urbanMamas Portland

Please visit our website to learn more about our program. Contact us at wildlilac@wildlilac.org or call 503.236.3240 for enrollment information or to schedule a classroom visit.

Address: 3829 SE 74th Ave, Portland, OR 97206

We are a group of educators and parents who will be applying for a charter to open The Community School in September 2014 (please visit our website or our facebook page). We are hoping to gather information from Portland families about your hopes and dreams for your children's schooling. Please take a moment to fill out our survey so we can her from you about what you would hope for a new school in Portland: ). If you would like to express interest in your child attending The Community School please fill out our interest form.

Here is more info about our school...

Great things are happening at Vernon K-8!

By, Catherine Landwehr

 It’s that time of year: families are trying to figure out where their children will go to school in the fall.   As a mother of two boys, now 5 and 8, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was faced with all those nerve-wracking questions.   Do we go with the neighborhood school?   Is it committed to academics, is it safe, is it welcoming?  Do we shop around and try the transfer/lottery system?  What’s the deal with charter, magnet, and private schools?  What is the best thing I can do for my child as we enter into the school years?  What is the best way for our family to become part of a great educational community?   And what’s going on inside that classic 104-year old school building on Killingsworth that we pass by all the time?

 Like many others families, we decided invest in our neighborhood and send our children to Vernon.  We are so happy we did.  If you are looking for great school and a close-knit local community for your child and for your family, please join our group!

 If you are a prospective Vernon parent, please come to one or both of our upcoming events to hear about all the reasons the families of Vernon love our neighborhood school.  The Vernon community is having a meeting for prospective Vernon families on Feb. 23, from 3-5 at the Kennedy School.  We are also having two Kindergarten Connects  (these used to be called Kindergarten Round-Ups) on March 5 at Vernon.  The first Kindy Connect is  from 9-11, and the second from 6-8.   Come to one or both events to get a sense of all your neighborhood school offers, to ask any questions you may have, and to meet other Vernon families, both prospective and “old school.”

 Here’s a quick overview:  Vernon is a K-8 with a diverse student body of 438 students, and our school spirit is through the roof.  It’s easy to see why—our teachers are absolutely inspired, our parent community is welcoming and committed, and our students are thriving both academically and socially.   The class sizes are reasonable—this year, my kindergartner in a class of 21 kids, and my second-grade in a class of 23.  Vernon is part of the renowned International Baccalaureate program, which means the school’s approach to learning is project-based, and focused on “inquiry” and the concept of interconnectivity between countries, cultures, and disciplines.  In keeping with this approach, all students have instruction in art, music, Spanish, wellness, physical education, geography, and technology, in addition to the core fundamentals of reading, writing, math, and science.   Vernon also boasts a well-stocked library and computer labs. Thanks to a Nike grant, our playground is newly refurbished so that our kids can run and play to their hearts’ content during recess, P.E., and our newly-instituted “Brain Breaks.”  Our two beautiful Vernon Gardens are alive with student-tended greenery from blueberries to kale to cilantro.   Because of the support we receive from the East Portland Rotary club, students also benefit from regular field trips to visit nature sites, museums, local businesses and organizations, and to see plays and performances.  This year so far the play “Duck For President” and the trip to the Oregon Forestry Center have been big hits in our household, and we are looking forward to next month’s music performances and first science fair.

 The Vernon school day goes from 8:45 to 3, but many kids stay at school after the bell rings. Some of our most popular afterschool activities, offered in conjunction with SEI/Sun School, are Garden Club, Chess Club, Lego Club, as well as Zumba, hip-hop, art, sports, and technology classes.  YMCA offers on-site care before and after school.  There are also frequent Vernon “family” nights: Multicultural Night, Math Night, Craft Night, Science Night, and movie nights.   Our monthly PTA meetings are well-attended and productive.   Our weekly “Walking School Bus” is a popular way for students to travel to school as a group on foot or by bike (and reminds us all how glad we are not be commuting far and wide to get to school—for most families, it’s a short walk or few-minute drive).   The annual Vernon Auction has also been a way for the community to come together and to support the art and music programs at Vernon.

 Community involvement has for me been one of the best things about having school-aged children—instead of just living in a neighborhood, our family has become part of the neighborhood.   We know the families we live near, our children play together, parents form networks for pickups and play dates and family support; everyone pitches in to make our school better and better each year.  We are building a fantastic community, right here in the Vernon neighborhood. Please come check Vernon out and see for yourself all that your neighborhood school has to offer!

http://www.vernonpta.org/

www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/vernon/

Come find out what's in store for 4th-7th grade students!

