 391-5251
505.2
9-12
230
300 students 422 miles 1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
422
9-12
300
148 students 355 miles 120 South 100 West
Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
(435) 462-1400
Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
(435) 462-1400
355
8-12, PG
148
510 students 574.8 miles 3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
574.8
9-12
Pre-K-12
Pre-K-12
510
Recent Articles
Wait A Year Before Going to College
This article explores the benefits of taking a gap year or a postgraduate year before attending college. It discusses how these options can provide students with additional time to refine their academic skills, gain practical experience, and mature before entering higher education. The article highlights the advantages of both paths, including improved college readiness and enhanced personal growth.
The St. Grottlesex Schools
Generous financial aid and a commitment to diversity are hallmarks of the 21st century release of St. Grottlesex. More here.
Financing a Boarding School Education
Financing a boarding school education can be very confusing for many parents. Here are some strategies to help you understand your options.
