We were so lucky to find Orion Academy! Our teen joined sophomore year, and they have been thriving in ways we've never seen them thrive before. The kids are bright and quirky and kind, and the teachers and leadership truly understand how to support 2E/ASD kids in ways that will prepare them for life after high school. My teen has become so independent in just a year at Orion, and I am confident that this will only increase as they begin the transitions program in 11th grade. Social emotional, speech, executive function, and self-regulation support is cohesively built into all aspects of every class in ways that are clearly transferable to other settings during and post-high school. The school is 100% committed to helping prepare every student for whatever their goals are for after high school. As a bonus, the school is super sensory friendly in all ways, something no public school IEP can really accommodate for. Dr. Stewart has designed a real gem of a school! read more

My son is now 26. He went to Orion for 4 years starting in 8th grade. The school insisted on laptops but refused to allow parental control software. The school puts personal laptops in front of the kids all day at school and all evening for homework. These smart obsessive kids search porn and develop computer addictions due to unlimited computer use and no supervisory software. One girl cyber bullied others then hacked the school's system. The school refused any responsibility. The school said keeping kids from porn and obsessive use was a parenting issue. Secondly, they have no physical education for already resistant kids. They made it mandatory for parents to provide PE after school and on weekends. Overstressed, overtired parents battled to get homework done. and did their best but failed. My son is now a computer/porn addicted adult who has no physical passion. He is a shut in. This happened to several of the kids in my son's class. Be warned. As there may not be options. Insist on parental software if you can. Talk with other parents. read more

I went here years ago and this is my honest opinion. The principal/owner is very hateful, angry and abusive. However the teachers were very empathetic, and sadly many of them left due to the poor conditions. I think the big issue with this school is the fact that having a bunch of hormonal autistic kids together breeds tons of drama and hatred between each other. Many people who graduated eventually became inflexible, extremely maladjusted to the real world (lots of college dropouts), and even holding grudges post high school over things that happened years ago. In fact it turned me extremely toxic at one point in my life, and I didn't truly grow and blossom until I went back to mainstream school, integrated with neurotypicals, made normal friends and went to college and worked with normal people. This school had me regressing to thinking the world worked a certain way, especially with the overly strict rules which would never be in a mainstream environment!!!! I think a better idea would be to have an integrated school where autistic people and neurotypical people share a space and it's smaller and focused on educating neurotypical teens on how to work with and socialize with autistics and vice versa. read more

