NW Kids Magazine August 2023 - Digital Edition

Editor’s Note

Don’t let the Halloween decorations and school supplies in the stores fool you. There is plenty of summer left to be had! Our region is known for having spectacular Augusts and we’re so happy to see many of the festivals, events and cultural celebrations that we’ve enjoyed in years past return for 2023. While we’ve listed some here, be sure to check out our online calendar for the most up-to-date info on what’s happening: nwkidsmagazine.com/events

This month’s issue features a guide to some of the wonderful Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools in our area (and those inspired by their principals). If you haven’t yet explored these methods, this is a great place to start. We give a brief overview of what makes each unique but if a school catches your eye, check out their website and schedule or attend a tour. You just may find the perfect school community for your family!

Next month in NW Kids: It’s our annual Birthday Party Guide! From cakes and treats to venues, performers and gifts, you will find it all in the pages of our September issue!

Enjoy these last weeks of summer and we will see you around town soon!

Cheers, Mary

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Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education

While there are many educational philosophies and styles, not all are the right match for every child. Let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired choices in the Portland Metro area.

Waldorf

Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Its pedagogy strives to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of pupils’ imagination and creativity is a central focus.The first Waldorf school opened in 1919[ in Stuttgart, Germany. A century later, it has become the largest independent school movement in the world, with about 1,200 independent Waldorf schools,1,800 kindergartens and 646 centers for special education located in 75 countries.

Montessori

The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a childcentered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori’s method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world. The Montessori method views the child as the one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with “a hundred languages”, through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.

Cedarwood Waldorf School

Play-based, Waldorf

Children in Pre-K - grade 8 are nurtured by a thoughtful contemporary Waldorf pedagogy, with music, arts education, experiential learning, and language programs.

Pre-K - 8th grade, $8,500 - $21,250/yr

3030 SW 2nd Ave

503-245-1477

cedarwoodschool.org

KLA Schools of Hillsboro

Reggio Emilia

At KLA Schools, their mission is to foster a safe, innovative learning environment and high-quality education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Ages 6 weeks - 5 years, $1,106 - $2,169/mo

1855 NE 48th Ave, Hillsboro 503-333-2002

klaschools.com/hillsboro

Little Fruit Farm

Montessori

Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities yearround. Ages 2-6, Contact for tuition details

16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603

littlefruitfarmmontessori.com

Montessori Children’s House

Montessori

Opened in 2010 in the South Waterfront area, MCH is a non-profit Montessori school serving young children with 2 toddler and 2 primary communities.

Ages 16 months - 6 years, $1,500-$1,865/mo

3626 S. Bond Ave, Portland 503-360-1179

mch-pdx.org

Montessori School of Beaverton (MSB) Montessori

MSB is an independent Montessori school located West of Portland. They specialize in child-centered learning & offer ample access to nature on their 6-acre campus.

Ages 3-12, $11,510-$13,980/yr

11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland 503-439-1597 msb.org

Oregon Episcopal School

Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry Based

Through an inquiry-based curriculum and hands-on exploration, OES instills a lifelong love for learning as students realize their power for good.

Pre-K - 12th Grade, $28,800–$41,800/yr (day, pre-K–12th grade) $73,300/yr (boarding, grades 9–12)

6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland 503-768-3115 oes.edu

Owl and the Dove Montessori

Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, RIE

A small community of families (Gender Creative Parenting Welcome!) with a unique low ratio, offering an amazing opportunity to connect, observe & nurture.

Ages 6 weeks - 2 years, $1800/mo

6126 NE 12th Ave, Portland 503-522-0537

owlandthedove.com

Portland Montessori Collaborative Montessori, RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) integrated into infant and toddler curriculum

They aim to provide a loving and nurturing place for children to explore, grow, learn, and connect with other children and adults. 4817 SW 53rd Ave, Portland 503-972-7100 pdxmc.org

continued on p. 16

Portland Village School

Waldorf

A public Waldorf school nurturing the whole child. Tuition-free to serve students from all backgrounds and cultures. Moving to S Waterfront fall 2024!

K - 8th Grade, Tuition-free

7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland

503-445-0056

portlandvillageschool.org

Portland Waldorf School

Waldorf

Rigorous & engaging curriculum in the sciences, humanities, world languages, arts, music, athletics, & more. Minimal & intentional use of technology.

