Orion Academy

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 a parent

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 a parent

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.

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 a parent

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 a parent

Great Teachers, Good Curriculum. The best school in the west for Students with NLD or Asperger's

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 a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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 a student

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 a student

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 a student

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 a student

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 a student

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 a student

This school's teachers vary greatly in quality from very poor to extremely skilled. This school is small, and as such name-calling and gossip tends to spread like wildfire, with the result that I never felt safe anywhere as though someone were name-calling, laughing, or gossiping about me behind my back. I would give this school no stars if I could. They make a huge deal about how the courses here are UC accredited and thus challenging, but in reality they only prepare you for community college at best. It's as though they expect the students to be flipping burgers at McDonalds at the pinnacle of their career. I think students with autism and other so-called learning disorders deserve better than this. The whole game plan here is forcing the students to be as 'neurotypical' or normal like their peers as possible, regardless of self-esteem, happiness, or love. No one should be pressured to be something they are not. I am not saying that autistic children do not have challenges that need to be overcome, many of them do. But I don't believe that the leadership of this school, which practically drips with condescension for students and their families, constructively aids them at all.

Orion Academy is a great school for people with Aspergers, NLd and other neurological diagnostics. Orion Academy has a strong academy program. Orion know also offers winter abroad trips to selected juniors/ senior during the 3 week winter break. Orion in 2011 offers trips to the Oregon Shakespeare festival and in the summer of a 3 week backpacking program. The teachers I have have been excellent and pro at the subject they teach. Orion Academy also offers in the Fall and Spring and Track/Cross Country Program, which run around the town and in community races.
—Submitted by a student

For me, the main strong point of this school is the social part. Going here, I made a lot of friends, more than at previous schools. I felt I fit in because my peers had differences like mine. Another strong point of the use of technology. The technology used in this school makes learning a lot easier. Academics here is okay. Small classrooms strengthens academics. There are definitely some very good teachers, but there are others that aren't as good. The lack of homework is nice, but it doesn't really prepare students for college, where they will have a lot of outside work. I also agree with some parents about the lack of respect given to students and their parents. I have experienced this. But still, better than public school for kids with Aspergar's and similar differences.
—Submitted by a student

This school has been a vast improvement for my gifted son with NLD. He has friends, is comfortable, and is learning. Some reviews on this site have complained that the academics are somehow lacking. The academic level is not on par with a top tier private school, but it is college prep and brings the kids along academically so that they are successful and learn to compensate for their weaknesses. My son's academic testing is strong and we are confident that he will be successful in college. Most importantly, he is HAPPY now. The director of the school is an extremely strong personality. She does not endear herself to many people, but she has designed a strong program and the kids are the beneficiaries.
—Submitted by a parent

Orion Academy does not deliver on its promises academically. Also there is a pervasive and inherent lack of respect of students and their families, and it starts from the top.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is much better then all the other schools I've been too in a long time. I am making many more friends then I did at public schools, and my writing skills have vastly improved. Almost everyone is friendly with everyone else here, and small classes are a good thing to have, too. All in all, a great school for Aspergers people.
—Submitted by a student