urbanMamas Portland

New Farm Montessori offers an authentic Montessori program for a small group of children age 2.5-6 years in a safe, nurturing, peaceful home environment. We provide space in which to learn, grow, create and explore, the tools with which the child will discover the world, and gentle guidance along the way. 

Current Availability:

We are currently accepting applications of enrollment for children who will be 3-4 years in September 2009 for our Extended Day Montessori program (3 or 4 days per week, 8:30-3:00).

To request an information packet and application for the September 2009 - July 2010 term, please send a message, including your mailing address, to newfarm@spiritone.com or call us at (503) 358-1932. 

Please note that due to the nature of our program, space is extremely limited. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, at which time family visits and observation appointments will be scheduled. 

New Farm Montessori

Owned and Operated by Mandy Lehinger and Jeff Holbrook

6234 N. Campbell Ave.

Portland, OR 97217

newfarm@spiritone.com

Eastside Family Co-op has openings for Summer and Fall 2009 

We are a group of families who have come together to provide quality, part-time childcare for our children. For most of our children, Eastside Family Co-op is their first early school experience and serves as a pre-preschool.

Our children are aged 18 months to about 3 1/2 years old (when most kids move on to more traditional preschools) in one large, mixed-age classroom. Children typically start between the ages of 18 months to 2 ½ years and stay for at least one year.

We are located in inner SE Portland and operate year-round on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families leave and join throughout the year.

Eastside Family Co-op is entirely parent-run. Each child attends three days: two days "on her own" and one day with her "parent teacher."

We provide a network of support for parents and the chance for children to develop trusting relationships outside their immediate family. We value:

• Each person's individuality
• Peaceful conflict resolution
• Collaborative decision-making
• Daily opportunities for play, art, fresh air, music and reading
• Fresh, organic, unprocessed foods

If you want to find out more please visit our website www.eastsidefamilycoop.org and fill out our online membership inquiry form. We'll send you and email with more information and give you a call to arrange a visit. 

Much to our surprise, we discovered that there is still space for enrollment at our son's school - Tucker Maxon in SE Portland. Last year the wait list was long, but this year the economy has left space for some lucky new families to join our special community. We happened upon TM last year when we moved to Portland. We were drawn by its small class size, dedicated and caring teachers, and its long history of teaching hearing impaired students to speak.  Our son has typical hearing, as do most of the students at TM, but he thrives in a community that embraces difference and  tolerance at its very core.

While there are many great schools for little ones in Portland, where else can you find teachers with graduate degrees heading up preschool and kindergarten classes? Nowhere. This is one of the many advantages of TM. But what really makes these teachers special is their love for the children and for the community.

We knew we had become part of something wonderful the moment we first toured the school. Our son attends a school where everyone - teachers, administrators, parents-  know him and value him. And, most importantly the school is FUN. They have gym, art, plays, festivals, etc. Next year, they are integrating sustainability into the curriculum and involving the kids in planting the community garden. I can't say enough great things about this school.

I'm sorry that we lost students this year because of the economy. But I welcome the new families who will be coming in. Don't miss out on this opportunity to check out a truly special school for your young one.

Hi Mamas! Our family is moving to SE Portland this summer and I am looking for a preschool for my 4 1/2 year old daughter.  Does anyone have any reviews on Childs Work preschool? 

Any parents have experience with Russell Academy in the Parkrose School District? I would appreciate any information you can share.

Best,
Krista

Russell Academy
2700 NE 127th Ave
Portland, OR 97230

http://ru.parkrose.k12.or.us/

I'm moving into my 2nd trimester and FINALLY feeling like I can get out and exercise again.  (Unfortunately, it was a rough 1st trimester of 24/7 nausea and vomiting.)  I would really like to find a group of other pregnant women to work out with this summer.  Is anyone aware of a group that meets regularly, or even any personal trainers in town that specifically work with pregnant women?  Thanks and looking forward to your responses.