‪February 27th 5:30 - 7:30  

‪Exhibition and Beyond

• Learn about the long-term independent inquiry project that caps a student's Primary Years experience at Vernon School. (Called Exhibition)
• Hear from current Vernon Middle School students and parents about why they chose Vernon.
• Find out how teachers are using the International Baccalaureate and Common Core together to create unique, authentic and engaging learning experiences for our students.
• Get information about electives, academic support, after school programming and more!

‪Childcare and food will be provided.

Still looking for an amazing preschool for your child?  

Hawthorne Family Playschool has an opening for the 2012-2013 school year! 

Hawthorne Family Playschool, or HFP, is a small, mixed-age cooperative preschool, just south of the Hawthorne Safeway in southeast Portland. Being a cooperative, or co-op, HFP is a great place for families that want to be active participants in their child's early development. 

Aside from our fabulous teacher, our strength comes from families that are eager to fully participate in the HFP community. This is particularly true of HFP, given that we keep our class size smaller than most (14 students). Smaller classes allow for greater focus on each child, and create a more intimate feel to our classroom environment.

Our teacher, Susan Eisman, has been working with children for more than twenty years. In addition to holding a degree in art and women's studies, she has completed master's level work in human development, with a focus on the stages of childhood.  She draws her philosophy from many quality programs, like Reggio Emilia and Waldorf, without being overly dogmatic. She is a deep-thinker and a sweet soul. She encourages us to think and talk about why our kids do what they do, and how we can be supportive in their discovery of themselves, both as individuals, and as part of a group.

We are a diverse community of parents who place a high value on creating an environment that supports a preschooler's natural curiosity. I was initially drawn to the school because I loved the emphasis on natural materials and getting fresh air and exercise, without pre-scripting play with traditional play structures. Our kids climb hay bales, balance on boards, scale our branch wall, and have pretend tea parties in teepees. The Oregon Environmental Council designated HFP as an eco-healthy preschool, and our kids enjoy healthy, vegetarian snacks each day.

Our program is heavily play-based. I wasn't sure about that at first, but I have come to appreciate that 3, 4, and 5-year-olds learn much of what they need to know from play and personal discovery. I wondered if a play-based preschool would adequately prepare my child for kindergarten, but I now firmly believe that being part of a community like ours lays the foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning. I also see how much better high-energy kids like my son thrive in an environment that supports their need to move their busy bodies.

A co-op is a unique school model in that so much of it is parent-driven. Over the years, it’s become apparent that the co-op experience isn’t right for everyone. For the families who love our program however, (and there are many!), they see what we do as deeply rewarding. They see the contributions they make to our program as worth the effort, and often the effort is part of the enjoyment as well. We’re not just bringing our children to school, we’re building a tight-knit community with them, and it’s a labor of love.

At Hawthorne Family Playschool, we look for families who are really excited by our vision, and who can help us create a strong community for the school and for the children. I encourage you to contact the Membership Coordinator with any questions you may have about our school or the co-op experience, and to request an application.  

Warmly,

Shannon Rhoads, parent of former HFP student

Please contact Jeannette Schupp, Membership Coordinator, 
at 503-381-1288, or email here.

In: Attachment parenting, Co-op, Openings, Preschool, Preschooler, Reggio Emilia, SE, Waldorf

Woodhaven School has an opening for a 4-year old in our preschool class. Woodhaven is a nature-based preschool and kindergarten in Beaverton. 

The Sunflower class is for children who are four by September 1. The Sunflowers meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and their parents take turns helping in the classroom roughly once every month. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students meet in the classroom from 9 am to 1 pm with daily outdoor play for up to one hour.  On Fridays, the Sunflower class meets outside from 9 am to 12:30 pm in all forms of weather to explore nature’s classroom. (Learn more about our Sunflower class)

Woodhaven School is a parent-run cooperative school dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in our children. As a secular and independent school for preschool and older children, Woodhaven strives to nurture the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually – through play.

Please call 503-520-0807 to schedule a tour or visit us at our Open House on Saturday, October 13 from 3-5 pm.

Wondering if there are any moms out there who have kids at Arleta school. It is not listed in the school section, and I'm not coming up with much by googling it. We found a house we really like in that district, but all the info I can find is test scores, etc. Those seem to give it a so-so review. Would love any feedback or experiences you have had with this school. Thanks!

