Redwood City School District · 2024-25 School Accountability Report Card · Published 2025-26 School Year
School Accountability Report Card
Orion Alternative Elementary School
This School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is published annually as required by California state law and provides information about the condition and performance of Orion Alternative Elementary School. It is intended to help families and community members understand how our school is doing and how it compares to district and state benchmarks.
Mandarin Immersion Program
Parent Co-operative Model
About the School
School Profile & Mission
One Campus. Two Innovative Programs.
Orion Alternative Elementary School is home to two unique educational programs within the Redwood City School District - the Mandarin Immersion Program and the Parent Co-operative Model Program. Together, they form a school of choice where parent involvement is not just welcomed - it is central to how the school works. Orion instills in each child a love of learning, as well as the confidence and skills necessary to meet future challenges.
Mandarin Immersion Program
Bilingual, biliterate, and academically enriched
The Mandarin Immersion Program brings together native Mandarin and native English-speaking students and families for the opportunity of a promising bilingual future. Students learn one of the world's most prevalent spoken languages while mastering core academic subjects, graduating with fluency in both English and Mandarin. Students who complete either program continue at Kennedy Middle School.
Parent Co-operative Model
Partnership of parents, teachers, and community
The Parent Co-op includes a partnership of parents, teachers, and community working together to educate the whole child. Each child is viewed as a unique individual with their own distinct style and rate of growth. An integrated, hands-on curriculum incorporating real-life connections helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Orion thrives because of its community of mutual care and support where everyone feels connected.
School Profile
Address555 Avenue del Ora, Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone(650) 482-2406
PrincipalWinnie Chen
Emailychen@rcsdk8.net
Grade SpanTransitional Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Total Enrollment512 students
PTOStarship Parent-Teacher Organization
What Makes Us Special
Two ProgramsMandarin Immersion + Parent Co-op on one campus
School of ChoiceParents actively choose and participate in Orion's model
Most DiverseThe most racially and ethnically diverse school in RCSD
Kennedy PathwayAll Orion students continue at Kennedy Middle School
Author & Illustrator FairAnnual school-wide literary arts celebration
Campus29 classrooms, computer area, library, multipurpose room, 2 playgrounds
District Information
Orion Alternative Elementary School is part of the Redwood City School District. District phone: (650) 482-2200 · Superintendent: Dr. John Baker, Ed.D. · rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Student Population
2024-25 Enrollment
512
Total Students
28.7%
Hispanic / Latino
24.2%
Two or More Races
22.9%
White
21.1%
Asian
Enrollment by Grade Level
Student Demographics
The Most Diverse School in RCSD
Orion's enrollment reflects the remarkable diversity that its two-program model attracts: 28.7% Hispanic/Latino, 24.2% Two or More Races, 22.9% White, and 21.1% Asian. No single group makes up a majority. This cross-cultural makeup is a direct outcome of the Mandarin Immersion Program, which intentionally brings together families from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and the Parent Co-op's community-centered philosophy.
Pupil Outcomes - State Priority 4
Academic Performance
Results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), showing the percentage of students in grades 3-5 meeting or exceeding grade-level standards.
Strongest Growth in the District - All Three Subjects
Orion showed the strongest year-over-year growth of any RCSD elementary school in 2024-25. ELA jumped from 53% to 67% (up 26%), Math from 51% to 62% (up 22%), and Science from 42% to 52.4% (up 25%). All three scores are well above district and state averages.
English Language Arts - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
Orion
District
State
Mathematics - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
Orion
District
State
Science (Grade 5) - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
2023-24
2024-25
2024-25 Results by Student Group
| Student Group | ELA % Met/Exceeded | Math % Met/Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| All Students | 67.1% | 61.6% |
| Female | 74.7% | 59.5% |
| Male | 58.2% | 64.2% |
| Asian | 84.0% | 92.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 41.4% | 36.2% |
| Two or More Races | 87.9% | 84.9% |
| White | 87.0% | 73.9% |
| English Learners | 9.1% | 13.6% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 34.1% | 29.6% |
| Students with Disabilities | 12.5% | 8.3% |
Student groups with 10 or fewer students are omitted to protect privacy. Results include Smarter Balanced and California Alternate Assessment participants in grades 3-5.
