Delphian School

Sheridan

Oregon

United States

Overview

In the 1970s, a group of educators set out to transform education. They saw that conventional schools were failing too many bright students and created Delphian to make a difference. At Delphian, students don’t sit passively in lectures. They are actively engaged—studying independently, working in small groups, and moving at the pace that’s right for them. You’ll find students discussing literature, testing theories in the science lab, or giving presentations on real-world projects and apprenticeships. Delphian connects study to life. Every student’s program is personalized, designed around their goals and interests. Our faculty focus on keeping students motivated, ensuring each one receives the attention they need to succeed. Here, students learn to think for themselves, find purpose in their education, and apply knowledge with confidence. Delphian emphasizes applied knowledge and the ability to study independently. Credit is earned through demonstration of mastery, not seat time. Graduation requires proven skills in critical thinking, ethics, communication, teamwork, and leadership; hundreds of hours of self-generated projects across major ability zones; and a solid grounding in traditional academic subjects with emphasis on classic literature. Reason, creativity, and integrity—along with free and open inquiry—are given the highest priority at every level of the program.

Academics

Summary: Delphian emphasizes applied knowledge and the ability to study independently. Credit is earned through demonstration of ability and mastery of materials studied. Graduation requires of every student proven skills in critical thinking, ethics, communication, teamwork and leadership; hundreds of hours of self-generated projects covering several major ability zones; and solid grounding in the traditional academic subjects with an emphasis on classic literature. Reason, creativity and integrity, in conjunction with free and open inquiry, are given the highest priority in all areas and levels of the program.

Department Director Jordan Siegel

Student/Teacher Ratio: 1:15

Average Class Size: 15

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 19

Number of AP Courses Offered: 9

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 0%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

Evening Study Assistance
Peer Tutoring
Study Skills Assistance
Technology Center

English

Classics
Creative Writing
Honors
Literature
Poetry

History

Asian History
Classical History
European History
Honors
Medieval History
United States History
World History

Foreign Languages

French
Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

Ethics
Moral Philosophy
Mythology
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Social Justice
World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics
Sociology

Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Biology
Botany
Chemistry
Earth Science
Electronics
Geology
Health
Marine Biology
Microbiology
Physical Science
Physics
Physiology

Math

Computer Studies

Computer Applications
Multimedia
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Web Design

Music

Choral Music
Composition
Individual Instructions
Music History
Music Theory
Orchestra
Songwriting
Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

Acting
Animation
Art History
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Fashion Design
Journalism
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Production
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Television Production
Theater Arts
Theater Design
Woodworking
3-D Art

Special Programs

Community Service
Personal Finance
Independent Study
Internships
Leadership
Outdoor Education

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 10

Average Students Per Dorm: 25

Number of Girls Dorms: 5

Number of Boys Dorms: 5

Dorm Amenities

Game Room
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Vending Machines
Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Array

Student Life

The Delphian community takes care to make everyone feel welcome—after all, it's their home, too. Much of Delphian's success is based on the team spirit of our community as a whole. We emphasize integrity and open communication between students, faculty and staff, as well as in the parent-school-student relationship. A key to the success of our boarding program, which has been lauded as "a model residential program," is the robust participation of our students in student council. All Upper and Middle School students are required to hold positions of responsibility on their respective student councils as part of their academic programs. Student council members do much of the weekend activity planning, but they also coordinate community service activities, help with tutoring in local schools, give tours to prospective families, assist with the school's social media, support our athletics teams, assist in the library and run study halls, make films for internal and external promotion, and tackle countless other positions of responsibility that help the school run smoothly. Delphian's student council is a fully functioning organizational body that is essential to our school's daily activity and a vital part of each student's educational program.

Facilities

All-Weather Track
Baseball Field
Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Climbing Wall
Technology Center
Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

Tennis Courts
Cross-country Trails
Yoga/Dance Room
Weightlifting Room
Cross-fit Facilities

Clubs & Organizations

Arts & Athletics

Summary: Delphian views the soccer field or volleyball court as yet another avenue to help our students to apply what they're learning in the academic course room to their daily lives. We see challenge as opportunity for growth. This is why we require all Middle and Upper School students to participate in interscholastic sports teams, so they can face new challenges and increase their potential as individuals, team members and leaders. Discipline is a key component of any sports program; likewise hard work from every player. Delphian's athletic program emphasizes both of these, as well as participation and sportsmanship. Delphian teams often win sportsmanship trophies from their league or tournament competition and are widely known for it. While each year is different, several of the school's teams regularly participate in district and state playoffs, and some teams have won the state championships. Delphian students can participate in a wide variety of interscholastic sports including soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, tennis, track and field, and in certain years, baseball and softball. All Delphian students are required to play on at least one junior varsity or varsity team before graduation. Delphian's team sports program is flanked by elective individual sports and other recreational activities including yoga, conditioning, running, weight training, snowboarding, skiing, swimming and hiking.

