magazine
L I V E • PLAY • DO
2021-2022 Schools Open House Guide
FEBRUARY 2021 - DIGITAL EDITION nwkidsmagazine.com
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Editor’s Note In this very nontraditional season, Portland is welcoming in February with its traditional rain (and even a sprinkling of snow!). The first peeks of what will soon become a flurry of spring flowers are popping up and that is more welcome this year than it ever has been. In this issue, you’ll find our second School Open House Guide of 2021, as well as a wonderful guest piece from Brown Hope about how to get involved with racial justice as a family. It also is time to start registering for spring break camps and we’re featuring a few great ones! As always, we hope that you and yours are staying well as we move toward brighter days. Cheers,
Mary
Cover photography by ST. ROSE SCHOOL
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Contents
FEBRUARY 2021 8 2021-2022 Open House Guide 20 Spring Break Camp Guide 21 PJA Perspectives 22 Getting Involved with Racial Justice as a Family
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magazine Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram: @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids
Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com
NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC.
Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings All Families Surrogacy..................................... 3 A Renaissance School...................................... 2 Bennett Suzuki................................................. 3 Cedarwood....................................................... 3 Childswork.....................................................12 German International School........................13 Green Tulip Peace and Nature School............18 Happy Hollow Children’s Center...................... 3 International School......................................12
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KLA Schools..................................................... 7 Language Learning Connections...................13 Little Fruit Farm..............................................18 North Clackamas Christian School................19 OES................................................................... 2 Opal School....................................................12 Oregon Charter Academy..............................16 Pedalheads.....................................................16 Play Fit Fun.....................................................17
Portland Village School .................................17 Schoolita Alegria............................................19 Scuola Italiana...............................................18 Small Friends.................................................12 West Hills Montessori....................................19 Xstream Learning Center...............................16
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Childpeace Montessori School 1516 NW Thurman Street, 2408 SE 16th Avenue 503-222-1197
For 45 years, they have fostered independence, confidence, and adaptability in tomorrow’s global citizens through their rich educational environments and engaged faculty.
14 months old 8th grade
Child’s View Montessori School Multiple Locations 503-293-9422
Following the vision of Dr. Maria Montessori for nearly 33 years, they aim to foster a supportive and collaborative environment for children and families.
3 months9 years old
West Hills Montessori
Meeting the social, emotional and intellectual 15 monthsneeds of children through joyful exploration 12 years old and hands-on learning.
Multiple Locations 503-246-5495
SOUTH/SOUTHEAST PORTLAND A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences
Children work through critical and creative thinking strategies toward insightful and innovative solutions. They offer rolling enrollment and small class sizes.
K-8th grade
Cedarwood Waldorf School
Education for a wholehearted life, just minutes from downtown Portland
PreK-8th grade
Childswork Learning Center
Childswork is a school where children and their families develop relationships, discover new ideas, construct knowledge through play and cultivate a joy for learning.
Preschool2nd grade
Green Tulip Peace & Nature School
Green Tulip Peace & Nature School is an indoor/outdoor childcare and preschool offering music, art, and outdoor classroom learning.
2-5 years old
Micha-el School
Waldorf School; Blending language arts, math and sciences with music, foreign languages, art and movement, they fully engage children at every developmental age.
K-8th grade
Portland Waldorf School
PWS educates children for the whole of life. Students emerge as creative, independent thinkers who meet the world with initiative and purpose.