2024-25 Grade 5 Physical Fitness Test Participation Rates
| Component | Grade 5 Participation |
|---|---|
| Aerobic Capacity | 100% |
| Abdominal Strength & Endurance | 100% |
| Trunk Extensor Strength & Flexibility | 98% |
| Upper Body Strength & Endurance | 97% |
| Flexibility | 98% |
Instructional Materials - August 2025 Audit
All Students Have Materials
0% of students at Orion lack their own assigned copy of required textbooks across all four core subjects. All materials are state-approved and standards-aligned.
| Subject | Textbook / Program | Students Without Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Reading / Language Arts | Benchmark Advance / Adelante California Edition (2015, TK-5) | 0% |
| Mathematics | Illustrative Mathematics (2021, TK-5) | 0% |
| Science | FOSS NGSS - Delta Education (2013, TK-5) | 0% |
| History-Social Science | McGraw-Hill California Vistas (2005, TK-5) | 0% |
Conditions of Learning - State Priority 1
Teaching Staff
Orion's credentialing rate dropped sharply in 2022-23 before recovering to 60.5% in 2023-24, matching the district average. The Mandarin Immersion Program adds a specific staffing challenge: finding teachers who are both credentialed and Mandarin-proficient.
Teacher Credentialing: Active Focus Area
After a strong 82.6% fully credentialed rate in 2021-22, Orion's credentialing rate fell to 59.6% in 2022-23 and recovered to 60.5% in 2023-24 - now at the district average. An additional 14.5% were credentialed but assigned out-of-field in 2023-24, reflecting the challenge of finding subject-matter-appropriate teachers for a specialized program campus. This is a district priority.
Fully Credentialed Teachers - 3-Year Trend
Orion Alternative
District
| Credential Status | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Credentialed (properly assigned) | 82.6% | 59.6% | 60.5% |
| Intern Credential Holders | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Without Credentials / Misassigned | 0.0% | 11.4% | 8.9% |
| Credentialed but Assigned Out-of-Field | 13.0% | 0.0% | 14.5% |
Data based on full-time equivalent (FTE) status. Orion had 20.6 total teaching positions in 2023-24.
2023-24 Teacher & Administrator Salaries
| Category | RCSD Amount | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning Teacher Salary | $64,041 | $61,597 |
| Mid-Range Teacher Salary | $97,976 | $98,902 |
| Highest Teacher Salary | $124,633 | $126,340 |
| Average Principal Salary (Elementary) | $160,238 | $158,383 |
| Superintendent Salary | $275,000 | $288,332 |
Professional Development
5 school days per year are dedicated to staff development and continuous improvement (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26).
2025-26 Focus Areas
K-2 MathMath Centers & Assessment Practices
Grades 3-5CA Reading & Literature Project (CRLP)
EL SupportCA EL Roadmap & ELD Framework (Komir Minds)
LeadershipSolution Tree / Professional Learning Communities
PBISSanta Clara / San Mateo County Partnership
2024-25 Focus Areas
K-5 MathIllustrative Mathematics curriculum training
K-8 ELDLanguage Power supplemental curriculum
Grades 3-5Integrated EL Development strategies
TK-8Student Goal-Setting Conferences
MTSSTier 1 & Tier 2 Alignment; UDL Lens
Conditions of Learning - State Priority 1
School Facilities
Orion School was originally constructed in the 1950s and remodeled in the 1990s. It was completely modernized in 1997 through Measures A & B bond projects. The most recent FIT inspection was completed December 1, 2023.
Note on Inspection Date
The most recent FIT inspection for Orion was completed December 1, 2023 - two years prior to the December 2025 inspections conducted at other RCSD schools. The campus earned an overall rating of Good. Families are encouraged to contact the school office for a current update on facility conditions and work order status.
| System Inspected | Rating | Work Orders / Notes (Dec. 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, Mechanical / HVAC, Sewer | Good | - |
| Interior Surfaces | Good | - |
| Cleanliness | Good | - |
| Electrical | Good | - |
| Restrooms / Fountains | Good | WO #110086 - No water in kitchen bathroom sink; WO #110027 - Boys/staff restrooms by Room 21 clogged |
| Fire Safety / Hazardous Materials | Good | WO #110145 - High storage |
| Structural / Roofs | Good | - |
| External / Grounds / Doors / Fences | Good | - |
Engagement - State Priority 6
School Climate
Zero Suspensions in 2024-25 - Zero Expulsions Three Years Running
Orion recorded zero suspensions in 2024-25, and zero expulsions across all three reported years. The suspension rate has dropped from 0.45% in 2022-23 to effectively zero - well below the district (1.27%) and state (2.94%) averages. This reflects Orion's deeply community-oriented school culture supported by both programs.
