The Classical Orchard
 

High School Program


Meet Our Teachers

Laura Estes: American Literature, Photography, & Culinary Arts

Laura Estes is a life-long resident of the Manhattan-Wamego area. After graduating from Wamego High School, she attended Kansas State University, earning a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in special education. She taught 6th grade at Flint Hills Christian School prior to being a stay-at home mom. Laura has been married to her husband, Ray, for 23 years. They have four children: Rachel, 20, Jonathan, 17, Abigail, 14, and Matthew, 10. They also have a black lab, Max, and 6 chickens. 2023-2024 is the Estes family’s 10th year of homeschooling. Laura loves baking bread and decorating sugar cookies, reading, antique hunting with coffee in hand, Mexican food, photographing her kids’ sporting events, feeding a crowd, and leading ladies Bible study.

Hannah Stewart: Worldview

Hannah is a Manhattan native and wife to Kirk. Together, they have two little boys- Elliot (2) and Jack (4 months). Hannah was homeschooled from grades K-12 and graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Dietetics in 2019. She has worked doing nutrition counseling, college dining foodservice operation, and child nutrition foodservice operation prior to having children. She believes creation reveals God's handiwork and is excited to explore this with students in the field of biology this year. In her free time, Hannah enjoys playing the piano, working out, going on dates with her husband, and drinking plenty of coffee.

Interested in Teaching?

Are you interested in teaching at the Orchard? Please fill out our prospective teacher form! 

https://www.classicalorchard.com/interested

FAQ

High School Parent

Question

Will The Classical Orchard provide a transcript for my student?

Answer

No. Teachers will provide progress reports and semester grades, but the responsibility of placing grades on high school transcripts rests with the parents. If you need guidance on how to build a high school transcript, please talk with our high school director, Becca Perry, or other moms who have graduated students.

Question

How will I know if my student’s class will meet at the beginning of the school year?

Answer

Teachers will have a minimum requirement for student enrollment. Once that minimum is met, you will be notified via email that the class is official.

Question

What if my child is enrolled in a class, but we need to drop it? Will that be allowed?

Answer

Due to the payment structure of teacher contracts, students may drop a class before classes meet. If a student drops a class before the first 3 weeks of class, you will forfeit one-third of your class tuition. If you drop it after 4 weeks, you forfeit your entire class tuition.

Prospective Teachers

Question

Will I be allowed to select my own curriculum?

Answer

The short is answer is, “yes.” The Orchard Board will review curriculum choice and evaluate class syllabus to verify that they fit the community’s mission and vision. 

Question

What is the main form of communication?

Answer

 We will rely on email communication as well as utilizing our site support, homeschool life. During orientation in the late summer, you will be taught how to use this practical and intuitive site to maximize your communication with your students. It’s an easy platform to navigate.

High School Program Documents

Preview
Filename
2024-2025 1st-12th Class Catalog.pdf
Mission Vision Statement of Faith.docx.pdf
Prospective Teachers.pdf

Additional Questions:

have additional questions? Please fill out our questions form and you will be contacted by a team member within a week. 

https://www.classicalorchard.com/iform/102060

Contact Us!

The Classical Orchard Information
[email protected]
Director: Emily Weddle
[email protected]
Early Education Director: Jami Berggren
[email protected]
Elementary Education Director: Kristen Page
[email protected]
Middle School Director: Lauren Jones
[email protected]