2010-2012 experience Like my other reviews, I will start with the positives. The school helped me socially. The teachers and counselors explained to me what I was doing that could have insulted someone. It also helped my writing to an extent. I frequently went on tangents, but the teachers were able to help me pinpoint where I was making tangents, and how they were tangents. Overall, I was able to meet 3 very kind teachers here, and they helped me through my time here. Now, this is where the long list of negatives come into the review. Where do I start? The school's main issue, which seems to be unanimous, is its excessive amount of rules. Most of which, are not written down. The teachers claim that, "Students must obey authority". While I agree to this up to a certain extent, it becomes aggravating and confusing when one teacher will let a student do something, and another teacher won't. Then, if the student just wants to make sure and ask another teacher if the first teacher was wrong, the counselor's will give the student a detention because they think they're trying to sneak around the rules. Nobody is perfect, and it's possible to make mistakes. Not every student is trying to be rebellious. If they wrote down their extensive list of rules, there would be no problem now would there? If they can't write them all down, that shows there are too many! Another issue is the unwritten "No-touch policy". There is no touching allowed on campus, but the principal has allowed handshakes when you introduce yourself. There have been cases where students have been given detention, over HIGH FIVES! The school claims that they want students to be social, and one of the most social signs in America was considered punishable because of a 0.5 second of physical contact between two students. In addition, the school forces students to join clubs and other activities they do not want to join. They also lie about how long the student has to stay in the club. I was forced to work in the student store for one semester during my senior year in 2012. I did nothing wrong, and my time was extended to an additional semester for no reason! They knew I didn't like it to! Next, the guidance counselors. When I was a Senior, there were 2. A woman for the 8th, 9th, and 12th graders. For the 10th and 11th graders, and man. The man will leave you alone as long as you stay out of his way, but will help with issues like bullying if he feels it's necessary. I acknowledge that he taught me not to act like a victim, and to look at how my actions affected a situation before I complained. However, he rejects anything fun for the students. If it appears that the student is enjoying something, he will force them to put it away. He claims, "School should not be fun". If every second of school is miserable, the students will surely become depressed, and rebel. The female counselor left, but there is one story I need to mention, because I know it will happen again. I never asked to go home early. It was February, and I had a nasty sinus infection. I was queasy, my throat hurt, and I felt faint. I went to my counselor, and asked her to let me get my temperature taken so I could go home early. She did not let me do that. She forced me to go to class. I begged her again in two hours because I could barely stand, she still said no. For the first time of the year, after 6 months of school being in session, I asked to go home early. She didn't let me. I didn't go to school the next day and went to the doctor. My pediatrician said in these exact words, "Why didn't they send you home? You were in no condition to be up that day"! The next day, I had to go to school in the evening because I was in a play for drama, and had I not gone, I would have lost 20% of my grade. When my drama teacher saw me, she literally gasped and asked me if I was okay to perform. While the other students had to prepare the stage for the play, I was allowed to rest because I was ill. This shows that the teachers don't understand that not every student is trying to get out of going to school. After 3 days of rest, I went back and confronted my counselor. Instead of having the decency to apologize to me, she just said, "I'm glad you're feeling better". Unacceptable. I want to say more, but Yelp has a character limit. The principal clearly has a power complex, and playes favorites. When I was sick that day and not allowed to go home, she let certain students go home early because they're "having a bad day". I truly want this school to improve, because I know it can do much better. I have written this review not out of spite, but because I want future students to have a better experience than I did. I admit that many of the students that go to this school do try to fake illness, find loopholes, and be rebellious. As a consequence, most of the teachers have made this schema that all students are like that, which is not true. read more

Orion Academy - The front of the school in Moraga. - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Concord, California

My son attended Orion for five years, and the school provided exactly what he needed: a structured learning environment tuned to his needs, with the therapeutic support that was critical to his functioning. Maybe Orion isn't perfect, but it's the best we could find, and far, far better than the Special Day Class that the Oakland school system offered. Other schools offered accommodations, but none had the approach that Orion took - minimizing homework, keeping everything on a computer, and the integrated social education. Because Orion works with the local school systems to provide their education through the IEP system, teachers must have a special education credential as well as a subject matter credential - and teachers like this are few and far between. My son didn't always get along with his teachers, and sometimes disagreed with them, but that's part of school! My son was often frustrated by the school rules, but saw the need for them, and his acceptance and appreciation grew over the years as he matured. He really flourished in the environment that Orion provided and very much misses the community that he found there. read more

