Southwest Charter School
May 18, 2009
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
Hi, we were accepted into SWCS for our soon to be 1st grader and are seriously considering enrolling. I'm wondering if any parents could share what they find to be the school's weak points, or areas that could use some improvement. Would you say any areas of curriculum could be stronger? I can see many positives from the outside, but am curious about the details, particularly ones not so evident to an incoming parent at first. Thank you!
Posted by: charter_fan | June 27, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Our experience with SWCS is a very possitive one. Our son is thriving in the small class size. The teachers know all his strengths and weaknesses. Here are some things we like best about the school.
The teacher eats lunch in the classroom with the students. They spend lots of time outside. They take walks almost everyday and discuss nature. They offer creative PE courses (Kung Fu, Rock climbing, soccer and more). Parent involvement is huge, there are parents teaching spanish, music and directing plays with the children. The school is great at keeping us up to date on what's happening with the school and our child. We couldn't be happier!
Posted by: Chris | August 25, 2009 at 02:46 PM
We have taught at SWCS since it's inception two year's ago. We run various Movement Arts options throughout PPS, and lead Kung Fu classes for all students at the school as a PE option (one of the many benefits of being a charter school means you are not legally obligated to hire only traditional PE teachers contracted through PPS to run your fitness programs).
Our experience has been very a good one. My husband and I very much enjoy the school culture, staff, and students of Southwest Charter. As one of the founding members of The Emerson School, I must say that the board and administration has done an incredible job of honoring the school's mission, and rolling with the punches! It is no small feat to get a new school up and running, but these folks have managed to do so in a manner that "keeps kids first!" We love SWCS!
Posted by: Lara | June 08, 2009 at 06:34 PM