Giving Tree Preschool's second location is opening September 2012!

Both locations are in the Boise-Elliot neighborhood of N.E. Portland, just blocks from the Williams corridor.

We still have a few spots left in both classes! Please contact us if you would like to learn more about our co op preschool.

Caterpillars: Our class for children ages 2 & 3 (does not need to be potty trained) ~ meets on Tuesday and Thursday 9:00a - 11:30a ~ Tuition: $80 per month (September ~ June)

Butterflies: Our class for children ages 4 & 5 ~ meets on Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00a – noon ~ Tuition: $105 per month (September ~ June)

The Living School has a beautiful new home. We will be in the community built by St. David of Wales at SE 28th and Harrison in a bright upstairs space. The Living School is a Reggio and Spanish K-6 school with small class size so your child can get the support they need to thrive.

Our experienced and intuitive teachers use a variety of strategies to work with each child in a way that’s tailored to their individual learning style and talents, creating an environment that ignites a passion for learning and nurtures the spirit of the child. Teachers, children and parents work closely together to create a supportive and positive learning environment with a love and respect for community and each other.

We spend at least one hour a day outdoors and regularly have art, music, gardening and movement! 

We have 4 spots open for Fall 2012. Please contact us at 503-752-4783 or email us at Director@thelivingschool.org as soon as possible to learn more!

Hello, Does anyone have a child entering Kindergarten at the Richmond Japanese program this fall? I am looking for a way to get families together and aquaint some of the kids so they will enter school with their friends. Just to help ease the transition. Check out the www.meetup.com/richmond-elementary-2012/

Rowanberry School offers a mixed age kindergarten for children age 3 until first grade ready, and is currently enrolling children aged 5-6 for the upcoming school year.  

Trillium Preschool is hosued inside Trillium Charter School in North Portland at N. Interstate Ave. and N. Killingsworth. We are currently enrolling for the upcoming school year!

We are a Reggio-inspired program working in a constructivist way: we view and value children as capable and curious learners and see the role of the teacher as a partner in that learning. We enjoy a low child-teacher ratio, ongoing professional development, a beautiful and engaging environment and the joy of childhood!

We have options for full time and part time, mornings or full days. Call or email to schedule a tour and visit us. You are welcome!

Our website and contact information: http://trilliumcharterschool.org/preschool/

Pilgrim Lutheran School is hosting an open house for new families looking to enroll for the 2012-2013 school year.  Doors will be open all day for the open house, inviting families of Preschool 3's - 8th grade to tour the school, interview students and staff, see classes in action, and come to the spring musical taking place at 7pm, which will highlight the school’s 1-4th  grade students.

Potential parents visiting the open house are invited to have a complementary lunch during their tour over the lunch hour (11am-12:30pm). 

For more information on the open house, contact the school office at 503-644-8697.

School website.

Walk-Through-The-Grades

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

8:45-10:00 am

Have you ever wondered about the magic that lies behind the classroom doors of Portland Waldorf School? Come inside and have a look…our behind-the-scenes tour takes you inside the classrooms (from Pre-K through High School), through our historical building (with gymnasium, music room, woodworking, metalworking, handwork), around our seven-acre campus, and follows up with a gathering of members of our faculty and administration who can answer your questions about PWS, Waldorf education, and more!  RSVP to mary.beaton@portlandwaldorfschool.org

We would like to let you know about our wonderful French immersion pre-kindergarten-middle school located in the First Addition area of Lake Oswego. More than just a language school, we immerse our students in math, technology, philosophy, music, and Body in Motion. The exposure at the International Leadership Academy (ILA) is as diverse as our teachers, from foreign cultures, to foreign cooking, our focus is to bring a complete and well rounded education to each of our students.

ILA also offers afterschool activities and summer camps. Contact us for more information: 503 662 8452.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 6:30pm

Creative Science School
1231 SE 92nd Avenue/97216
503-916-6431
http://creativescienceschool.org/

Creative Science School is a focus option Portland Public School for children in grades K-8. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, learners, and problem solvers. Our students develop and demonstrate the ability to create questions, formulate solutions, and apply results throughout their lives. At CSS, we believe that children learn best when they explore and discover on their own, constructing their knowledge through hands-on experiences and problem solving.

Your child can begin at Creative Science School in kindergarten or transfer in at any grade level. There are typically 50 kindergarten slots available each year and a handful of spaces available in grades 1-8. We look forward to meeting you at one of our information nights!