As a student that graduated from here, the overall experience was very hectic. Hectic in the sense that there were a lot of things going on (both good and bad) and that things aren't always so pleasant on what's going on from the inside. From the outside, Orion Academy seems like a safe place where children are all equal and treated fairly where students will always get along and that your child will have a massive success, both academically and socially. Hate to say it, but it's only half true. Orion is somewhat safe, but there isn't exactly 100% fairness amongst the students. Some students get better treatment than others (and it gets pretty obvious after a while on where favorites lie amongst the uppers). Also, not everyone will get along so easily. After 4 years, I've seen drama go down like you would in any high school. Broken computers, hitting each other, yelling that can be heard through the whole building because someone got a little upset, and many other things. For academic success and social success, it can happen. For academics, it's almost like a game of chance. Orion has an odd history of hiring some bad teachers (their most famous one is hiring bad math teachers), and you can expect to get some not exactly up to par teachers there. I had 4 math teachers in three years, and only 2 of them were good. Each of the teachers definitely have a certain kind of personality, some better than others, and your child will get along with some better than others. Social wise, it's mostly the students that make each other better when it comes to the whole social aspect. We talk to each other, we make friends, we meet a few people we don't like, but we eventually learn how to deal with each other. The psychologists at the school that teach kids the whole "social skills" part do an OK job. Most of the work comes from us though. When we see each other, we learn from each other's mistakes, faux pas, and seeing other kids get in trouble. Also, by communicating and becoming friends with each other helps us learn how we can get along and be friends, instead with the psychologists thinking we're not smart enough to do it on our own. Speaking of the administration, that has to be one of the biggest problems. The psychologists and their leader, Dr. Stewart, obviously love control. You have to do as they say. There is no choice. Even if you disagree with what they are saying completely will get you in trouble... Sometimes just speaking your opinion can get you in trouble. They got the whole "It must be done this way and you must think this way." mentality running. If you're lucky enough, you can actually speak your mind without receiving a lot of flak from them. Their control is almost insane, and they will try to shove their power down the students' throats, if needed. Overall, think twice before sending your kid here. It could be great and they will thrive, or they will constantly get panic attacks, or not even improve socially or academically. It's a gamble. If you feel like it's right, go for it. If you don't, don't feel ashamed for not choosing this school. It's only pretty from the outside. read more

My son has attended Orion for 4 years, starting as an 8th grader and I have been so impressed with how the school has been able to help him mature into a nearly college-ready young man. There are some truly amazing teachers who take a very personal interest in each student. You have an opportunity to meet with a selection of teachers every 6 weeks during the school year and I feel that many have acting as my ally to get the best performance out of my son. I know that the teachers and staff collaborate about students weekly and for us, they have come up with really creative solutions to requests or problems. I have also had really positive experiences with the psychologists, who, like the teachers, are very responsive and creative when I have asked them how to encourage my son to engage more socially. The transitions staff is truly phenomenal, making suggestions for summer programs, coming up with custom-tailored internships, and being a great resource about college and post-Orion preparation. We are also very excited to be part of the debut of the very innovative and custom-developed Bridge to College program, where my son will have access to DVC community college courses in high school while still at Orion. Part of the appeal for me is that DVC professors will be trained in how to teach to our students in particular. I think it might be hard for my son to deal with the pressures of adjusting to college-level work expectations at the same time he is adjusting to all of the other pressures of college so I appreciate this more gradual introduction in a supportive environment. And, from a parent point of view, I cannot imagine a more supportive parent group. I have some parent friends that I think I will have for the rest of my life. The school is not perfect but it has been a nearly perfect environment for my son to grow and develop. read more

My son will be successfully graduating from Orion Academy this May after attending this high school for five years. Orion is touted as a school for kids with Non-verbal Learning Disorders, Aspergers. and other neurocognitive disorders. However, it has been a good fit for my son whose diagnosis is OCD, ADHD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. My son spent many years in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Skills groups, and saw a Psychologist and Psychiatrist beginning at 3 years old. He attended our local public school K - 2, was home-schooled for a brief time, then he was placed in a special day class 3 -5, and attended a private school 6-7. We were VERY fortunate to find Orion Academy, and he began in 8th grade. His academic and social life were hell, until he entered Orion. Orion provides a very structured environment for students, with a focus on developing life skills for students to be independent following their high school years. Most of the 65+ students go on to college, and find jobs. Class offerings allow students to meet requirements for any university. Latin is the foreign language offered. Science electives have included Biology, Physics, and Forensics. Unfortunately Chemistry is not offered as the school is small and space limited for a lab. The English and Literature program is fabulous and the students learn to read and write essays. Computers are required and used in every class. And computers are monitored by a technology staff member for any non-school related sites. There are after school study groups, and enrichment classes offered such as Digital Arts and Cross Country. Starting in 8th grade, students participate in Personal Projects. This is a class in which students chose a topic and report to the Orion community of parents, staff and teachers. The report is a power point presentation. I was amazed when my 13 year old student got up in front of students, parents and faculty and successfully gave his first of many Personal Project power point presentations. The curriculum includes small "group" meetings, led by school psychologists, that focus on social skills, self-regulation, and conflict management. Classes are between 4 - 8 kids and allow students to discuss issues and learn in a controlled environment. Bullying is not tolerated at this school, and for the first time for many kids, students make friendships at school. Clubs are encouraged, and students can petition to create a club. My son has been in a Movie Club and began a Pathfinder Club. Other clubs have included Chess, Cartoon Drawing, and Animae. The PTO is very active and puts on parent education/speaker nights, off-site staff-chaperoned school dances, Bowling Night, Prom, a party/auction in the fall for families and students, and a beautiful graduation dinner ceremony and celebration for the entire school community. There is a "transitions" psychologist on staff to work with students on resume building, job interviews, SAT prep and accommodations, college essay writing, and applications. Summer job internships between Jr and Sr year are mandatory and arranged and monitored in conjunction with the school, parents, students, and job site. Students have grade level requirements such as preparing family meals, initiating social engagements with friends, getting to and from school on their own via public transportation, and going through the process of getting a driving permit. As a parent, finding a community like Orion has been a lifesaving experience. Parents have many opportunities to meet each other, share stories, resources, and provide support for each other, and I have made contacts and friendships that are lifelong. While Orion isn't perfect, it was the best high school anywhere for my son, and we are so very fortunate to have been part of this amazing community. read more

