The OSD4ALL Guide to the Olympia School District
OLYMPIA REGIONAL LEARNING ACADEMY
(grades K – 12)
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 596-7730
Principal: Frank Reed
Vice Principal: Stacey Anderson
Mascot: Orca
Website
PTA
ABOUT
The Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) is the most unique and newest school in our district, having finished final construction in 2015. Located centrally in Thurston County, it provides a unique learning environment with high academic standards in 4 programs on site, and one that they administer. Through these diverse and innovative educational opportunities, students are empowered and prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. ORLA houses the Montessori, Homeschool Connect (hConnect), ORLA Online, and Middle School Academy (MSA) programs. They administer the Freedom Farm program.TRANSPORT & CHILDCARE
Morning and Afternoon Y-Care is offered.ORLA Montessori has limited bus service at Madison, Roosevelt and Garfield elementary schools.
Currently, near the 64 busline. Changes to 70 busline on May 3, 2026 (Freedom Farm transport and location under the program).
SCHOOL EVENTS
Feb
12
Feb
24
Feb
26
Feb
26
Feb
27
ORLA MONTESSORI (K – 5)
SCHOOL HOURS:
- 8:45am-3:00pm
- 8:45am-1:55pm (early release Wednesday)
- 8:45am-11:50am (half day)
ABOUT
ORLA Montessori is a Montessori model, with multiple mixed grade classrooms. Unlike the traditional model, they are K-2 and 3-5. Larger than a traditional classroom, there is more paraeducator support.MONTESSORI ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is by lottery with approximately 30-40 available slots yearly. Lottery priority is first, siblings of current students, then in-district students, followed by children of district employees, and out-of district students. Dates posted when they’re available.hCONNECT & ORLA ONLINE (K – 12)
ABOUT
Both hConnect and ORLA Online offer a la carte classes, in person and online, for homeschool students.hCONNECT & ORLA ONLINE ENROLLMENT
Both programs are enrolled via application with an information night requirement. Dates for each will be posted as they become available.MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY (MSA) (6 – 8)
ABOUT
Students enter MSA in their first year of middle school, 6th grade, and stay through their 8th grade year. All three grade levels learn together during integrated projects and field study work. For core subject classes, MSA consists of two learning cohorts, 6th grade and 7th/8th grade groups. The schedule for in-person instruction is Monday-Thursday, with hours varying with student work. They set to accomplish one field trip a month, if funding allows.MSA ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is by lottery with approximately 30-40 available slots yearly. Lottery priority is first, siblings of current students, then in-district students, followed by children of district employees, and out-of district students. MSA info night is on February 24, with applications due on March 13.FREEDOM FARM (10 – 12)
ABOUT
The Freedom Farm is located at:4800 Siskiyou Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
The mission of the Freedom Farm is to create a high school experience that utilizes place-based learning and social justice as frameworks for education. As part of this work, they grow produce for all 18 schools in the Olympia School District, Thurston County Food Bank, City of Olympia SKIPP lunch program, Safe Place and their students.
This is a FULL TIME PROGRAM, with tentatively 2 cohorts in 2026-27. One cohort (FF2) will offer credit in ELA 10 or 11, US History, Geometry, PE, CTE Agro-ecology (Elective/Science), CTE Farm Management (Elective/CTE). The other will offer ELA 11 or 12, Civics / Social Studies Elective: The History of the Public Education System, Applied Art, Math Applications, Natural Resources (Science / CTE), Tend (Science / Elective).
FREEDOM FARM ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is by application.TESTIMONIALS
ORLA hConnect is not only an invaluable resource to local homeschooling families, but it’s a community of the most interesting, diverse, and talented students and dedicated caregivers.
-Anonymous Community Member
The farm is a magical place, the staff are all deeply connected to the work happening there and the students. Smaller cohorts, and alternative learning styles are embraced. Freedom farmers we plant trees, freedom farmers cheer on 3. Dirty feet we dont care, dirty hands food to share, freedom farmers everywhere, EVERYWHERE!
-Farmer’s Mom