Pre-K - 12th Grade, $9,720-$21,730/yr

2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie

503-654-2200

portlandwaldorf.org

Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm

Play-based, Waldorf

Artistically educating the whole child. Inspiring gratitude and reverence for humanity, nature, and lifelong learning.

Pre-K - 8th Grade, $9,950 - $15,325/yr

460 S Heather St, Cornelius 503-846-0336

swallowtailschool.org

West Hills Montessori School

Montessori

In their 55th year, WHMS provides exceptional learning experiences that foster empathy and compassion, inspire creativity, and nurture joy in learning.

Ages 15 months - 12 years, $1,125+/mo

SW Portland and Lake Oswego

503-246-5495

westhills-montessori.com

*Educational approach information from Wikipedia

Get Out & Play! July Events

While back-to-school is just around the corner, the summer is not over yet! August is absolutely packed with family-friendly events, festivals and performances. Check out some of our picks below and then head to our Events Calendar for even more! nwkidsmagazine.com/

Aug 4-6

Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival

The inaugural Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival is coming to Vancouver, Washington, August 4-6. Stages, popup galleries, family activities and food vendors will be available throughout downtown Vancouver and Esther Short Park. Celebrate summer with a diverse lineup of local artists and internationally recognized performers. Free vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com

Aug 4-6 & Aug 11-13

Lee Farms Sunflower Festival

Come experience this one-of-a-kind annual Sunflower Festival! Explore & learn about the many different varieties of sunflowers (+other flowers), pick your own fresh flowers & wander their 120+ acres of family farmland! Free-$25 oregonsunflowerfestival.com

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

LO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Aug 5

Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square for the 2023 Chinese Festival! Enjoy an art show, Chinese food, crafts, performances and more! 11am-6pm, Free pdxchinese.org/chinesefestival

Aug 5-6

The Great Oregon Steam-Up in Brooks

Voted “Best Annual Event” in the Willamette Valley two years straight, The Great Oregon Steam-Up is a family-friendly festival celebrating Oregon’s mechanical history in motion in spectacular fashion! See website for times and pricing antiquepowerland.com/steamup

Through Aug 6

Venardos Circus “Let’s Build a Dream” Tour at Clackamas Town Center

This season the wondrous Venardos Circus cast will take audiences on a journey under the big top as it unveils a fresh, magical and all-new experience for fans. The show features an original score, amazing performers, stunning lighting, and dazzling costumes. The 2023 Venardos Circus is traveling with a new, custom-crafted, Italian-made red-and-white striped tent that offers expanded seating around a central stage for an immersive experience. Check website for showtimes and pricing.

venardoscircus.com

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Pop-up Picnic + Play at Sellwood Park with Sellwood Community House

Every Wednesday, SCH brings the games and crafts for all ages to Sellwood Park. Stop by to play, bring a picnic if you like and chat with them about what you would like to see offered at SCH in the future! 3-5:30pm, Free sellwoodcommunityhouse.org

VENARDOS CIRCUS

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Music Exploration with David Pollack at The Craft Factory

Join us for a children centered music class. Each week will focus on a different genre of music giving kiddos the freedom to explore and learn about all sorts of sounds. Before class begins, you can create your very own music shaker using their signature upcycled and recycled materials! 2:30pm, $10 – $15 suggested donation craftfactorypdx.com

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

LO Summer of Music Concert

Series-Westlake Park

Head to Westlake Park each Wednesday in August for the Lake Oswego Summer of Music series! August 2 – Jackson Michelson, August 9 – Jennifer Batten & Full Steam, August 16 – Rockit Radio, August 23 –Taken by the Sky, August 30 – Foreverland. 6:30-8:30pm, Free ci.oswego.or.us/concerts/wednesdayconcert-series

Aug 11-13

Elephant Garlic Festival in North Plains

Head to Jessie Mays Community Park for a family-friendly weekend of music, food, fun and elephant garlic! See website for hours, Free funstinks.com

Aug 11-13

Washington Park Summer Festival

Visit the gorgeous Rose Garden Amphitheater for three evenings of music and fun for the whole family! 6pm, Free portland.gov/parks/arts-culture/ summer-free-all/cultural-events

Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events

WASHINGTON PARK SUMMER FESTIVAL VANCOUVER USA ARTS & MUSIC