The Orme School

1000 E. Orme School Road,
Mayer, AZ 86333
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The Orme School Photo #1 - Caravan offers a unique outdoor adventure and academic program for students. Led by faculty, class-sized trips explore Southwest's stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich history. Camping in National Parks or wilderness, students gain outdoor skills and delve into the region's natural and human history. Caravan grants academic credits for graduation.
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The Orme School Photo #1 - Caravan offers a unique outdoor adventure and academic program for students. Led by faculty, class-sized trips explore Southwest's stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich history. Camping in National Parks or wilderness, students gain outdoor skills and delve into the region's natural and human history. Caravan grants academic credits for graduation.
The Orme School Photo #2 - Three-hundred naturally-beautiful acres in the high Sonoran desert of the Southwest. The historic Orme School is an inspiring college preparatory education and life experience.
The Orme School Photo #3 - Our graduates are competent, confident and well positioned to meet the challenges of college and the world beyond.
The Orme School Photo #4 - Sustainability is not a catchphrase here at Orme. Instead, it is a commitment woven into your daily life, from Sustainability Classes to your meals.
The Orme School Photo #5 - At an elevation of 4,000 feet, The Orme School experiences all four seasons.
The Orme School Photo #6 - Whether you are an experienced equestrian or a novice, all Orme students participate in our legendary Horsemanship Program. Orme Horsemanship, recently featured in Western Horseman Magazine, offers our students the full breadth of equestrian opportunities, educating even the most timid non-horse enthusiast into comfort and confidence in the saddle.
The Orme School Photo #7 - Each spring, nationally-respected artists travel to The Orme School, as is tradition since 1969, and lead week-long workshops in the creative arts for all students. Workshops may include painting, drawing, stained glass, photography, poetry, creative writing, ceramics, glass blowing, metal arts, sculpture, dance, drama, songwriting, and world music.
The Orme School Photo #8 - We excel in the AZCAA Conference, winning numerous state championships. Sports options include cross-country, swimming, volleyball, basketball, track, cornhole, soccer, and horsemanship barrel racing. If team sports are not your preference, enjoy weight training, tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding, recreational swimming, and outdoor adventures.
The Orme School Photo #9 - Life at Orme provides positive and healthy choices within a framework and philosophy that has proven successful since 1929.
The Orme School Photo #10 - At The Orme School, we believe that learning extends beyond the four walls of a classroom.
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:

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
The Orme School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
8-12, PG
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
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%
Average SAT Score
1280
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
28
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Collared Shirts, Jeans, Casual
Casual
Average Class Size
9 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
71%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$2 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(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.)
$63,120
Yearly Tuition
(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)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
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

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

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.
STUDENT PROFILE Students are admitted into The Orme School as 8th graders through a Post Graduate year, forming a small, diverse, and global college-bound community. Approximately 105 students from all inhabited continents and religious and cultural backgrounds make up the student body. 16 countries, 4 Native American tribes, and 16 U.S. states are represented on campus. ADVANCED PLACEMENT  Our challenging AP curriculum features a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and both environmental and aesthetic awareness.AP courses offered at The Orme School in recent years have included Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Physics, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Studio Art, United States Government, and United States History. Students took 108 AP Exams in 16 subject areas in 2019, and 104 AP Exams in 12 subject areas in 2020.SIGNATURE PROGRAMS  Many students come for specialty programs such as Horsemanship, Sustainability, and Outdoor Education, while others come seeking a small, interactive, experiential learning environment.
  • 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?
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

Class of 2023
5.00
Bradly
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. . .

Class of 2023
5.00
N/A
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. . .

Class of 2019
5.00
At orme still
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)
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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

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