Friday, March 9, 2012

6-8pm

Are you thinking about a new school for your family?  Intrigued by Waldorf education?  Looking for a holistic academic experience for your children?  Join PWS parents, students and faculty for an evening of music, art and conversation.  RSVP to mary.beaton@portlandwaldorfschool.org

Walk Through The Grades

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

8:45-10:00 am

Have you ever wondered about the magic that lies behind the classroom doors of Portland Waldorf School? Come inside and have a look…our behind-the-scenes tour takes you inside the classrooms (from Pre-K through High School), through our historical building (with gymnasium, music room, woodworking, metalworking, handwork), around our seven-acre campus, and follows up with a gathering of members of our faculty and administration who can answer your questions about PWS, Waldorf education, and more!  RSVP to mary.beaton@portlandwaldorfschool.org

King School will hold its Kindergarten Round-Up on February 16th at 1:30 pm. King has seen dramatic changes and invigoration in recent years with the hire of a new, dynamic principal, major investments in learning technology and steady growth in academic achievement. Come and learn about what King has to offer the neighborhood: dance, music, Playworks, Spanish and an active afterschool program. King is a certified International Baccalaureate World School in grades prekindergarten – 5th due to its interdisciplinary approach to education. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) performs site visits and assures the program and curriculum meets rigorous international standards. Parents are very involved at King and the PTA also continues to grow. If you are unable to come to the round-up, contact the school to schedule a visit by calling the office at 503-916-6456.

We are new to Portland and live within PPS but applied to Sauvie Island Academy, a new K-8 place-based and project-based charter school opening in the fall.  (Sauvie Island School will close and the school district is leasing the building to the charter school.) 

I found out that we were accepted! Since we weren't accepted to any of our other choices and I'm not thrilled with our neighborhood school, I'm really feeling like this is our best option but would love some feedback on the place-based teaching philosophy, teachers (they plan to hire the same teachers that are there now), the school community (the current students will remain), etc.

 I know that they plan to grow the school by reserving a certain percentage of spots (20%?) for out-of-district students and at the school open house I heard that they may offer bussing from N/NW Portland.

Any insight would be appreciated!

 http://www.sauvieislandacademy.org/index.html

14445 N.W. Charlton Road
Portland, OR

Hi,

I'm hoping to get information from families with kids going to Peninsula Elementary (8125 N. Emerald). My son will start Kindergarten in the fall. Some questions:

What has your child's Kindergarten experience been like there?

What's your take on the principal/school leadership? Parent involvement?

Since there is no afterschool care program for Kindergartners, are there any recommendations that include transportation (and is a reasonably nearby)?

Previous posts about Peninsula seem to be a few years old, so any thoughts about recent experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Kate

kate.fitzgibbon@comcast.net

We, too, just hit the lottery & are looking to connect with others....

doctorsusan2001   at  yahoo  dot com

We are new to Portland and our son who is entering kindergarten did not get into any of the schools we applied for.  Our neighborhood school is Creston.  I have heard not good things about this school.  Can anyone tell me their opinion on it?  I am going to tour it asap.  Not sure where to go from here.  But none of the kids on our block attend this school.  Very concerned about it.  Would appreciate any input you might have.  Thanks 

sammbreese@gmail.com

Anyone have anything to add about Arthur Academy? Words of wisdom, criticisms, reviews, anything? I don't know what to expect and I haven't seen many reviews for Arthur Academy. She got into the Portland school district location.

Le Monde Immersion is a non-profit organization, founded by parents and educators seeking to create a French immersion Public Charter school in the Portland Public School District.

Le Monde Immersion is currently applying for Public Charter status, and hopes to open its doors to Kindergarten and First Grade students in the fall of 2012, growing one grade per year to the eighth grade.

Le Monde Immersion is now forming an affordable, fee-based Kindergarten class which will commence in September 2011.  Please visit our website or contact us to learn more!  

Thank you and Merci!

www.lemondeimmersion.org
lemondeimmersion@gmail.com

As we sift through the options for kindergarten, we've come up with our top four: Astor, Beach, Chief Joseph, and James John.  I'd love to hear from families who have kids in these schools, educators who work at these schools, or other parents considering these.  Thanks for your feedback!

Hello, I was hoping to find some more recent comments on Rigler school - The last postings were dated 2008. We are thinking of enrolling our 2 children  for the school year 2011/12. My daughter would be in the dual immersion program (K) and my son would start 4th grade. We have heard so many mixed reviews -- many of them complimentary of the immersion program. It seems as if the new principal has been able to turn the school around but we are still having doubts about the "older" grades.