Heartwood Preschool is an eco-healthy in-home preschool located in NE Portland.  We have been state certified since 2003 and offer a nurturing community for 3-5 year olds and their families.  Children are exposed to art, music, cooking, gardening, Spanish, movement, nature, sewing, and friendship in an environment that encourages a deep love of learning.  A music specialist and a drama specialist enhance our classroom. 

We are looking for one more 3 year old boy to balance our mixed age classroom.  The schedule available is 3 full days a week (we open at 8:45 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.).  We would consider two full days. 

Please contact Amy at heartwoodpreschool@gmail.com for more information. 
www.heartwoodpreschool.com

We're considering the purchase of a house that would send our little one to Rosa Parks Elementary if we choose to go with the community school.  I believe in public schools, but I honestly (little one isn't even a year yet) haven't done much research on PPS...other than what is heard around town "Portland public schools are terrible". Does anyone have reviews of RP they'd like to share?  Better yet...schools they'd recommend in North Portland?

Cedarwood Waldorf School is having an Open School Tour on Friday, June 5th from 1:45-3:00pm.

Come learn about Waldorf Education, experience students’ work, and tour our beautiful school—while classes are in session on a lively June day!  Cedarwood celebrates 11 years and is welcoming applications.   Parent-Child, Pre-K, Kindergarten (mixed age) , Grades 1-8.

Cedarwood Waldorf School is a warm and vibrant community of teachers and parents dedicated to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development of children pre-kindergarten through 8^th grade. Our academic lessons integrate art and music on a daily basis. Additional subject classes include Spanish, Japanese, orchestra, movement, eurythmy and woodworking.

Cedarwood Waldorf School is located just south of downtown Portland at 3030 SW Second Avenue in the historic Neighborhood House, across the street from Lair Hill Park. 

More info or directions: 503-245-1477

www.cedarwoodschool.org

Shining Star Waldorf School underwent a transformation in the mid winter of this last school year and will offer One and Two Day Homeschool Arts of Waldorf Classes next Fall for children ages six to twelve.

Class runs from 9am to 3pm, Mon and Tuesday.  Optional Weds or Thurs mornings 9 - 12 will be offered and directed by parents or other teachers.  The class will be split into two sections for part of the morning Main Lesson if there are enough children in grades 1 and 2.  Parents and others are invited to attend a last Saturday of the month class half day workshop on various pertinent subjects related to home schooling and Waldorf education.

We will offer games, foreign language, art, music, story, circle, songs, poetry, and painting during the two day class and send home a weekly guide for the families to use if desired to round out the at-home portion.  Healthy outdoor play and gardening are included.

Location will be in inner NE Portland.  We are searching now for the perfect place to have the classes, enjoy the outdoors, and use for other purposes, i.e., workshops.

Our Kindergarten and Preschool program at 602 NE Prescott are alive and vibrant, we are aiming at the stars and will guide our future expansion with compassion, community and hope!

Website:  www.shiningstarschool.com   503 753 4459  Grades class is limited to 24 children

The Ivy School - Portland's first public Montessori school - will open this fall at 4212 NE Prescott Street.

Built in 1992, and conveniently located along two major bus lines, the 4212 NE Prescott building is a tidy one-level structure which will house the Ivy School's library/media room, a large community meeting space, administrative offices, and multiple mixed-age classrooms.

Ivy's mixed-age classrooms will group children together across three grade levels, allowing students to work with the same teacher (guide) and classmates for up to three years. This arrangement lets guides form long-term relationships with their students, and builds a strong sense of community among classmates. Younger children learn by observing older classmates, and older children gain confidence and leadership skills by sharing their experience. Working together, students learn the value of teamwork.

In keeping with the Montessori philosophy of blurring the boundary between indoors and out, Ivy School classrooms will open directly into a securely fenced and landscaped yard, allowing students to treat the outdoors as an extension of the classroom. Indoors, classrooms will have have a fluid, ever-changing layout which can easily adapt to the requirements of different lesson plans. Interior finishes will include natural materials such as wooden furniture and Marmoleum flooring.

