Serving 512 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Orion Alternative ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 512 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Orion Alternative ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Orion Alternative's student population of 512 students has grown by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
512 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Motto
'Empowered Learners: Beyond the Classroom Walls Thanks to Teacher Encouragement and Support'
School Rankings
Orion Alternative ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Orion Alternative is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2231 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
22%
12%
Hispanic
29%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
23%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
24%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orion Alternative's ranking?
Orion Alternative is ranked #2231 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Orion Alternative often compared to?
Orion Alternativeis often viewed alongside schools like North Star Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Orion Alternative?
512 students attend Orion Alternative.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Orion Alternative students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Two or more races, 23% of students are White, 22% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Orion Alternative?
Orion Alternative has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Orion Alternative offer ?
Orion Alternative offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Orion Alternative part of?
Orion Alternative is part of Redwood City Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Orion Alternative located?
Orion Alternative is located in the Mount Carmel neighborhood of Redwood City, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in Mount Carmel.
School Calendar
View the Orion Alternative yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day - New Teachers
August 03, 2026 (Monday)
First Day of School for TK-8 Grade Students
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
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