01
Overview
Principal
| School type | School of Choice |
| Special program | Mandarin | Co-op |
| Address | 555 Avenue del Ora, Redwood City, CA 94062 |
| Phone | (650) 482-2412 |
| School website | orion.rcsdk8.net |
| GreatSchools | 9/10 ↗ |
02
Academic Performance
Student Growth
English growth
68.2%
2025-26 mid-year · District-wide: 60.7%
Math growth
60.6%
2025-26 mid-year · District-wide: 56.4%
CA State Testing (2023-24)
Growth measures how much students are learning each year, regardless of their starting point. A school with low proficiency but high growth is accelerating learning. Proficiency measures how many students are at or above grade level right now.
Growth = % of students meeting their annual i-Ready Expected Growth target on the mid-year diagnostic. i-Ready is the district’s local K–8 literacy and math assessment; the LCAP goal is to raise this by 4 percentage points each year. Proficiency = % meeting or exceeding grade-level standards on the CAASPP (the California state test, given in spring of grades 3–8).
Sources: 2024-25 SARCs, 2025-26 SPSAs, 2025-26 LCAP, each school’s 2025-26 Board of Trustees data presentation. Proficiency from 2023-24 CAASPP. Growth from each school’s 2025-26 mid-year i-Ready diagnostic as reported to the Board.
03
Student Demographics
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
31.8% SARC 2024-25
English Learners
22.8% SARC 2024-25
Chronic Absenteeism by Subgroup
| Subgroup | Rate | Absent | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 11.7% | 61 | 523 |
| Hispanic/Latino | 25.3% | 38 | 150 |
| White | 6.7% | 8 | 120 |
| Asian | 3.7% | 4 | 109 |
| Two or More Races | 3.9% | 5 | 127 |
| English Learners | 19.5% | 17 | 87 |
| Students with Disabilities | 26.5% | 18 | 68 |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 29.1% | 44 | 151 |
| Homeless | 31.3% | 5 | 16 |
Chronic absenteeism rate by student subgroup. A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of school days. Source: CDE 2024-25.
English Learners
EL Students
172
LTEL Students
0
6+ years as EL
At-Risk of LTEL
22
4-5 years
Reclassified (RFEP)
10
English Learner status counts. LTEL = 6+ years as EL. At-Risk = 4-5 years. Source: CDE ELAS/LTEL 2024-25.
04
Funding
Per-pupil expenditure data from the 2022-23 SARC. Restricted funds include Title I, special ed, and EL programs. Unrestricted funds are general operating. PTO/PTA revenue from IRS Form 990 filings.
Site Supplemental (SPSA) 2025-26
Supplemental (SPSA)
$1.1M SPSA 2025-26
SPSA Per Pupil
$1,934 SPSA 2025-26
SPSA Source Breakdown
District: $150K
PTO/PTA: $721K
Measure U: $131K
Prop 28: $59K
| Source | Amount | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| District | $150K | 14% |
| PTO/PTA | $721K | 68% |
| Measure U | $131K | 12% |
| Prop 28 | $59K | 6% |
| Total | $1.1M | 100% |
This school does not receive Title I federal funding.
SPSA budgets represent supplemental site-level spending (enrichment, counseling, PD, materials). Base operating costs (teacher salaries, admin, facilities) come from the general fund and vary by school.
05
Staffing
Misassigned
14.6% SARC 2024-25
EL Misassigned
14.6% SARC 2024-25
District target: 100% by 2027
Most ethnically diverse school (35% Hispanic, 23% multiracial, 21% White, 18% Asian). Achievement gap: White 77% vs Hispanic 29% ELA. 33% Chinese staff (Mandarin immersion). Parent co-op model with high engagement.
Teacher Diversity (CDE)
| Race/Ethnicity | Teachers | % |
|---|---|---|
| Hispanic/Latino | 1 | 4.2% |
| White | 9 | 37.5% |
| Asian | 13 | 54.2% |
| Total | 24 | 100% |
Certificated teacher race/ethnicity from CDE Census Day 2024-25.
Teacher Experience
Avg Years Experience
7.4
New Teachers (≤2 yr)
8 / 24
5 first-year
Pupil:Teacher
21.8:1
Pupil:Counselor
512:1
Teacher experience from CDE Census Day 2024-25. Inexperienced = 2 or fewer years total.
06
Documents & Resources
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
Annual state-mandated report on school conditions and student outcomes.
School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
Site-level plan for how supplemental funds are spent.
Bell Schedule
Supervision starts: 8:00 AM
| RegularMon · Tue · Wed · Fri | Thursday | Super-min | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TK | 8:25 AM – 1:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 11:45 AM |
| K | 8:25 AM – 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 11:45 AM |
| 1-2 | 8:15 AM – 2:30 PM | 1:30 PM | 11:45 AM |
| 3-5 | 8:15 AM – 2:40 PM | 1:40 PM | 11:45 AM |
Lunch Menu
School Site Council
Chair: Michael Alba
SPSA adopted: April 2, 2025
Principal: Winnie Chen
Teacher: Cathy Schechter, Chenchen Gong, Jiaying Xu, Dana Bozin
Staff: Katie O'Hara, Brian Tuomy
Parent / Community: Michael Alba, Christina Luke, Linda Khiev-Louie, Oscar Flores, Hana Ma, Joe Ballou
Teacher: Cathy Schechter, Chenchen Gong, Jiaying Xu, Dana Bozin
Staff: Katie O'Hara, Brian Tuomy
Parent / Community: Michael Alba, Christina Luke, Linda Khiev-Louie, Oscar Flores, Hana Ma, Joe Ballou
07
Board Meetings
Board of Trustees meetings with agenda items mentioning this school.
Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Amendment 1 to Facilities Lease with Blach Construction for the HVAC Upgrade projects, Phase 2 at Clifford School, Orion School, and Kennedy Middle School
Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion Presentation and School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) Approval
Adoption of Resolution No. 16, Lease-Leaseback Agreement with Blach Construction for HVAC Projects, Phase 2 at Clifford School, Orion School, and Kennedy Middle School
Res 16 Supporting LLB Award (HVAC Upgrades PH 2 - Blach_ rev 01.27.2026)(4533797.1) ↗Facilities Lease - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533164.1) ↗Site Lease - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533153.1) ↗LLB Contract Documents - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533156.1) ↗Facilities Lease - Exhibit C - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533165.1) ↗Facilities Lease - Exhibit D - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533163.1) ↗Facilities Lease - Exhibit D-1 - HVAC Upgrades Projects - Increment 2 (Blach)(4533157.1) ↗
Approval of Orion Alternative School Field Trip to Outdoor Education from 11/17/25 through 11/21/25
Approval of Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion School Field Trip to Sierra Outdoor School, Gold Rush Field Trip – April 13th and April 14th, 2026
Approval of the Agreement between Redwood City School District and You Consulting LLC for Mandarin Oral Language, Literacy, and Teacher Support at Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion School for the 2025–2026 School Year
Approval of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Siemens Building Management Systems for the Phase II HVAC Upgrades Projects at Kennedy MS, Orion, and Clifford
Approval of Contracts with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) for Design Services for HVAC Upgrades Projects at Kennedy Middle , Orion Alternative, and Clifford schools
Approval of HVAC Upgrade Projects Phase II: Kennedy Middle School, Orion Alternative School, and Clifford School
Multi-year school growth and improvement plan
School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA review)
School presented its 2024-25 academic year report to the board.
Orion and Taft School Presentations for the 2023-2024 School Year
Approval of Addendum to 2023-24 Measure U Application for Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion School
Approval of Construction Management Agreement Amendment #3 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with RGM Kramer, Inc.
190320 RCSD JG Agreement for CM Services-Fully Executed.pdf ↗190924 RCSD Assignment, Assumption, and Consent Agreement-Fully Executed.pdf ↗200624 John Gill CM Fee Amendment #1.pdf ↗210620 John Gill CM Fee Amendment #2 with RGMK - Fully Executed.pdf ↗230823 John Gill CM Fee Amendment #3 with RGMK.pdf ↗
Approval of Proposal for Fire Alarm Repair with Vanden Bos Electric for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Final Plan Review Invoice with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Proposal for the Furnishing and Installation of a Water Pump with Scapes, Inc. for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Proposal for Classroom Tackboards with Beals Martin for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Architect Additional Service Amendment #12 with CAW for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Single Plan for Student Achievement for Orion, Garfield, and Taft Community Schools
Approval of Modernization and New Building, Bid Package A, Change Order #9 to the Agreement with Duran & Venables for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
School Plan for Student Achievement: Adelante Selby and Orion
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #20 to the Agreement and Allowance Expenditure Directives #3 and #4 with Sausal Corporation for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Proposal for Asphalt Replacement with Dryco for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #19 to the Agreement with Sausal Corporation for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Proposal for 48 Port Switches and Supporting Equipment with CDW-G at Garfield Community School and Orion Alternative School
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid, Package G, Change Order #17 to the Agreement with Sausal Corporation for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Proposal for Demolition of Asphalt Concrete Around Old Portable Buildings Scheduled for Removal with Duran and Venables at Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Project Inspector Agreement Amendment #12 with Inspectacon at Kennedy Middle School's Maker Space Project, Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School), and McKinley Institute of Technology's Theater Projection Screen
Approval of Proposal for the Furnishing and Installation of an Automatic Watering System and Sod/Lawn with Scapes, Inc., at Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of New Building and Modernization Project Bid Package F, Change Order #3 to the Agreement with Scapes Landscape Company, Inc., for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of New Building and Modernization Project Bid Package E, Change Order #4 to the Agreement with Foothill Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
Approval of Agreement between United Through Education, Inc. and the Redwood City School District for Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion School
Approval of Proposal for Soil Preparation, Ripping, Tilling and Placement of Sod with Scapes, Inc. at Orion Alternative School (Formerly, John Gill School)
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package G Change Order #16 with Sausal Corporation for Orion Alternative School
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Change Order #15 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Wall Adjustment Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Boeger
Approval of Modernization and New Buildings Project Change Order #3 for Orion Alternative School with Foothill Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
Approval of Interim Housing Portable Removal Proposal for Garfield Community School and Orion Alternative School with Mobile Modular
Approval of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with VDB
Approval of Project Inspector Agreement Amendment #11 for Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill) and Taft Community School with Inspectacon
Approval of Addendum to 2021-22 Measure U Application for Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package F Change Order #1 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Scapes
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package D Electric, Change Order #5 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Vanden Bos
Approval of Lunch Shelter Construction Agreement for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Park Planet
Approval of TK and Kinder Play Structure Construction Agreement for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Park Planet
Approval of Child Day Care (CDC) Portable Roof Replacement Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill ) with State Roofing
Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form (PAF) #27-2 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Ninyo and Moore
Adoption of Resolution 23, Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package I Marquee Fire Protection, Change Order #1