Preschool12th grade
234 S. Bancroft Street 971-221-2311
3030 SW 2nd Avenue 503-245-1477
4235 SE Salmon Street 503-234-3611
7631 SE Raymond Street 503-310-5772
13515A SE Rusk Rd 503-882-3322
2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie 503-654-2200
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2021-2022 SCHOOL GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$1,025-$1,730 monthly (tuition assistance available)
Student-centered, Experiential, Montessori
Register on website
childpeace.org
$1,009-$2,030 monthly
Montessori, Preschool Promise
Virtual Visits: RSVP via Website
childsview.net
$955-$1,600 monthly
Montessori
Contact to receive a virtual tour brochure
westhills-montessori.com
$15,150 - $16,000 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Inquiry-based project learning
Virtual Session February 25, Contact for details
renpdx.org
$400-$1,650 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf
February 13, 10am
cedarwoodschool.org
$250-$1,700 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
Contact to schedule
childswork.org
$600-$1,400 monthly
Experiential, Language immersion, Montessori, Playbased, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Waldorf
February 27, 11-1pm
greentulipschool.com
$6,020-$8,340 annually
Waldorf
Contact to schedule
micha-elschool.org
$8,510-$19,595 annually
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf
February 6, March 6: 10-11am
portlandwaldorf.org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
SOUTH/SOUTHEAST PORTLAND (continued) The International School 2305 S Water Avenue 503-226-2496
For over 30 years, they’ve offered education that goes beyond language and cultural immersion to open a world of possibilities. Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
3 years old5th grade
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND Catlin Gabel School 8825 SW Barnes Road 503-297-1894
They foster in every student a wellspring of curiosity, courage, and empathy—three characteristics that cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool 12th grade
Hilltop Early Learning Academy
At Hilltop, your child’s future is important. Every child is loved & cared for in an environment that builds a foundation for their future school success.
3 years oldKindergarten
Opal Beginning School
Opal School strengthens public education by provoking fresh ideas concerning environments where creativity, imagination and the wonder of learning thrive.
3-5 years old
Oregon Episcopal School
OES prepares students for higher education PreK -12th grade and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth.
Portland Jewish Academy
PJA is an independent, inclusive school, providing an academically rich environment that supports each student’s social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Infant-8th grade
Small Friends Preschool
Their engaging, developmentally appropriate environment gives children space to play, create, experiment and collaborate to make meaning of their world.
3-5 years old
Willow Creek Forest School
An outdoor, place-based preschool in SW Portland, where children spend their days crafting, singing, hiking and playing among the native trees and ferns.
3-5 years old
5700 SW Dosch Road 503-245-3183
4015 SW Canyon Road 503-471-9917
6300 SW Nicol Road 503-768-3115
6651 SW Capitol Highway 503-244-0126
7475 SW Oleson Road 503-388-2266
11640 SW Boones Ferry Road 503-265-9182
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2021-2022 SCHOOL GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
Flexible tuition available
Language immersion, Playbased, International Baccalaureate
Daily Virtual Tours available
intlschool.org
$28,600-35,700 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Preschool is on campus in accordance with Governor requirements
Now accepting applications to wait pool for all grades.
catlin.edu
$350-$1500 monthly
Whole child, Academic, Child-centered
Call to schedule
pcctoday.com/hilltop/
$10,750 annually
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Social constructivist
February 20 & March 6, 9–10:15am
opalschool.org
Financial Assistance Available
Experiential
See website for virtual open house
oes.edu
$5,550-$20,940 annually
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Online/Virtual
Contact to schedule
pjaproud.org
$182-$233 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child
Virtual Info Night February 4, 7pm
smallfriendsschool.com
$375-$895 monthly
Experiential, Montessori, Play-based, Outdoor
Contact to schedule
willowcreekforestschool. org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
NORTH/NORTHEAST PORTLAND Portland Village School 7654 N Delaware Avenue
A public, K-8, Waldorf charter school teaching respect and reverence by developing the head, heart, and hands in children from all backgrounds and cultures.
K-8th grade
Schoolita Alegria
Spanish (about 75% ) in a nurturing, playful, musical, academic, healthy, creative, playful, whole child, building towards preparation for kindergarten.
3-5 years old
503-445-0056
4605 NE Campaign Street 503-706-1077
NORTHWEST PORTLAND Scuola Italiana di Portland
Scuola Italiana offers a part-time Italian language and cultural immersion preschool in NW Portland, mirroring the scuola dell’infanzia (preschool) in Italy.
Pre-K
Xstream Preschool
They foster and build upon children’s natural curiosity and how it works by giving them the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects.