Future plans for the 4212 NE Prescott building include the creation of an edible garden, an outdoor reading area, an updated play structure, and a series of additions designed by MOSI Architecture principals Diana Moosman and Laurie Simpson. MOSI Architecture brings a wealth of experience to the project, having previously worked with the Trillium charter school. Assisting with the facility's interior is designer Stephanie Brown of Local Color. Brown is best known for the restoration of the Academy Theater in Southeast Portland.

The Ivy School will open on September 8, 2009 with 60 students in two mixed-age classrooms serving children in grades one through three. Enrollment will grow annually, eventually serving 240 students in grades one through eight. Any child eligible for enrollment in Portland Public Schools may apply for admission to the Ivy School via a public lottery scheduled for May 23, 2009. More information about the lottery/admissions process may be found on the Ivy School web site at www.theivyschool.com or on the Ivy School's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Ivy-School/69167854389.

Wilson High School Preschool - Now Enrolling for 2009 - 2010 School Year

The Wilson High School Preschool is now enrolling for the Fall 09' school year.  We offer a comprehensive part-day preschool program that is taught by Wilson High School students taking Child Psychology and Preschool Teaching Lab Courses.  Each day High School Students create and implement preschool lessons to 24 preschoolers (3 to 5 year olds).   This program is managed by a Preschool Director and Certified Teacher.

Rates for September 2009 through June 2010:

Monday (8:30am-11:30am) and Wednesdays (10:30am-1:30pm):  $200 per month
Tuesday (8:30am-11:30am) and Thursdays (8:30-11:30am):  $200 per month
Monday-Thursday:  $400 per month

*  3 Day Option available for $300 per month

For more information, please contact Erica Meyers emeyers@pps.k12.or.us

Wilson High School 
1151 SW Vermont Street
Portland, OR 97219 
503-916-5280
www.wilson.pps.k12.or.us

My child was recently accepted to the Southwest Charter School.  It's a sweet school that focuses on Art & Sciences. Though it's located in Portland, in the John's Landing neighborhood in SW, it's a state charter school.  It's a fairly new school, but after meeting the Director and learning about their educational philosophy and visiting the school, it has a lot to offer.  Does anyone have any experiences with the school?

Southwest Charter School
5839 SW Hood Avenue
Portland, OR
97239-3716

Now enrolling age 3-5yrs & starting wait-list for 1.5- 2.5 Year olds

COME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, May 23th @ 10AM

RSVP and get directions!

Preschool day includes homemade organic whole food snack and lunch

We offer a sliding scale and some scholarships. If you value diversity, social equality and accessibility; appreciation, respect, and care of earth & community; and respect of children this is the place for you.

Visit our website for more info www.mountainvalleycommunity.com

“Mountain Valley Community School” is a progressive alternative to standard preschool. We truly and deeply care about our future generation's happiness and their responsibility to themselves and the future of our community. To us, a community is environmentally and socially aware/ just, close-nit, caring, sustainable, and festive. Therefore, we have an environmentally conscious, culturally diverse, anti-bias/ anti-racism foundation.

Our curriculum is the way we celebrate a year of our lives in Portland and is based on placemaking and community. We celebrate what it means to be from the Pacific Northwest and what it means to be "me"and how that all comes together in COMMUNITY.

We embrace enriching philosophies such Montessori, Waldorf, unschooling, attachment parenting, Non- Violent Communication, unconditional parenting, and Original Play. Combined with our own special magic/charm/sparkle a comfortable, compassionate, fun, and enriching community thrives. Our teacher to child ratio enables us to be flexible with the various needs and interests of each child. Preschool aged children experience age appropriate enrichment in a home-schooling environment.

We are a state CERTIFIED family childcare facility, certified eco-friendly by the Oregon Environmental Council, and we serve homemade, almost all organic, whole foods for snack and lunch.

