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 (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 8-12, PG
- Enrollment: 105 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $51,500
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Orme School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Boarding Focus
Affordability
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1929
1906
Campus Size
300 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
105 students
314 students
% Students of Color
34%
25%
% International Students
45%
20%
% Students Boarding
100%
70%
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
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
71%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$2 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$51,500
(Orme School tuition includes 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 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.)
$63,120
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,700
Tuition international students
$51,500
$54,500
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
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
70%
60%
Director of Admissions
Jara Ruiz Anchia
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
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
14
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
-
Established in 1929, The Orme School is a unique, college-preparatory, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 8 through 12 & PG.
- An hour north of Phoenix, the Orme campus is set on a naturally socially distanced 26,000-acre cattle ranch in the high desert of Arizona set on 300 acres in rural Arizona.
- Our mission is to develop sound character, scholastic growth, and intellectual curiosity, as well as, to enable students to succeed at the college of their choice, and in life.
- From the academic program to residential and community life, the guiding principles of Excellence, Tradition, and Character are applied to every facet of an Orme education.
- Our community is structured, supportive, and diverse. We awaken untapped potential, encourage inner resourcefulness, freedom of expression, integrity, respect, and accountability for self and others.
- Sustainability Since the school`s founding, sustainability has always been at the core of life at Orme. Our beautiful 300-acre campus supports an incredibly biodiverse community of plants and wildlife, in addition to the vibrant community of people. From taking sustainability-focused courses to spending a chores period in the garden or kitchen for our Farm-to-Table program, or simply sorting food waste into the compost bins in Founders, students participate daily in a variety of opportunities that teach them how to contribute to and positively impact the environment and their community
- Horsemanship Students can learn to ride, take care of horses, and trail ride throughout the Orme Ranch and Prescott National Forest. Students work as cowhands on the Orme Ranch during roundups. Our Horsemanship Team participates in English and Western competitions, including Gymkhanas, Hunter/Jumper, Barrel Racing, Roping, and Team Sorting.
- Caravan Outdoor adventures, or Caravans, are a core tradition, building confidence, character, and leadership skills. Experiential and outdoor educational goals are achieved throughout the year with the after-school, weekend, and weeklong outdoor adventures including mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, skiing, backpacking, camping, surfing, archeological digs, and horseback riding. ATHLETICS All students are welcome to participate in the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. Students also enjoy Coffee Houses, recitals, and debate, and Mathletes Teams.ARTS Orme is a fantastic environment for teaching (and learning) art. For decades, international artists have been drawn to the beautiful Southwest to draw and paint, and Orme is nestled right in the middle of their geographic and aesthetic inspiration. Your Fine Art curriculum credits may also be earned in Music with individualized and small group instruction provided in piano and guitar, whether you are a beginner or accomplished in either instrument.
- The Orme School accreditations: AdvancED Accreditation, National Association of Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, Western Association of Boarding Schools, Cum Laude Society, National Honors Society
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 60%.
What sports does The Orme School offer?
The Orme School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Equestrian, Riding, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
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 rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
One aspect that stands out about The Orme School is its unique approach to learning. Unlike traditional schools, here you are not confined to a single classroom. Instead, you have the freedom to explore and. . .
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. . .
Well to start off the Orme school is so much different then normal boarding school. I have went to about 4 different boarding schools. When I found Orme, I knew it was going to be. . .
Show more reviews (4 reviews)
Recent Articles

Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.

What To Wear at Your Job Interview
Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.

July 23, 2023
Boarding School Pros and Cons: History and Common MisconceptionsWe address common misconceptions about boarding schools, shedding light on the actual experiences versus perceived notions. Ideal for parents contemplating this educational choice for their children, the essay provides a balanced perspective on the topic.