Urban Mamas

A school where individual attention is the norm.  A school where children learn listening and conversation skills.  A school with masters-prepared teachers.  A school where children learn that it's okay to be different.  A school where children build confidence and competence.  A school where children with typical hearing learn, laugh, and play every day with children who are deaf.

This is Tucker-Maxon, one of Portland's best kept secrets--now enrolling new students in elementary.  You're invited to learn more at our Open House on Feburary 18th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Tucker-Maxon offers:

• Low student-teacher ratios 
  
• A focus on listening and spoken language skills
  
• P.E., art, music, and organic gardening
  
• Full-day kindergarten 
  
• Flexible before- and after-school care
• Competitive tuition (~$525/month)  
  
• At Tucker-Maxon, every child has a voice  
  

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.

I'm looking for thoughts on Tucker-Maxon Oral School. I know it's a private school near SE 28th and Holgate. Many of the children there are hearing impaired with cochlear implants. I'm considering applying to send my normal hearing children there. I'm specifically wondering about experience with what the teachers are like and what kind of philosophies they use in the classroom. It seems to be a wonderful (and affordable) private option. Any TMOS parents out there want to tell us why we should consider it? Anybody want to share why they didn't send their kids there? Thanks.