At this time we offer mixed age play group, preschool, and kindergarten. Within the next couple years we will be looking at becoming a small multi age elementary school. We are re-envisioning and co-creating a village to raise our children in. Are you looking for a special opportunity like this? Are you interested in co-creation, consensus, and being an active part in the way your child explores this world?

COME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May23th @ 10AM

RSVP and get directions!

Thank you,
Susan
www.mountainvalleycommunity.com

971 285 5949

Hello,
We just got accepted into Bridger spanish immersion and I would love to get together with any other new kindergartners to make the transition as smooth as possible. Did anyone else get into Bridger spanish and want to get together for play dates?
Michelle

Hi There!  Glad to see there is such a detailed forum for Mom's!  Support is so necessary.  And, research is also necessary to find answers to the multitude of questions we still have about autism.

So that's where I come in! 

I work for the University of Washington Autism Research Center and   I specifically recruit for the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC).  This study is focused on families with just one child with autism, called simplex families, which will provide insight into the most common and unexplained form of autism. This comes at an exciting time in history, in which breakthroughs in gene mapping, advancement of high-tech tools, and the latest brain research present a unique opportunity for progress.

How can I participate? What are the criteria?

·     You have only one child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), age four or older,

·     You have additional child(ren) without ASD, age four or older, and

·     Both biological parents are willing to participate.

What does participation in the study mean?

·         Two phone calls to determine if this study is a good fit for your family

·         Completion of several questionnaires about your children

·         A visit to the UW Autism Center on the UW Medical Center campus for diagnostic, cognitive, and language assessments for your child with an ASD and interviews with one parent.  We will also collect photos, measurements, and a blood sample from your children and both parents.

What will my family get out of the study?

·         Your child with an ASD will receive a behavioral assessment free of charge.  We will also provide parents with oral feedback and a written report regarding their child’s assessment results.

·         Families will be provided with an honorarium of at least $250. 

·         Families will be making an important scientific contribution to understanding more about the most common form of autism.

So please contact me if you are interested!  I would love to hear from you...

Emily Champoux, Project Coordinator

            Toll free: 1-800-994-9701 or 206-616-2889 (or cell: 206-  947-2282)

            Email: emchamp1@u.washington.edu

Additional SSC information available at: http://www.simonsfoundation.org/page.php?id=110  

Gresham-Barlow Web Academy opening fall 2009

Accepting student applications now!

A local innovation in online education

If you want to learn when you want, where you want, at a pace that is set just for you, Gresham-Barlow Web Academy gives you what you can't find in a traditional classroom.

Gresham-Barlow Web Academy makes it easy to design a course schedule that fits your interests.  From challenging core classes in English, math, social studies, and the sciences, to foreign languages and electives like music and art, you'll find the classes you want.  And you can supplement your online classes by taking a course in person at one of our regular district schools, all for free.

Whether you are a middle schooler seeking an innovative education or a high school student preparing for college, Gresham-Barlow Web Academy provides all the tools you need to succeed.

To find out more and apply online, visit: www.gbwebacademy.org

Hi, We have a 3 year-old daughter and are looking at small, private schools.  I'm wondering if anyone has experience they'd be willing to share about the admissions process at The Arbor School?   What are the requirements in the application?  Thanks so much. 

Building Bridges is offering an integrated Preschool class for 3 year olds with high functioning ADD or ASD this summer. Children will receive lots of individual attention with a classroom ratio of 1:4.

We utilize scientifically proven strategies and techniques to help all children achieve their potential. Excellent student-teacher ratios and small class size ensure that all children get the attention they need!

The class meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00am- 11:30am. We are located in SE Portland @ 3533 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland, Oregon 97202

Please see our website for details and applications: www.Bridgespdx.com

Sunstone Montessori School is an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) accredited Montessori school for children ages 2 1/2 to 12 in two locations in SW Portland.  We currently have a few openings for 1st and 2nd grade students for September 2009. Call (503) 892-6366 to schedule an observation, or visit our website (under renovation!) at www.sunstonemontessori.org.  Sunstone has been offering high-quality Montessori education since 1995. We love to share what we do, and we love to talk about Montessori.  Give us a call to find out more.