Arts Department Director: Melissa Agrillo

Athletics Department Director: Brandon Lidgard

Notable Achievements: Multiple State Titles/Placement Varsity Choir; Multiple State Titles/Placement Varsity Soccer; Multiple State Titles/Placement-Varsity Volleyball

Arts

Acting
Animation
Art History
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Fashion Design
Journalism
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Production
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Television Production
Theater Arts
Theater Design
Woodworking
3-D Art

Interscholastic Sports

Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country Running
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball

Recreational Sports

Aerobics
Bowling
Camping
Dance
Equestrian
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Kickball
Mountain Biking
Outdoor Education
Paddle Tennis
Rafting
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Snowboarding
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Weight Lifting
Yoga

Graduates

Summary: Our graduates leave Delphian ready to take on any challenge. For many, it’s college; for others, the arts. Some of our graduates tap into their entrepreneurial spirits to launch their own independent businesses. You’ll also find our alumni putting their skills to work in service efforts aiding the greater community. No matter what path our graduates choose, they are ready to take it head-on. Delphian School graduates are regularly admitted to their first-choice colleges. Delphian graduates have been accepted to such highly regarded colleges and universities as diverse as they are.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 98.0%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile
75th percentile

Notable Alumni

Sky Dayton

Class of 1986

Founder of Earthlink

Melissa McPhail

Class of 1989

Author

Sylvan Lionni

Class of 1986

Artist Professor

David ODonnell

Class of 1992

Actor

Arwen Elys Dayton

Class of 1990

Author

Vanessa Prager

Class of 2002

Artist

Callan Stokes

Class of 2000

Stylist

Courtney Ryan

Class of 2004

Cinematographer and Photographer

Drew Harrison

Class of 1999

Cameraman and Director

Summer Programs

Summary: Summer at Delphian’s program balances academic basics and a wide variety of elective offerings with varied and challenging outdoor activities and cultural experiences in a three to six week summer program. Summer at Delphian is a day and residential summer camp program for children ages 5-18, with boarding available to campers 8 years of age and older. Over 250 courses and classes are offered each summer. Students can get ahead or brush up in specific school subjects. Most importantly, students are introduced to our uniquely effective study methods. In one summer, a young person can learn how to study any subject – a skill that will last a lifetime. Balancing our comprehensive academic program are a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate afternoon camps including Science Camp, Fine Art Camp, Outdoor Camp and more. Weekends include camping, rafting, beach trips* and sightseeing. Weekend adventures are additional highlights of a summer program that take full advantage of Oregon’s beautiful summer climate and the cultural and scenic riches of the Pacific Northwest. *Trips are subject to change to on campus trips based on travel and safety guidelines.

Department Director: Bridgette Rappoport

Summer At Delphian

Description: Summer at Delphian’s program balances academic basics and a wide variety of elective offerings with varied and challenging outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Summer students arrange their four to six-week summer program based on the schedule that works best for them.

Director: Bridgette Rappoport

Application Deadline: 20250606

Start Date: 2025-06-29

End Date: 2025-08-09

Tuition From: 5310.0

Tuition To: 12642.0

Website: https://www.delphian.org/start-here/summer-camp

Boarding: Both

Financial Aid Available: No

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 2.0%

Average Merit Scholarship: 5,660

Current Endowment Amount: $2,279,077

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Vital Information

Student Body Type: Coed

Total Boarding: 120

Total Day: 90

Total Enrollment: 210

Boys: 112

Girls: 98

Boarding Grades Offered: 6-12

Day Grades Offered: K-12

School Type: Elementary, Middle, High School

Dress Code: Casual

Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep

Application Deadline: February 15th

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $71,136

5-Day Boarding: $67,195

Day Tuition Fee: $50,113

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 44.0%

Average Awarded: $16,510

School Finances