General description

In 1929, Charles H. Orme, Sr. and Minna Vrang Orme (inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 1989) began a personal adventure that has become the history of The Orme School. They left their dairy farm in Phoenix and bought a ranch in the high grassland of central Arizona. Both graduates of Stanford University, the Ormes believed in the necessity of a good education. To educate their three children and those of the ranch employees, they opened a one-room school in an old ranch house. From those early days, an Orme education has been based on the principles that guide the School today. One principle in particular states: The best education a child can have is one that stresses a solid academic foundation in a family setting where each student is expected to be an important, contributing member of the community.

Charles H. Orme, Jr. was a product of this education. After his graduation with honors from Stanford University, the commitment to his parents’ educational values led him back to become Headmaster of Orme in 1945. Under his loving care and visionary guidance. The Orme School gained a national reputation. To accommodate this growth, the physical plant and the academic program expanded to meet the new dynamics of a vastly increased enrollment. In 1962, the School was incorporated as a not-for-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees.

Mr. Orme served as Headmaster until his retirement in 1987. His tenure of 42 years as the academic leader of The Orme School has ensured that the values of hard work, community contribution, and personal responsibility have become a permanent part of the Orme tradition.

Why choose The Orme School

Mission

Established in 1929, The Orme School is a unique, college-preparatory, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 8 through 12, set on 300 acres in rural Arizona. Our mission is to develop sound character, scholastic growth, and intellectual curiosity, as well as enable students to succeed at the college of their choice, and in life. Our community is structured, supportive, and diverse. We awaken untapped potential, encourage inner resourcefulness, integrity, respect and accountability for self and others. Our challenging curriculum features a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and both environmental and aesthetic awareness. 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.

Vision Statement

The Orme School graduates educated, well-rounded individuals. We believe that education is not only a solitary activity, but also that long-lasting and meaningful learning occurs best within the framework of a supportive family-like environment. At Orme, a student’s roommate and suite mates, faculty adviser, and teachers become immediate family. Orme students are challenged through a demanding academic program, team and individual sports, including horsemanship, and the rigor and fulfillment of living in a small, intimate community. Our graduates are competent, confident and well positioned to meet the challenges of college and the world beyond.

The School is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.