Please Join Us: Creative Minds Learning Centers Kindergarten Round Up on 6/6 from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Our private, State certified Kindergarten program has been embraced by many families since 2006 at our Gateway campus (SE 146th). We are now excited to be able to offer this program at our Broadway campus (NE 82nd). Our students graduate from our program more advanced than public school settings.  During our school year, we perform close observations and documentation of each student’s skills. We perform one on one assessments, group lessons, and activities that can gauge and determine one’s abilities in a smaller group setting of 10 students to one teacher. Public schools are at a minimum of 25+ students to one teacher. We are proud to offer High Reach curriculum supplemented with the Weekly Reader program and grade level tools. Core enrichment opportunities offered: Reggio inspired Art, Science, Gardening, Music, Dance, Cooking and Foreign Language. Our students developments will be formally assessed at entry, mid-year and end of the year. We also offer a Graduation ceremony with a diploma at the end of our school year. 

We are offering our private Kindergarten for the school year, 2009/ 2010, at a special tuition of $500 per month for full time (which includes an Organic meal and snacks) or $250 a month for part time (Mon- Fri. 8:25- 11:45 am), $0 registration fee and $80 Books and Material Fees for your child's annual subscription to High Reach Learning program. 

This program is offered exclusively at our Gateway & Broadway campuses.Please join us for our Kindergarten Round Up on June 6th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at our Broadway and Gateway campuses! This is a great opportunity to visit our Kindergarten classroom, look over the High Reach curriculum and learn more

about the benefits of how we offer more attention for these students. These students will be challenged in a small group setting that positively engages, exploring concepts as a class and learning to interact as a community.

Please RSVP: http://www.CreativeMindsLearningCenter.com

I live in the Boise neighborhood and would like some feedback from anyone who has experience having a child at Boise-Eliot preK-8?  I would like to see school become something spectacular, because we have a great neighborhood and deserve a great neighborhood school.   That's going to take some work on everyone's part.  The school can use your support and the PTA is ready to field any questions/concerns.  My daughter will be 4 next year, and we are considering sending her there.  Anyone from our neighborhood out there?  I am curious to hear what you have to say...

Now that charter results are back with no luck for us, we are considering private schoools for kindergarten. I haven't called yet but can't find any online information about Growing Seeds. I thought I had heard they had a Kindergarten but have been watching for open house/registration information and can't find anything at all. Does this program exist? Is there a long waitlist? Would people please share information good and bad? Also wondering about the center for my younger children as well.

The Ivy School will be holding an informational event at the Peninsula Park Community Center on Sunday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the school. Staff will be available after the presentation to discuss both Montessori methods and the Ivy School's bilingual English/Spanish curriculum.

Please RSVP for this event to tammy@theivyschool.com.

Opening this September - with 60 students in two mixed age classooms serving grades one through three - the Ivy School will be Portland's first tuition-free/public Montessori charter school.

Any child eligible for enrollment in Portland Public Schools may apply for admission to the Ivy School via an upcoming lottery.The deadline for entering the lottery is May 20, 2009.The lottery is scheduled for May 23rd.

For more information, please visit the Ivy School web site at www.theivyschool.org or look for the Ivy School on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Ivy-School/69167854389?ref=ts

We are open for enrollment!
Sun Circle Playgarden is a Waldorf inspired in-home preschool for children ages 3-5.

2-5 day programs are available, Monday-Friday 9-1.
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I provide a gradual bridge from home life with a small group ratio (no more than 6 children at a time). Within a cozy home setting, children are given individual attention in a nurturing and unhurried atmosphere.

