Orion Academy

350 Rheem Boulevard

Moraga, CA 94556

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 27, 2014

My son has thrived during his 4 years at Orion Academy. With the guidance of teachers, psychologists, staff and administrators, my child will enter college with the academic, social and advocacy skills he needs to succeed as an Aspergers adult. Orion Academy has been life changing for our son and our family.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

My son is very happy at Orion. I was worried that the classes might be dumbed down. This is not the case. The small classes really facilitate learning and he has made significant improvement in his writing skills. The teachers are fantastic and he responds to the personalized attention. Social activities are not numerous but everyone is included and valued and he participates as much, if not more, as he would at any other high school. Parents are wonderful, eclectic and very welcoming. A truly caring environment for students and parents alike with high character and academic expectations.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

My son will be successfully graduating from Orion Academy in May and attending college in the fall. Orion combines strong academics with social and life skills and the curriculum meets all requirements for any University. THere are psychologists on staff that meet with student groups on a daily basis and teach social skills and self regulation techniques. Classes are small, 4 - 8 students, and very structured. The PTO is strong and parents are able to be involved planning family and student social events, such as Prom, Bowling night, Speaker night, Graduation, and an annual family picnic/auction. Students learn independence and upper classmen are required to cook family meals, get to and from school using public transportation, hold a summer internship that is arranged and monitored by a staff "transitions" psychologist, go through the driver's permit process, write college application essays, write a resume and participate in mock job interviews. Orion has prepared my son for life after high school, and given him the tools to be successful in life.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

This is amazing school. Our son has been at the school since he was in eighth grade. (Super 8 program). He is currently a Jr. and has found success here when all other private and public schools have failed him. Administration is very approachable and community is warm and close knit.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2014

Orion Academy has been a life-changing experience for our daughter. Your program has allowed her to come out of the shell that she crawled into during middle school. Her social confidence is improving; she enjoys school again, is academically challenged, and values the friendships that she has made at Orion. She has also learned to accept and to appreciate herself as someone with Asperger s and is learning to value the strengths that her unique skills offer. She adores all of her teachers and comes home with funny and interesting stories about things that are happening at school. We are so fortunate to have moved to the Bay Area, where our daughter can attend a school where she is understood and valued.
Submitted by other on November 13, 2013

Orion is the best school by far of any program serving spectrum teenagers - creating a community, providing education that is more than just classes, challenging kids to push themselves. The Dog class, Personal Projects class and the new Seminar class are all examples of innovation at a school that continues to look for more for our kids.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2012

Orion Academy provided an excellent learning environment for our son. The program is structured and well organized. In addition to the academic experience, Orion goes above and beyond to prepare students for higher education and the work world with their innovative Transitions Program. Students social skills and life skills are increased by having them participate in many activities such as the "State of the School Day" and the Senior Challenge, just to name a few. They also learn to use public transportation, to shop, to cook, banking, and many other life skills to facilitate their independence. We were involved with our sons education through Community Meetings every six weeks. On these days we observed his personal project presentations and attend parent/student meetings with his teachers, the psychologist and director to evaluate his progress. Our son thrived during his four years at Orion Academy which in turn changed our families lives for the better. He went from a struggling High School student to a confident young man and college student.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2012

My son attended Orion Academy for four years and it was the best money we ever spent. Orion is structured to totally support and complement the learning style of students with Aspergers, NLD and other similar disorders. That coupled with the wonderful community provided for the students AND the families made it the perfect place for us. My son flourished and continues to do so in college. Thank you thank you thank you.
Submitted by other on October 26, 2012

Administration is intimidating, and difficult to communicate with.While a good school for some, there are way better schools out there for students with Aspergers and NLD.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2012

My daughter loves Orion and for the first time has real friends and less anxiety about school. We couldn't be happier. Just wish she could stay here for college!
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2012

My son absolutely hit the ground running in Jr. College and Orion Academy prepared him appropriately! I am a parent of a recent graduate from Orion Academy. This school serves a population of kids that are at great risk of being left behind from their peers in the typical public school. My son has absolutely flourished in jr. college and Orion is at the core of what has sent my son on this upward trajectory. Orion is a school that is intentional in how they work with and understand those in the Asperger's and NLD population. I do strongly recommend Orion Academy for both their academics as well as their committment to helping their kids in the socialization process. I know that my son was very well served by this school and is enjoying the success that he now has in large part due to Orion.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2012

We found the school both supportive and challenging for our son. We like the academic rigor as it is balanced with practical tools for leaning. The social program also has greatly effected my son.
Submitted by other on June 18, 2012

Great Teachers, Good Curriculum. The best school in the west for Students with NLD or Asperger's
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

Orion Academy is a school in which I can be myself and walk around without fear of being judged. I'm taught by teachers whom I can rely on and I know I can ask them for help.
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

Orion academy does many things well and there are a lot of things that I could say about it. I could mention how it manages to balance academics with social education, or how the teachers are devoted to their students success but there is one thing that stands out to me about orion. Orion is able to care for each individual student and adapt to fit their needs. it's able to tailor its curiculum and even its rules in order to create the environment each student needs
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

orion is a great school that feels safe and comfortable. the teachers are nice and help to improve your weak spots. there are a lot of class that focus on your way of learning and use that to help you improve. also the clubs help with socialization and give you something to do during lunch.
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

I like the fact that this school is small. The teachers acutally care about our feelings and at The same time work us to our fullest extent. I also like that people respect each other(Most of the time
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

I think that Orion Academy has a staff filled with teachers that truly care teaching students with neurocognitive disorders. I also like the times where school have social outings because it has helped me to enjoy new activities.
Submitted by student on June 06, 2012

I find Orion to be a very positive school with a great community and a good teaching style. Every staff member is very upbeat and rather fun yet they know how to teach and for the most part drill the subject into your head. Their is a strong sense of community among students which I find to be a great aspect of this school.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2012

This school is not good at all. Discipline policy is unreasonable and it is really expensive. My son should've got an education some where else. Academics are so not college prep.