Adoption of Resolution 20, Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package E Foothill Air Conditioning Change Order #1
Approval of Architect Additional Services Proposals for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with CAW
Approval of Architect Additional Service Amendments #6, #8, and #9 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with CAW
Approval of Project Inspector Agreement Amendment #10 for Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill) and Taft Schools with Inspectacon
Approval of Modernization & New Buildings Project Change Order #7 for Orion Alternative School with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Turnkey Security Camera and Intrusion System Agreement for Garfield, Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill), and Taft Schools with Siemens
Approval of STEAM Furniture Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Campbell Keller
Approval of Interim Housing Power Payment for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with PG&E
Approval of Security Camera and Intrusion System Rough-in Proposals for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Siemens
Approval of Classroom Furniture Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Virco
Approval of Administration Furniture Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Campbell Keller
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Change Order #6 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Change Order #4 for Orion Alternative School with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Construction Management (CM) Fee Amendments for Garfield, Hoover, Taft Community Schools and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with RGM Kramer
Approval of Play Structure Relocation and Repair Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with SpectraTurf
Approval of Additional Interim Housing Portable Rental and Removal Allowance for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) and Garfield Community School with Mobile Modular
Approval of Modernization and New Building Project Change Order #4 for Orion Alternative School with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form (PAF) #27-1 for Orion Alternative School with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Oversight Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Monitoring Project Authorization Form #31-6 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore
Orion Alternative School’s Multicultural Presentation
Approval of the Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package G for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) with Sausal Corporation, Change Order #3
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Monitoring Project Authorization Form #31-5 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package H, Change Order #1 with OC McDonald
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package G, Change Order #2 with Sausal Corporation
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Oversight Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Monitoring Project Authorization Form #31-4 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Fire Sprinkler Piping Upsize Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Marquee Fire Protection
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package G with Sausal Corporation, Change Order #1
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package A Duran & Venables, Change Order #3
Approval of Soil Off Haul Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Duran and Venables
Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Monitoring Project Authorization Form #31-3 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Utility Relocation and Upgrade Proposals for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with PG&E
Approval of Pressure Release Valve (PRV) for Water Main Line Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with MK Pipelines
Approval of Touchless Plumbing Fixture Replacement Construction Agreements for Garfield School, Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill School), and Taft School with Ciari and Hoover School with Dinelli
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package B with MK Pipelines, Change Order #2
Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package D with Vanden Bos Electric, Change Order #1
Approval of California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) Construction Oversight Add Service Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) Construction Oversight Add Service Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and United Through Education, Inc. (Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion, Roosevelt School, and Taft Community School)
Approval of Addendum to 2020-21 Measure U Application for Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion
Approval of Encroachment Permit Fee Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with the City of Redwood City
Approval of Play Structure Construction Agreements for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Park Planet
Approval of California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) Construction Oversight Change Order #2 Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of Touchless Plumbing Fixture Replacement Proposals for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) and Roy Cloud School with CAW
Consideration of 1) Canceling Contract with Sausal Corporation for the Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project, or 2) Assessing a Penalty against Sausal Corporation No More than 10% of Sausal Corporation’s Subcontract with National Glass
Approval of Generator Rental and Purchase Proposals for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Peterson Power
Approval of California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) Construction Oversight Proposal and Change Order #1 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
Approval of Construction Staking Project Authorization Form for Orion Alternative School with Kier and Wright
Approval of Soil Mitigation Plan (SMP) Project Authorization Form (PAF) for Orion Alternative School (formerly known as John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Safety Compliance Officer Proposal for Orion Alternative School with The Safety Guys
Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Forms for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) and Garfield School with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Time Lapse Camera Temporary Power and Installation and San Francisco Airport Noise Tower Relocation Proposal for Orion Alternative School with Vanden Bos
Approval of Construction Management Consultant Fee Reconciliation Proposal for Orion Alternative School with RGM Kramer
Approval of Multi-Prime Construction Agreement with Various Contractors for Orion Alternative School
11_2_PackageADV_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageBMKPipelines_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageCCaseyFogliConcrete_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageDVandenBosElectric_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageEFoothillAirConditioningHeating_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageFScapes_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageGSausal_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageHOCMcDonald_0.pdf ↗11_2_PackageIMarqueeFireProtection_0.pdf ↗