The first five years: Orsch opened in September, 2009. It thrived in the basement of Webster Hall for two years, more than doubled in size, and needed more space. Orsch move to the upstairs of the Arts Center in 2011. It thrived there for another three years. The Art Center was in need of more... Continue Reading →
In an attempt to standardize, leave no child behind, and reach rigid benchmarks, traditional public education introduces detrimental elements into a child’s school life. Because schools and districts are under immense pressure to show that their students are proficient, the typical American classroom requires proficiency from each child at a specific date in his development.... Continue Reading →
For decades we have been trying to push a cart with the nose of a horse. The Horse The horse is strength, freedom, individuality, and desire to run unfettered—to take an idea and explore it to its logical end, to self-direct, to be free to empower your own discovery, and, as such, your own... Continue Reading →
A toddler is constantly bumbling around from engaging activity to engaging activity, often choosing activity over food or sleep, sometimes getting herself into trouble. A toddler is frustrated when she is bored. She will demand interaction. She is not in the mood to waste her moments--ever. She soaks up every new stimulating lesson and indulges... Continue Reading →
A Child’s Natural Habitat As our school developed, I came to realize that the happiness and success we observed in students was because they attended school in a place that truly was a child’s natural habitat. A child’s natural habitat includes many important factors. Humans are dynamic, diverse beings, and the ultimate learning environment for... Continue Reading →
The flowers are wilting. Humans are not fit for the environment in which we immerse them during years of formal education. Sameness is incongruent with our natural tendencies, our innate abilities, and our true potential. American children are wilting. The longer we wait, the longer we continue anti-nurturing our youth, the worse our problems will... Continue Reading →
Unfortunately the US educational system encompasses an environment based on sameness. In an educational setting, sameness leads to confusion, doubt, lack of confidence, underachievement, lack of engagement, lack of passion, diminished potential, and in many cases bullying. Sameness begins with age-based grouping and is further sculpted by age-based benchmarks and standards. Students of the same... Continue Reading →
This summer will mark four years since Orsch’s closing. Once upon a time there was a wonderful little school named Orsch. This little school made countless wonderful discoveries about children and what they truly need in their educational world, what makes them feel whole and happy, what leads to a love of learning, and what... Continue Reading →
Frozen in time for now, but still fun to visit... http://orsch.net Visit this page to learn about Orsch's Philosophy.