We would love to hear from other mamas who either have their children attending Rigler or know of someone who does. 

Thank you so much.

Melissa -- mktalbott@comcast.net

Hi. We (amazingly) have been awarded a spot for our daughter for 1st grade at Ivy School next year. I've seen some very positive comments from parents and so am very happy we have this choice (!), but I still have a few reservations because I don't feel I know enough yet. I'm particularly interested in hearing from existing parents whose children went to Montessori for primary. Do you feel the program follows the Montessori approach well? The new administrator seems very qualified, but doesn't have Montessori experience. Do you feel she's a good supporter of the staff and Montessori approach? I found a report of last year's test results, which weren't great. Granted, one of the main reasons I'm interested in Ivy is that they won't be "teaching to the test".  Still, do any parents have comments about these?

We are looking at schools for next year and I don't see much here about the Franciscan Montessori Earth School in SE Portland.  Does anyone have any insight?

Anyone can share their experience at the French American International School? 

Creative Science School is a focus option Portland Public School for children in grades K-8, located in outer SE Portland. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, learners, and problem solvers. Our students develop and demonstrate the ability to create questions, formulate solutions, and apply results throughout their lives.

CSS is founded on a constructivist educational philosophy developed by renowned Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. After years of observing children, Piaget found that children learn best when they explore and discover on their own, constructing their knowledge through hands-on experiences and problem solving.

All of the teachers at Creative Science School integrate aspects of the storyline methodology in their classrooms. Storyline is a structured approach to learning and teaching that was developed in Scotland. It builds on the key principle that learning, to be meaningful, has to be memorable; and that by using a student’s enthusiasm for story-making, the classroom, the teacher’s role, and learning can be transformed.

Info Nights:
•Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:30pm
•Wednesday, Feb 23, 6:30pm

Tours are available during the school day to observe the classrooms. Please call the office at (503) 916-6431 to schedule.

School Info
1231 SE 92nd Ave
Portland, OR. 97216
(503) 916-6431

http://creativescienceschool.org/

It's Kindergarten Round Up season at Ockley Green and we invite you to join us for an informative introduction to our program.  Here are the basics:

• February 2nd from 1PM - 2PM.
• February 15th from 5PM-6PM.
• 6031 N Montana St., Portland OR 

Meet our wonderful Principal & Kindergarten teachers, learn about our unique and growing Arts & Technology Magnet Program, tour the school and talk to current parents of Ockley Green Students. 

Our next Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting will also be Tuesday, February 15th beginning at 6 pm and you are more than welcome to attend this meeting.  It's a great way to get a sense of our community! Dinner and child care will be provided.

For more information on mini-tours go to our school website at:

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/ockleygreen/

or check out our Facebook Community at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=186831146824

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Come visit Beach School, located at 1710 N. Humboldt, and learn about our Kindergarten! Meet teachers, get registration information, tour classrooms and the school and learn more about this great school and community. The round ups will have information regarding both the Spanish Immesion and Community Programs.

What: Kindergarten Round-Ups

Who: Any family with kids who will be 5 by 9/1/11
Where: 1710 N. Humboldt 97217
Questions: 503-916-6236 or PTA President at 503-805-8598

Also please note that we will be having school tours every Friday at 10:00AM in February

Looking for a tuition-free, public Montessori school for your child? The Ivy School offers a Montessori education for students 1st-8th grade. Ivy is a Portland Public Schools charter school.
 
Montessori schools have a 100-year-old tradition of world-class education through a thoughtfully prepared classroom environment. Students at Ivy engage in math, language arts, social sciences and physical sciences, as well as Spanish language, music, art, P.E., gardening and community service. Montessori classrooms are multi-age, allowing each student to work at their individual level and to become mentors in their classroom community. Students engage in subjects and materials in meaningful ways by following their natural curiosities. This fosters independence, personal responsibility, creative problem solving and care for the world around them.
 
THE IVY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 6:00-7:30pm
at The Ivy School: 4212 NE Prescott
 
Come meet the staff and parents of the Ivy School and visit our classrooms! Staff and parents will be available to answer questions. Ivy is now accepting lottery applications for 1st-8th grade. Applications are due February 25th. The lottery will be held at Ivy on March 5th, 2011 for the 2011-2012 school year.
 