| Measure | School 2022-23 | School 2023-24 | School 2024-25 | District 2024-25 | State 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Rate | 0.45% | 0.21% | 0.00% | 1.27% | 2.94% |
| Expulsion Rate | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.06% |
2025-26 School Safety Plan
Last ReviewedAnnually by School Site Council and Safety Committee
Fire DrillsMonthly throughout the school year
Earthquake DrillsOnce per year
Lockdown DrillsTwice per year
Campus AccessAll visitors sign in/out at office; prior authorization required for classroom visits
SupervisionTeachers, staff, and administrator supervise students before/after school and during all breaks
2024-25 Chronic Absenteeism
A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of enrolled school days. The overall school rate was 11.7% (61 of 523 eligible students).
Absenteeism Gaps by Student Group
While Orion's overall rate of 11.7% is among the lower rates in the district, significant gaps exist within student groups: Hispanic/Latino students at 25.3%, socioeconomically disadvantaged at 29.1%, students experiencing homelessness at 31.3%, and students with disabilities at 26.5%. These numbers reflect the real-life barriers some Orion families face even within a school of choice.
| Student Group | Eligible Enrollment | Chronically Absent | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 523 | 61 | 11.7% |
| Female | 242 | 25 | 10.3% |
| Male | 281 | 36 | 12.8% |
| Asian | 109 | 4 | 3.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 150 | 38 | 25.3% |
| Two or More Races | 127 | 5 | 3.9% |
| White | 120 | 8 | 6.7% |
| English Learners | 87 | 17 | 19.5% |
| Homeless | 16 | 5 | 31.3% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 151 | 44 | 29.1% |
| Students with Disabilities | 68 | 18 | 26.5% |
Engagement - State Priority 3
Family & Community Involvement
Parent and family involvement is not just encouraged at Orion - it is foundational to both programs. Families across both the Mandarin Immersion and Parent Co-op programs participate in school activities, leadership, and classroom support throughout the year.
Leadership & Committees
Starship PTOAll parents are members; fundraising & community events
School Site CouncilShared governance and school improvement planning
ELACEnglish Learner Advisory Council
Parent Co-op Advisory CouncilProgram-specific leadership for Co-op families
Mandarin Advisory CouncilProgram-specific leadership for Mandarin families
Volunteer OpportunitiesClassrooms, school events, campus projects
Signature Events & Programs
Author & Illustrator Fair
Starship Fundraising
Mandarin Cultural Events
Parent Education Sessions
Classroom Volunteering
School Leadership Events
Campus Projects
Contact school to get involved: (650) 482-2406 or visit orion.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Other SARC Information
Budget & Resources
$24,075
Total Expenditure per Pupil (2023-24)
$13,613
Unrestricted per Pupil
$10,462
Restricted per Pupil
$99,219
Avg. Teacher Salary at Site
Federal Funding Sources (2024-25)
Title IMigrant Education
Title II: Part ATeacher Quality
Title IIILimited English Proficiency
IDEASpecial Education
OtherMedi-Cal Billing Option
State Funding Sources (2024-25)
State LotteryInstructional Materials
State IDEASpecial Education
2024-25 Class Size Distribution
| Grade | Avg. Class Size | Courses 1-20 Students | Courses 21-32 Students | Courses 33+ Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 15 | 6 | 6 | - |
| Grade 1 | 12 | 5 | 4 | - |
| Grade 2 | 13 | 7 | 5 | - |
| Grade 3 | 10 | 6 | 1 | - |
| Grade 4 | 14 | 3 | - | - |
| Grade 5 | 13 | 5 | 3 | - |
For More Information
Contact
Orion Alternative Elementary School
555 Avenue del Ora
Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone: (650) 482-2406
Principal: Winnie Chen
Email: ychen@rcsdk8.net
Web: orion.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Redwood City School District
Phone: (650) 482-2200
Superintendent: Dr. John Baker, Ed.D.
Email: jbaker@rcsdk8.net
Web: rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)