Orinda Academy

Orinda Academy provides a structured supportive environment for bright students in grades 8-12, who are seeking a broad, engaging, and challenging curriculum as well as small classes and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Our graduates attend prestigious universities throughout the United States and Canada.
Personalized attention  Accommodations for Learning Differences  Full-time Learning Support Specialist
Electives and Student Clubs (Stage Band, Vocals, Yearbook, Art, Leadership, Sign Language, Spanish, Psychology, Sociology, Anatomy, Senior Seminar)

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 55 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,438
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Orinda Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Accommodations for Mild to Moderate Learning Differences Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Anxiety
Year Founded
1982

Student Body

Total Students
55 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Orinda Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
35%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Literature and Composition, AP Spanish, Honors American Literature, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry
Average SAT score
1187
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Vieneese Stanton

Sports

Total Sports Offered
1 sport

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Book Club, LGBTQ Alliance, Student Council

School Notes

  • Our mission is to provide astructured, supportive college preparatory education that compassionately engages all learners as active members of our diverse community and empowers them to achievetheirpotential as successful, confident, self-reliant individuals.Orinda Academy is a co-ed independent school for students in grades 8 to 12 in Orinda, California in the San Francisco East Bay.We offer acollege prep curriculumcommitted to providing students with academic growth, ambitious and advanced classes in thearts, competitive interscholastic athletics and a rich technological curriculum.We develop students` critical thinking skills, ethical values, an appreciation for culture, a healthy lifestyle, and a sense of social responsibility.We bring together a diverse student body with a multitude of talents and abilities and develop their love of learning and an appreciation for the opportunities in our multi-cultural world.We welcome and support students with mild to moderate learning differences, social-emotional needs (e.g. anxiety), and English Language Development in all our classes.We foster connection, collaboration and communication between parents, students and teachers to achieve a successfulacademic experience.Student supportincludes collaboration with outside tutors, therapists and specialists to ensure student success.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Orinda Academy cost?
Orinda Academy's tuition is approximately $46,438 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Orinda Academy?
The acceptance rate of Orinda Academy is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Orinda Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Orinda Academy offer?
Orinda Academy offers 1 interscholastic sports: Weightlifting.
What is Orinda Academy's ranking?
Orinda Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Orinda Academy?
The application deadline for Orinda Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Orinda Academy located?
Orinda Academy is located in the Orindawoods neighborhood of Orinda, CA.

School Calendar

View the Orinda Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Spring Break
April 01, 2024 (Monday)
Spring Break
April 02, 2024 (Tuesday)
Spring Break
April 03, 2024 (Wednesday)
Spring Break
April 04, 2024 (Thursday)
Spring Break
April 05, 2024 (Friday)

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (6 reviews)
5  
OA is a school for bright kids who need a smaller, quieter environment. In 9th grade, my daughter attended a small public charter HS in Oakland and found it overwhelming -- too loud and too chaotic. I reached out to OA mid-year and the head of school showed so much compassion; she helped us figure out the right move for her. It has to be a good fit for both the school and the student. Attending the school has continued to feel like a team effort. The teachers are so good with young people and spend a lot of time getting to know them. A student can't hide at OA, but at the same time, alone time and quiet spaces are respected. My daughter started extremely shy and has blossomed. She finds the school incredibly social because all the grades know each other and so she can banter all day long with various people! It's an intentional community with shared experiences and a deep appreciation for everyone's learning styles and personal struggles.OA is not a special ed school but a place where kids can go at their own pace and won't fall between the cracks. Students with behavioral problems are not admitted. It's about a 50/50 split of students coming from each side of the tunnel. Classes are small, and robust conversations, games, and laughter are prevalent! When you ask my daughter what she thinks of school as a 10th grader, she says "It's so lovely; it's fun to go to school!"
- Posted by
5  
My son has high-functioning ASD, and public high school became a challenge for him. He was bullied not only by the students but by the administration and some teachers as well. After years of arguing with the school district, we moved him to OA. The difference was enormous. The teachers and administrators were warm, welcoming, and accepting. When behavioral issues arise, they communicate in a way that makes results in a mutual level of respect between student and teacher and student and administrator. Expectations are conveyed clearly. Not only did my son make great friends, but he also enjoyed learning, and his teachers at OA are some of his fondest. He excelled at OA and was granted early admission to his #1 choice university, where he continues to thrive. OA is simply the best.
- Posted by
5  
We have found Orinda Academy to have the lovely and healing environment we needed for both of our kids. OA`s combination of nurture and rigor has been just what we need. Each of our kids has their own learning needs, and OA has been able to meet them. The parent community is open and supportive. We also value an environment where teachers, administrators, and the entire school community know and care about our children. Our daughter is now 18 and in college and our younger one, now 14, just entered 9th grade at OA.
- Posted by
5  
My son has been at Orinda Academy since 9th grade and is now a Senior. We came to this school because my son has ADD and had difficulty in public schools with large classrooms and little individual attention. Orinda Academy is a small school with a beautiful campus and small classes (most classes are 6-8 kids). The teachers are skillful not only in the subject areas but also in dealing effectively and compassionately with kids who have learning differences. Our son has excelled academically, grow emotionally, and is enjoying a social life with a great group of kids. The parent community is also friendly and supportive. Overall, we have had a good experience.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter has completely become a new person since she started at OA. She has friends, cares about her education, and is even nicer to her younger brother. We are so grateful for this community.
- Posted by
5  
This is our second year as members of the OA community. We are beyond proud of who our son has become since he started at OA. His teachers are kind, compassionate and deeply knowledgeable. We are grateful to OA for providing our son a wonderful education. Excellence at OA starts with the people both staff and students as mutual respect is central to the culture.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 55 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,438
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Contra Costa County, CA is $14,925 for elementary schools and $20,316 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Contra Costa County, CA is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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