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Application Information

Application Process

Students can apply to Orion throughout the year, as long as an opening is available. For decisions regarding entry for fall of the next school year, applications will be reviewed beginning in January and continuing through March. Parents will need to request an application packet, either by phone, e-mail or in writing. Once you have reviewed the materials, gathered the necessary information and completed the forms, return the information to Orion Academy, attn: Admissions Committee, along with the $75.00 non-refundable application fee. You will be notified within two weeks if the information is complete and if an interview will be scheduled.

During the first interview, parent and student meet with Dr. Stewart and may meet with one of the faculty. This takes approximately 1- 2 hours. Following that interview the staff will discuss the placement and if appropriate, a second interview is offered. This time the student is asked to spend a morning at Orion, which will include a math test and providing a writing sample. A final decision will be sent to the student and parents within two weeks. In the event the decision is against admissions, please feel free to call and discuss this with Dr. Stewart.

Orion Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, athletic and other school administered programs.

Process of Application:

1. Families will contact Orion Academy for application between September 15th and December 15th of the current academic year – aid will be considered for the NEXT academic year only.
   
   
2. Families will submit financial information to independent review (family to cover the cost of this review).
   
   
3. Upon receipt of the report from the review, families submit the application and the independent financial review to Orion Financial Aid Committee – no applications will be accepted after January 15th of the current academic year.
   
   
4. Families will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision.
   

Financial Aid Policy

Statement of Purpose

• Orion Academy strives to offer financial assistance to students whose financial need is evaluated by an independent review, with a commitment to non-discrimination and consideration of student’s personal and academic factors.
• Each year the board will evaluate the amount of assistance that can be offered and will announce the acceptance of applications for financial aid.
• Application will be open to any current or incoming student and will be evaluated by the board committee.
• Recommendations from teachers and Dr. Stewart will be considered.

Nondiscrimination Policy
Orion Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, and other school-administered programs.

The goals of this aid include:

• Making it possible for current, successful students to continue at Orion even in the face of a change in the family financial circumstances.
• To assist in creating a diverse student population of students who might otherwise not be able to afford the full Orion tuition.

Factors to consider (these factors are not ranked):

• Number of years at Orion
• Academic and social success
• Family commitment to the program
• Increasing the diversity of the student population

Orion Academy Policy for Accepting Students on IEP

It is the policy of the Orion Academy to accept no more than 50% of the student body on IEP/school district contracts. While our goal is to make admission possible for students who cannot afford the tuition and can qualify through their school district, the requirements of the IEP process together with financial and contractual issues with school districts require us to limit such enrollments in order to ensure that we can operate the school successfully. This policy makes it possible for us to satisfy our responsibility to run a safe and fiscally sound organization while making our unique program available to as many qualified students as possible.  We understand that there will be more applications for IEP students than slots each year and the following criteria have been developed to guide the process of accepting the contracts.

This policy does not apply to students who are seeking admission without a school district contract, even if the child has a current IEP. In that case it will be up to the family to determine their means of covering the tuition for that year and, if they choose, to seek reimbursement from their school district. This is an option that will allow families to place students at Orion, covering the first year tuition through personal means and still have the placement covered financially. We see this option as one families should consider.  To support all our families, we have begun a limited financial aid program that we hope to grow over the years to come. If you are interested in Financial Aid, please contact the office for information and an application.

Criteria for Accepting Contracts

• Length of time at Orion - students who have already been a member of the school community will have first priority for IEP consideration as a new slot opens.
• Continuing students who are already here on IEP are considered filled slots and need not be concerned about this.

In deciding on accepting NEW students under an IEP, the following issues will be considered.

• Order of request - once a student has begun the process and the district has accepted the placement at Orion the order of that acceptance will prioritize contract acceptance. This is also true for new students applying for admission.
• Diversity - Students who increase the gender and ethnic diversity of the school will be another priority.
• Contract requirements - Orion will not enter into contracts with school districts if the contractual terms place an undue burden on the operation of the school.
• Payment history - school districts with a history of prompt payment will get favorable consideration.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Orion Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, and other school-administered programs.