Serving 461 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 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 461 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- 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 461 students has grown by 101% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 110% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
461 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
First Day of School
Tue. Aug 19, 2025
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
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
20%
12%
Hispanic
33%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
21%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
24%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 Clifford Elementary School 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?
461 students attend Orion Alternative.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Orion Alternative students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Two or more races, 21% of students are White, 20% 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 22:1, which is higher than 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.
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