Orca’s vision is one of an active family of students, staff, parents, and neighbors, which values diversity and creativity, generates enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and nurtures humane, environmentally conscious, strong global citizens.

Orca values the Whole Child
We know and love children. We believe education must address emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth. Therefore Orca students actively engage with others and motivating curriculum. They are taught social and personal skills that support responsibility, independence, and collaborative problem solving. Orca encourages cooperative learning and the use of inquiry. Our classrooms encompass mixed ages, and extend into homes, community, and the natural environment. A variety of instructional practices support self-directed learning and respect individual needs.

We believe that the arts and creativity are integral parts of the learning process. Our commitment to the whole child is reflected in a strong arts program, dance studio for movement and expression, Fun Combinations dance program, innovative PE curriculum and Scats performance group, Orca garden, multicultural curriculum, positive discipline, and many other ways.

Orca recognizes the importance of Diversity and Community
We value diversity. Orca strives to raise culturally competent children who measure success by collective outcomes. Learning projects empower students to address issues around race, civil rights, the environment, commercialism, and other topics. Orca empowers individuals and generates respect for self, others, and differences. Our commitment to diversity and community can be seen in multicultural curriculum, Many Cultures/One World program, community projects, staff and family dialogues on race, class meetings, and other practices. The first tenet of Orca’s Way is “We all belong.”

Orca believes in Environmental Sustainability
We believe our future is entwined with the Earth’s. Orca supports children to explore, nurture, and celebrate their connections with the planet. We develop environmental stewardship through natural science curriculum, award-winning recycling, Orca garden and horticulture programs, environmental education for all grades, camp experiences, field trips, and more.

Orca is built on Family Involvement
Orca’s families are our greatest resource. We have a strong PTA and families are involved in all aspects of school life. Parents and guardians play a leadership role in organizing many Orca experiences: the Orca greenhouse and garden, music program, Festival of Children, MLK Celebration, Many Cultures/One World, Young Authors Day, weekly book exchange, and after school activities, among others. Families are active partners with staff in advocating for children and participating in school decisions.