3-5 years old
1542 NW 14th Avenue 971-270-0470
2029 NW Miller Road 503-914-9995
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO German International School
Learn about their German and Chinese Tracks, what happens each day, meet the teachers, and discover the unique opportunities for your child.
Twos-5th grade
Happy Hollow Children’s Center 4455 SW 99th Avenue, Beaverton 503-646-3214
Happy Hollow is a community of learners & mentors who place kindness, mindfulness, collaboration & self-regulation at the forefront of their daily intentions.
Starting at 30 months old
KLA Schools of Hillsboro 1855 NE 48th Avenue, Hillsboro 503-333-2002
Their mission is to provide a safe, innovative environment and high-quality education inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to education.
6 weeks 5 years old
Let’s Play School Preschool and Childcare 1750 SW 89th Avenue 971-200-6048
LPS offers small classes, experienced staff and half day Kindergarten. They offer an environment for children to learn, play and grow as an individual.
3-6 years old
3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton 503-626-9089
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2021-2022 SCHOOL GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
Contact to schedule
WEBSITE
Tuition-free public charter school
Waldorf
portlandvillageschool.org
$625-$875 monthly
Language immersion, Contact to schedule Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf
schoolita-alegria.com
$11 hourly
Language immersion
Virtual Open Houses by appointment only
scuola.us/preschool
Call for details
Reggio Emilia
Contact to schedule
xstreamlc.com
$11,585-$15,650 annually
Language immersion, Contact to schedule Play-based, Whole child, International Baccalaureate
gspdx.org
$860-$1260 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child
See website for dates and times
happy-hollow.net
$800-$1,800 monthly
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
See their FB page for in-person and virtual events throughout the month: facebook.com/ KLAschoolofhillsboro/ events/
klaschoolshillsboro.com
Call for details
Montessori
Contact to schedule
letsplayschool.net
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO (continued) Little Fruit Farm Montessori
Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments.
Toddler-PreK
North Clackamas Christian School 19575 Sebastian Way, Oregon City 503-655-5961
NCCS is dedicated to upholding its commitment to partnering with Christian parents to provide our students with a superior biblically based education.
PreK-12th grade
Skinner Elementary Montessori 5001 NE 66th Ave, Vancouver 360-696-4862
Skinner students are exposed to the idea that the talents they possess are special and should be nurtured, shared and treated with care.
Preschool6th grade
Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.
K-12th Grade
16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton 503-521-8603
OUTER METRO AREA
ONLINE/VIRTUAL Oregon Charter Academy Online/Virtual 503-897-2272
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2021-2022 SCHOOL GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$2,500-$4,000 monthly
Play-based, Whole child
Contact to schedule
littlefruitfarmmontessori. com
$2,250-$8,400 annually
Christian
Contact to schedule
ncchristianschool.com
$8,600-$9,850 annually
Montessori
Virtual Open House February 1, 11am-2pm
skinnermontessori.com
Tuition-free
Online/Virtual
See website for dates and times
oregoncharter.org
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Spring Break Camps! With February upon us, Spring Break is just around the corner! While many camps are still in the planning process for their camp offerings, here are some wonderful options to consider.
OMEGA’s Spring Break Camps keep your kids active with supervised play, gymnastics instruction and craft. Choose half day or full day weekly options. Full day includes a field trip (subject to change). Camp shirt ($15) and annual family membership ($40) required for all attendees. See website for more details. Ages 5 and up, $200/wk (half day) or $320/wk (full day) omega-gymnastics.com/camps
Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride bike camp known for taking kids from training wheels to two wheels. They combine a fun group setting with specialized equipment, tailored cycling lessons, and incredible instructors to build confidence and get some of the most tentative kids biking on their own. They also offer advanced bike lessons that focus on road safety, including exciting trail riding camps. Ages 3-12, $189/wk (1.5 hour tot camp) or $275/wk (3 hour camp) pedalheads.com/camp
Look forward to a week of camps welcoming warmer seasons! Explore new themes with the same Trackers spirit of adventure you love. OR: Create a custom Trackers theme-based program for your pod/social group! Their Guides will help create the perfect half-day or full-day weekly program for your family or group. Timeless skills, outdoor adventure, and immersive stories -- all that’s missing is your group! Grades K-12, see website for pricing. trackerspdx.com/youth/spring-break-camps
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Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich ThePortland PJAJewish Perspective academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding writers from the middle school Humanities classes and writing exploratory to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life - from their perspective.