For more information:
email info@theivyschool.org or visit www.theivyschool.org

Hello Friends!  I've skimmed the UM site, and I couldn't find much relative to parochial schools or information.  I have a child entering first grade this Fall and I am seeking information from parents who have children at either All Saints or St Thomas More, or experience with both!  My child is currently enrolled at Childpeace downtown and is thriving, so I am also considering grades 1-3 there.

Thanks in advance for any help/info you can provide!

The Odyssey Program is a focus option for Portland Public Schools serving students in grades K - 8. The Odyssey Program offers:

It is that time of year again to navigate the infamous PPS school lottery. Our son will be in 2nd grade next year. We've heard great things about Creative Science and the new Ivy School. I would love to hear feedback - good or bad - from parents with kids in either school.

On a related note, has anyone managed to place a child through the PPS lottery as late as second grade? I would imagine that there are very few spaces anywhere at this age.

Our family is moving to Portland this summer and I am looking at schools.  My boys will be in 2nd and 3rd grade next year.  Neighborhood doesn't matter, we will live near the school we select. We loved Trillium and SouthWest Charter School but want to have some alternatives.  My oldest would be considered TAG, the younger has some slight delays.  What's the word on Portland public schools?  We are looking for a school that stresses the arts, educating the whole child, experiential education, etc.  Something as "alternative" to the soul crushing model used in most public schools as we can get - sorry, soap box.  Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated, even if it is "avoid this school at all costs"!  Thanks!  You can contact me at udune@comcast.net.

Please join us as Ockley Green Arts and Technology School presents:

Family Art Night
Wednesday, December 1, 6:00 pm

• FREE performances and family arts activities
• Ockley Green Children’s Choir performs songs of protest and praise honoring Nelson Mandela
• Silent auction and raffle benefiting Ockley Green PTO (cash/checks only)

Ockley Green Arts and Technology School is a public K-8 magnet school in North/North East Portland. The school is small but diverse, with a dedication to learning and a strong sense of community. Ockley Green offers unique and varied forms of arts and technology education, from African dance to electronic music. The school is home to the Ockley Green Children's Choir and an award-winning MESA team. 

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=186831146824
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=3507525&trk=anet_ug_grppro

Beaverton's first charter school, Arco Iris, is just opening this fall.  It's a Spanish immersion school, starting with 3 classes 1st, 2nd and a 3/4 blend.  Eventually they'll be K-8. They have a couple of spaces left open in 1st grade and the 3/4th grades, but about 10 spaces in the 2nd grade they are looking to fill. 

If you have any interest in immersion or are stuck on a wait list for Beaverton/Portland/Clackamas Spanish immersion schools - check it out at arcoirisschool@verizon.net.  Contact Deonne Knill at deonneknill@arcoirisschool.org.  You can even contact me, Vanessa at vanessabailey@q.com.  I'm a long time parent from The International School and my son will be starting 3rd grade at Arco Iris on September 7th!  We are looking forward to it.

The only catch is that they are located at McKinley Elementary at 185th this year (we live in North Portland) so there will be some driving involved.  Still, what a great opportunity.

Hi Mamas,

We have two young children and live in SE. Our oldest will start kindergarten in 2011 -- plenty of time, but starting to think about it. Does anyone have any experiences/opinions to share about Abernathy (which is our neighborhood school) vs. Buckman?

Thanks!

Emily

My son is going to start kindergarten at Trillium Charter School the Fall 2010 and I would like to find other children / families that will be in his class to help the transition.  We moved up here this past year and he was in a small Waldorf-inspired preschool in a tiny rural town before this so new friends would be great!  Feel free to email me.  We live in St. Johns.  Looking forward to meeting some of you...

Kat (mom to Quetzal) : email: babyom@gmail.com

Are there any other mamas out there from Trillium that are concerned about all those cell phone antennaes on the water tower RIGHT NEXT to the play yard and the park play structure?  I am very concerned  - so much so it is making me reconsider sending my son there in the Fall for kindergarten.  Is there any talk about this among school parents?  There are so many... and so close to where the children play.

Any info or comments ?

NOW ENROLLING!  The Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School is now enrolling for the Sept. 2010 school year! We are a public elementary school located in Beaverton that is full Spanish immersion, starting with 1st - 4th grades. One additional grade will be added each subsequent year up through 8th grade. The school curriculum will include Singapore Math, a rigorous math program. If you want an excellent education for your child, start them off right at the Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School. We are proud to be Beaverton's first charter school. Enrollment applications are available on our website: http://ArcoIrisSchool.org

Thank you for your interest. For more information, contact us at:  info@arcoirisschool.org.