Our days are woven together in a gentle tapestry of rhythm, movement and song, providing a secure and comforting environment that young children can thrive in. Together, we will enjoy child-directed play, baking, music, painting, gardening, circle time, yoga, folk and fairy tales from diverse cultures, outdoor play, nature and walks.

Parental involvement is vital in every aspect of our program, including open communication, planning, sharing of ideas, general volunteering and attending seasonal celebrations...

For more information, please visit: http://www.suncirclepdx.com or call Heather at 503.887. 5489. I look forward to talking with you!

My son Nicholas is starting school at Buckman and I thought it would be excellent to arrange for playdates with others who are starting there as well.    Let me know and we can set it up! 

-Wendy

We are relocating to Portland and have been looking at homes in Concordia.  Just based on the OR school rating info, I am concerned about sending our daughter to the neighborhood school Faubion.  I know those ratings do not tell the whole story so I am hoping for some information, feedback about this school.  My daughter will be starting Kindergarten in 2010.  Does anyone have any information or comments about this school?  Are a majority of those living in the neighborhood sending their kids to this school? - thanks, Jen

jploog@comcast.net

Faubion Elementary School

http://www.faubion.pps.k12.or.us/

Shining Star School is located in the King and Cully-Concordia Neighborhoods, and offers beautiful Waldorf education for children ages three to ten.  Our preschool and K are located in a graceful old church at 602 NE Prescott with a full sized playlot and organic snacks and a natural earth-friendly environment.  Waldorf schools have always been green! 

OPEN HOUSE MAY 16, Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon, 602 NE Prescott PS AND K, 4317 NE Emerson (1 blk s. of Killingsworth) for grades 1-4.

Our grade school offers a four day rhythm, 9 am to 3 pm, that includes intensive artistic education, music, French, German, flutes, handwork, gardening, field trips, writing, appropriate age-related curriculum and best of all, very close knit community friendships.  We are a small school that relies heavily on parent involvement, commitment, festival celebration, and mutual affection!  Children dance into our hallways each morning!

Visit our website:  www.shiningstarschool.com for more information.  We are enrolling for Fall 2010 and have limited space.  Everyone is warmly welcomed.  503 753 4459

Our small site has been caring for young ones for almost 50 years. Located in the heart of Beaverton, we are a Certified Center in a homey environment. We are located on a residential street close to the library and many small parks. We have a HUGE backyard that the children enjoy planting a garden in each year. We are cozy, we are homey, but we are also staffed with a very loving team of highly educated providers who are eager to provide the space and opportunity for your child's exploration. We accept DHS subsidy, but also have a private funding source that provides on-going tuition assistance for those families who may not qualify for DHS but need a bit of additional assistance. Give us a call for a tour. Below are the maximum income guidelines for our private scholarships:

Family Median Income
Size
2 $43,450/year 6 $63,000/year
3 $48,900/year 7 $67,350/year
4 $54,300/year 8 $71,700/year
5 $58,650/year
And, if you don't qualify for our scholarships, your child can still benefit from our wonderful program and sunny teachers!! Of course you want your child to have fun, while becoming kindergarten ready...
*M-F 7a - 6p

Give us a call at: 503-488-5835 to schedule an appointment. We currently have room for infants and pre-schoolers. Sorry, our Toddler Room is full! as for our pre-school program, now is the time to enroll. Our Pre-school Teacher is working on getting our pre-schoolers kindergarten-ready and with 8 years of working with Head Start, she is more than qualified!

does anyone have any children who attend this school, and what do your kids think of it?  we are interested in learning more about this pps school and havent heard much word-of-mouth info about it, even after going through the whole lottery/charter school process.  thanks.

Hi, does anyone have advice on how to help my child deal with being excluded in kindergarten? He has had 2 best friends all year and now they are excluding him and picking on him and I just want to say the right thing to my son. His feelings are so hurt. It seems like its just not enough to tell him to find other kids to play with or that he's a good boy and not to worry about it, they'll come around.