For my family Orion Academy was a lifesaver! Thank you thank you thank you! My son attended Orion Academy for four years. What he found there was a community of people (staff and students alike) that understood him and welcomed him. Orion Academy is a school developed purely to address and support the learning styles of students with Asperger syndrome, NLD and other similar disorders. Every hour of their school day is structured towards their unique learning styles. Students are supported and successful. Make no mistake, this is not a 'special' school academically. It is a college prep high school with rigorous UC approved classes. It is required by the state to use the same textbooks as the public (Moraga) high schools in its area. Currently, my son is in college and living on his own - something we never expected to happen. He returns to Orion on occasion to visit with the director and other staff members. He too realizes the gift he was given and how it has affected his adult life. Warning to parents that are being convinced by the public schools that they can do the same thing Orion can. They can not. Orion's entire staff and curriculum is monitored by psychologists who are experts in the field of Aspergers and NLD. This is who supported my son, the public school offers a couple instructors for a couple hours a day - how can that be the 'same'? Well, truth is my son is my proof. I saw the difference in him after he was at Orion compared to public school and that's all I need to see. Thank you Orion. read more

I am so thankful for Orion Academy. Our child has thrived there the past three years. The school offers such a unique and powerful program for high-school students with Asperger's Syndrome. It has no equal, and has set the standard for other schools to follow. The small classrooms, the near paperless environment, and the personal projects help these young people succeed in school when they have often struggled elsewhere. They learn life skills that prepare them for adulthood. I would recommend Orion Academy to anyone who has a child with Asperger's or NLD. read more

Orion Academy, like the previous reviews below me, does have many things that can change for the better. First off, the no touch policy. Depending on the teacher, even giving someone a greeting hug or holding hands is punishable. Part of Aspergers and NLD is not liking to be touched. Once students graduate and go off into the real world, they need to accept some forms of touching. They can't freak out over handshakes or anything like that. While I agree some forms of touching are inappropriate, they need to WRITE IT DOWN, so that everyone, including the teachers, know which forms of touching are encouraged, and which one's are not allowed. Second, the teachers always expect the worst out of the students. There is a "Subway" restaurant down the street from the school, and sometimes my peers and I would go there BEFORE school, and by our lunches, and put them in the fridge for lunchtime. On numerous occasions, if we didn't have "Out to Lunch" rights that week, some teachers would interrogate us! They would ask us if our parents had brought us the food, or if we had a different student bring it to us! We had never done anything like that before, so why do they assume we would start? They need to know that not every student is rebellious! Basically, they need to be kinder to the students, and write down their massive list of rules. I've read the lower rated reviews below, they're 100% true read more

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. read more