ORION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Orion Elementary School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Anchorage School District school district, located in JBER, AK with about 271 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 15 teachers, Orion Elementary School has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Orion Elementary School, located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska, serves as a vital educational hub for the children of military families stationed in the area. Operated by the Anchorage School District, the school is uniquely positioned to support a transient student population that frequently faces the challenges of relocation and deployment. Because of this, the school environment is designed to be highly adaptive, fostering a close-knit community that understands the specific needs and experiences of military-connected children.

Academically, Orion Elementary emphasizes a supportive learning atmosphere that aligns with the Anchorage School District’s curriculum while incorporating programs specifically tailored to the social and emotional development of its students. The school actively encourages parental involvement and collaborates with the base community to provide a stable, enriching environment. By focusing on both academic excellence and the unique "military kid" experience, Orion Elementary serves as a stabilizing force for families serving in the Armed Forces, ensuring students receive a high-quality education regardless of their frequent moves.

For more information, contact Orion Elementary School at (907) 742-0250 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.