Original Research by School Decision on Orangewood High (continuation)
Orangewood High is a continuation school serving grades eleven and twelve in Redlands, sitting within Redlands Unified. Continuation schools are alternative education settings that serve students who have struggled in traditional high school settings, whether through credit deficiency, behavioral issues, or other barriers. This is not a comprehensive high school; it exists to help students who need a different pathway to earn a diploma.
The enrollment is small, with most students in grade twelve and a smaller cohort in grade eleven. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with substantial shares also identifying as white or Black. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting significant economic need in the population served.
State assessment results for 2024-25 show very low proficiency rates across all tested subjects. The proficiency rate in English language arts is low. In mathematics it is much lower still. In science it is extremely low. These numbers are consistent with what continuation schools typically experience: they serve students with significant academic gaps, often students who have fallen far behind in credits and skills. A parent should understand that Orangewood is not positioned as an academic achiever school; its role is to help students who are not on track in regular high school reach a diploma through an alternative structure and pace.
Data on the school's graduation rate, discipline climate, attendance, course offerings, and staffing are not available in the public record. The school's website, if one exists, was not found. A parent investigating enrollment would want to request details from the school directly about how credits are earned, what support services exist, how long a typical student stays, and what happens after graduation.
Redlands itself is a city of moderate size with a walkable historic downtown anchored by civic institutions like the A.K. Smiley Public Library and the Redlands Bowl. Neighborhoods are largely single-family residential, with mature trees and historic architecture throughout. The local economy centers on health care, education, retail, and government work, with major employers including the school district, Redlands Community Hospital, the University of Redlands, and Esri, a software company. Housing costs are above the national average but moderate for the region; rents have risen modestly.
The district itself has undergone recent policy shifts that families should be aware of. Voters approved a school facilities bond in November 2024 for campus improvements including secure entries and modernization, which will result in a new property tax on homeowners. In summer and fall 2025, the district board passed policies on a 3-2 vote limiting flags on school grounds and, by extension, removing or restricting certain books from high school libraries, including titles by Sapphire and Toni Morrison. These actions reflect deeper disagreements within the community about curriculum and student identity issues. For families considering Redlands Unified, these policy directions are part of the current climate and worth understanding fully before enrollment decisions.
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