Delphian School

The Origins of Delphian School

Delphian School was founded in 1976 in Sheridan, Oregon, by a group of educators who had become disillusioned with the public school system. They believed that schools were failing to properly educate students and instill in them a love of learning.

The young school’s educational philosophy centered around using study techniques developed by L. Ron Hubbard. As Founding Headmaster Dr. Alan Larson told parents, “We all believed that individual study, and education generally, would improve dramatically if these study methods were more widely understood and used.”

Delphian incorporated "study tech" methods such as learning how to learn, overcoming any barriers to study, and constant application of materials. Then and now, Delphian focused on teaching students life skills and balancing the theoretical and practical sides of learning. This approach has enabled graduates to be ready for change, ready for higher education, and ready for life.

We believe education should build independence. Our students learn to evaluate the information they study, as it relates to the real world.

The school started small, with just a handful of students taking courses in a four-story brick building that had once been used as a monastery. However, Delphian quickly grew in popularity as parents were drawn to its unique approach and promise of unlocking their children's full academic potential.

Growth and Expansion

In the early 1970s, Delphian moved to its current 800-acre campus near Sheridan. Over the next two decades, it constructed new classroom buildings, dormitories, and facilities to accommodate the rapidly increasing enrollment.

In the 1980s, Delphian solidified the model it still uses today: The Forms program. This focuses on individual student progress and the student’s full achievement of all that’s required to meet graduation requirements, done at their own pace. 

By the late 1990s, Delphian had over 300 students in grades K-12 coming from across the United States and several other countries. It expanded to offer a Delphi Program for homeschooled students and a Delphian Virtual School for remote learning.

Academics and Student Life.

In 2010, the Northwest Association of Independent Schools and AdvancED awarded Delphian full accreditation. This allowed the school to join and receive associated benefits from  independent school associations, including The Association of Boarding Schools and the Western Boarding Schools Association.

Today, Delphian is a private college-preparatory boarding and day school. Its academic program emphasizes a literature-based curriculum with courses in mathematics, science, history, foreign languages, music, art, and more.

Students apply study techniques like learning vocabulary using context, composing using the Delphian method, and frequent testing to ensure comprehension. Class sizes are small, with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio.

Outside the classroom, Delphian has a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music and theater productions, clubs, student government, and outdoor adventures that take advantage of the rural Pacific Northwest setting.

Notable Alumni

Graduates of Delphian go on to become successful scientists, artists and business leaders and other professionals.

Some notable examples include: 

• Classical Music Composer Venus Rey Jr (class of 1983)

• Fashion Designer Natalia Garcia (class of 2017

• Art Director Rob Adams (class of 1991)

• Chef James Clarizio (class of 2009)

• Actor/Producer David O’Donnell (class of 1992)

Recent Years

Now in its fifth decade, Delphian continues its unique educational approach that was envisioned by its founders. It has graduated thousands of students who have gone on to top colleges and universities.

While still relatively small compared to many private schools, Delphian has upgraded its facilities, curriculum, and technology to maintain its reputation for academic excellence. It remains one of the only International Day and Boarding schools utilizing L. Ron Hubbard's study technology as the core of its teaching methods.