Orchard House Middle School

Posted: December 9, 2025

We have a 5th attending OHMS. We are delighted with the school. We are asked by Niche.com to rate facilities, athletics, subject expertise, teachers, admin, among other categories. Parents who are looking for state of the art facilities on a sprawling campus, boasting a highly competitive athletic program won't be served- but OHMS is something different. The school's home is a gorgeous 3-story building right off of Richmond's historic Monument Avenue. Here's what we're thrilled with:
-a placement test for math skills, and an approach that meets the girls where they are.
-student-led grade tracking for each class, to support their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses- are they nailing quizzes and tests, but phoning it in for HW? Their data reveals that.
-On your tour, ask about WIN time- I describe this incredible window of time as executive function support and time-management training. No wasted study hall!
-a diverse group of girls coached in connection and inclusion
-incredibly interesting assignments and a healthy dose of both critical and creative writing - writing tons now serves later!!
-lots and lots of projects, some collaborative, lots of performances, which leads into
-a focus on developing the whole person through arts. They take full semesters of dance, art, music, theater.
-lots of time for students to practice using their voice; one way I am witness to this is when parents are invited to campus for student showcases. The students are asked thoughtful questions and they willingly provide answers, none of it is scripted.

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: June 5, 2025

My daughter has thrived as OHMS. The staff are dedicated and care about the success of each and every child. I love that they get many opportunities to practice their public speaking skills, complete a variety of projects, and are pushed to try new things. The school holds each child to high standards but with the right amount of support so they aren't overwhelmed. OHMS has taught my daughter skills like how to study, take notes, and be an advocate for her own education. I can't recommend OHMS enough.

Posted: June 5, 2025

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Posted: January 24, 2025

I don't recommend going to this school. As a current student Orchard House used to have an amazing staff but a lot of the great and dedicated teachers retired or left. The teachers now are lazy with assignments and lack the proper skills to manage a classroom, espicially the English and Spanish teacher. Although I had a lot of fun memories here compared to other schools it is best to invest in paying a little more tution for a much better school. The school sometimes feels cheap and you question what you are paying the tution for. In addition the homework is overwhelming to the point where it is normalized in our class to have mental breakdowns over the stress. They dump a bunch of work on you in 8th grade after barely having any work in 7th, 6th and 5th grade. I don't have any social life on the weekends and just when you think the work is done and the weekend is nearing they dump more work to complete over the weekend which can take 5-7 hours. I strongly suggest reconsidering this school.

Posted: January 24, 2025

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Posted: May 24, 2019

My daughter is currently a 7, and I can't say enough positive things about her experience. She has gained so much confidence and enjoys school and learning again. I'm impressed by her organizational, planning and study skills she's developed since being at OH. Its wonderful for middle school girls to be in a place where there is so much support and encouragement from faculty and other students.

Posted: May 24, 2019

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Posted: August 23, 2018

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Posted: August 23, 2018

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Posted: August 23, 2018

Posted: August 23, 2018

My daughter's experience at this school helped prepare her for life beyond academics. Orchard House encourages the full development of young ladies as people and not just students. It was a wonderful feeling knowing that my daughter was totally safe and cared for at school everyday.

Posted: March 22, 2018

OHS has a developed leadership program for all of the grades. Each year has a different focus. For example, sixth grade focuses on bullying, while eight grade focuses on a bigger community, like raising money for specific organizations to help girls succeed.

Posted: March 22, 2018

This school doesn't accept "just smart people". They select girls based on their personalities and what they could being not only to the class but to the community. That being said, there is a wide variety of learning styles. The teachers here though are experienced and know how to teach to fit everyone's needs. Some girls may succeed more than others, but there is always guidance and help being given.

Posted: March 22, 2018

This school has little to none bullying in my experience. There is some drama once in a while, but that's almost a given considering it's a all girls middle school. Everyone is respectful towards each other and most of us are all good friends.

Posted: March 22, 2018

I am an alum of this school and am currently in high school. Those four years in middle school were some of the best years of my life, both socially and academically. I made relationships with girls that are still strong today. I gained incredible studying and learning habits that are benefiting me in high school. The community was so tight, it was nothing like I have ever experienced. If you ever go to visit, you will most likely hear the saying "I didn't realize how special this school was until I left". From fifth to eight grade, I would always roll my eyes when I heard someone say that. But looking back on my experiences and the impact it had on me as a person, I would say that is absolutely right. Orchard House changed me as a individual, and I couldn't imagine where I would be right now without them.

Posted: March 22, 2018

The homework load as you get older definitely increases. I certaintly did complain about it during eighth grade. However once in high school, I see how beneficial that was to me. I'm glad I learned effective time management and study skills when I did. There was a lot of essay writing and group projects, which is such an important skill to have mastered. Overall you don't have to be super smart to succeed, you just have to be willing to try. All of my teachers in high school have asked where I received such a strong academic basis, and I'm glad to say Orchard House.

Posted: March 22, 2018

The teachers here are absolutely amazing. Every year, you pretty much have the same teachers. There are some negative aspects, but the pros outweigh. The teachers have a strong understanding of you as a person and how you best learn. I never thought I could have such a good relationship with a teacher, but OHS has that atmosphere.

Posted: March 22, 2018

This school has shaped me so much as a person, and I am so thankful for that. I used to be shy and not overly outgoing. Going through four years here however, has completely changed my character. Heading to a high school with over 2,000 kids was scary, but because of OHS I learned how to "put myself out there". I don't think I would be having such a positive social experience at high school right now without the guidance of this school.

Posted: January 25, 2012

I currently go here and it is everything a girl a her family would like. I love it.

Posted: April 4, 2009