Silence in Mayhem by Ami red car, black dog, thick heat; buzzing flies chirping birds but otherwise, still. scattered pinecones old baseballs second red car brings me back on trips to california. music fades on, then off neat grass left deserted. crooked fence with holes the size of old baseballs. music played, paused on, off -Silence in Mayhem. outline of a bird, speeding across the ground I gaze up, but the sky is blank a red car rushing by reminds me of reality I blink twice -and continue to walk.
Ami is a current 8th grader at PJA. In addition to writing, he enjoys sports, photography, cooking and enjoying the outdoors.
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Getting Involved in Racial Justice as a Family by KAREN CAUDILLO ROMAN, BROWN HOPE
Racial justice requires a real commitment to show up for Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. It’s important to not just claim to be an ally, but to leverage your privilege and do the work that will build up the leadership and resilience of community members who are surviving systemic oppression daily. And YES, that means kids too! It can be challenging to balance your commitment to racial justice with young ones running around, but this work provides fulfillment and meaning that your kids and family will cherish for a lifetime. Brown Hope is a Portland-based nonprofit that encourages everyone to find their role and purpose in the lifetime commitment to racial justice. With leadership grounded in the lived experiences of racism, we launch initiatives that create connections with Black, Brown, and Indigenous leaders through the heart, mind, and voice to inspire our collective healing. Our programs include Power Hour, Blackstreet Bakery, and Black Resilience Fund. Ready take action for racial justice? Here are four suggestions for how to become and stay engaged as a family.
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Volunteer! Brown Hope has a wide range of volunteer opportunities. • Help bake, sell, and deliver cookies with Blackstreet Bakery. Little ones with parent supervision are welcome to help with any part of the process. • Distribute food boxes, household essentials, and other supplies through the Black Resilience Fund Mutual Aid Network and food box program. This makes a great activity as a family and much needed community support. • Coordinate no-contact canvassing and/or social media outreach to build support for Brown Hope’s programs and advocacy priorities. Teens and older kids are an asset here: their social media prowess makes this a great opportunity for them to explore their voices. Looking for something that’s not too time consuming? • Purchase vegan baked goods from Blackstreet Bakery at their pop-ups or by delivery on selective dates. Not only will you have yummy cookies to share, but you’ll contribute to an economic development effort led by and for Black Portlanders. • Support the Black Resilience Fund by purchasing a t-shirt or button, all sales go to directly benefit Black Portlanders with emergency financial relief. • Check out the initiatives Brown Hope has led this year and make a financial gift. For $35, you can sponsor an attendee for our weekly Power Hour or contribute $300 to the Black Resilience Fund to provide relief to a Black neighbor disproportionately impacted by the ongoing pandemic. You can choose how to support racial justice through Brown Hope and make an impact that creates meaning for your family.
Immerse your children with racially diverse children’s books and history at an early age. My little cousin received “happy to be nappy” by bell hooks last year for Christmas! We talked about different kinds of hair and the difference between appropriation and appreciation. Additional suggestions: • Baby books » Antiracist Baby Picture Book by Ibram X. Kendi • Children’s books » A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara » S tamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Sonja Cherry-Paul (Adapter), Jason Reynolds (Author), Ibram X. Kendi (Author) » T his Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell • Young Adult » Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds » A merican Like Me by America Ferrera » T he Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio Support other local organizations dedicated to racial justice and healing. Some suggestions: • Radical Rest • PDX Alliance for Self-Care • Equitable Giving Circle
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