As one of the four schools of choice in the District, Orion Alternative School is a kindergarten through fifth grade elementary school that places an enormous emphasis on family involvement. Parents are expected to participate in school activities for a minimum of two hours a week.
With only nine classrooms, the school offers a small learning environment to instill in children a love of learning. Most classes are single-grade, but in the third through fifth grades, classes are configured as third-fourth, and fourth-fifth. Orion offers many off-site learning opportunities while still adhering to California State Standards. It was designated a "California Distinguished School" in 2008.