ORION ALTERNATIVE

Orion Alternative is a public elementary school that is part of the Redwood City Elementary school district, located in Redwood City, CA with about 211 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. With about 9 teachers, Orion Alternative has a student/teacher ratio of about 23:1. 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 Alternative School, located in Redwood City, California, is a unique K-8 public school that operates on a philosophy of "parent participation." Unlike traditional district schools, Orion functions as a collaborative community where parents are expected to take an active role in their child’s education. This hands-on approach allows families to be directly involved in classroom activities, extracurricular programs, and school governance, fostering a tight-knit environment that emphasizes partnership between educators and parents to support the holistic development of each student.

The school is known for its progressive, student-centered approach to learning, which prioritizes critical thinking, social-emotional growth, and hands-on discovery over standardized testing. By integrating multi-age classrooms and project-based learning, Orion encourages students to take ownership of their education in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Its mission is to cultivate not only academic success but also the curiosity, empathy, and community-mindedness necessary for students to thrive in a diverse and changing world.

For more information, contact Orion Alternative at (650) 482-2412 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.