From the Superintendent …
New Beginnings: Announcing the Arbor Student Center & Orchard Academy
I am pleased to announce the new Arbor Student Center located on Van Buren Blvd. in Riverside, opening for the 2026-27 school year! At the heart of this new center will be the Orchard Academy, a program offering a unique, Waldorf-inspired approach designed to ignite a passion for learning.
The Orchard Academy is an independent program that draws from Waldorf principles while adapting practices to meet the needs of our students and community. This approach emphasizes:
Imagination, Creativity, and Whole-Child Development: focusing on the development of the student’s head (thinking), heart (feeling), and hands (willing).
Arts-Integrated Learning: Arts are not separate subjects but are woven into daily instruction, such as painting while learning history or singing math concepts, to deepen understanding and engagement.
Rhythm, Nature, and Hands-on Experiences: A strong focus on the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythm of learning, combined with a connection to nature and hands-on activities, supports healthy learning habits and developmental growth.
We invite you to attend a 30-minute virtual information session to learn more about the beautiful new facility and the unique educational philosophy of the Orchard Academy.
The sessions will be held on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18, with two convenient time slots available on each day: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Click here to reserve your spot.
Kathleen Hermsmeyer
Superintendent
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