Editor’s Note
Summer is officially here and it’s been a lovely one thus far! July always feels like the sweet spot of the season, when we’re finally getting to relax after all of the end-of-school-year hoopla before we start rushing around again to prepare to start anew. Speaking of school, the July issue features our annual Preschool Guide. This is our biggest Preschool Guide to date and it’s packed with a huge variety of options all across the Metro region.
We’ll be back next month with our Back to School issue and we also have a bit of exciting news. While you may know that NW Kids has been hosting the first and original Summer Camp Expo in Portland for over a decade, we’re excited to let you know that we’re adding an Education & Enrichment Expo this September at OMSI! Save the date for 9/28. There’s more info to come!
Enjoy the rest of your summer, whether you’re sticking close to home or out exploring the world. We can’t wait to see you around town soon!
Cheers, Mary
JaJa Circus
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NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC.
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Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com
Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com
Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com
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Reach Out and Read’s “35 for 35”
Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that promotes early childhood literacy and healthy family relationships, has partnered with Scholastic to provide 35,000 inclusive books to families nationwide. “35 for 35” is a collection of 35 book titles, including options for ages 0-2, 2+, 3+ and 4+, that will be distributed for free at well-child visits with participating providers. The local affiliate, Reach Out and Read Northwest, will distribute 27,545 books in Oregon and Washington.
“There’s power in reading a book about someone like you,” said Reach Out and Read Northwest Regional Executive Director Jessica Mortensen. “35 for 35 truly reflects the diverse families, communities, and cultures we serve throughout Oregon and Washington. This influx of new titles will help young children in our region find that crucial sense of belonging and place in the books they read with their families.”
Check out the local affiliates’ websites for more information and a list of participating providers: reachoutandread.org/affiliate/washington reachoutandread.org/affiliate/oregon
2024-25 Preschool Guide
Choosing the best preschool for your child can be one of the most challenging decisions a family can make. We are so lucky to have a wide array of options in the Portland Metro area. From Montessori to Language Immersion and everything in between, check out our guide below and see what feels like a match!
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Happy Hollow
Children’s Center
Happy Hollow is a Nature Play Based, Social Emotional focused hands-on learning environment committed to community roots and culture.
Ages 2.5-12
$350-$1925/mo
Play-based, Whole child
Check out their website for information on tours! happy-hollow.net
The Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden helps children discover the joy of learning with a mindful, evidence-based approach to education. Offering programs for infants through kindergartners.
Ages 6 weeks-6 years
$14,200-$27,100/yr
Project-Based
2035 NW Front Ave Suite 100, Portland 971-277-5535 thechildrensgarden.com
S/SE PORTLAND
Portland Preschool of the Arts & The Hangout PDX
They inspire curiosity and encourage rich imagination-based play. They strive to cultivate curiosity, creativity. Every child is filled with wonder and potential and their innate curiosity.
Ages 3-5
Personal tours are available.
$249-$905/mo
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Art focused
4707 SE Belmont St, Portland 503-957-4915
portlandpreschoolofthearts.com
Rosebud Preschool
Rosebud Preschool is a ReggioInspired, play-based school with an intergenerational focus. Their curriculum is emergent and emphasizes art, environment, and community.
Ages 2-5
Toddler room: $1,100/mo (2 days), $1,900/ mo (5 days); Preschool: $650/mo (2 days), $1,375/mo (5 days) (2023-24 rates)
Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
13505 SE River Rd, Portland 503-607-7000 rosevilla.org/preschool
Sellwood Schoolhouse at Sellwood Community House
They believe in supporting and nurturing the joy of childhood through a play-based environment, inspired and informed by Reggio Emilia and Montessori models.
Mixed age classes for ages 3-5
$375-900/mo
Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia 1436 SE Spokane St, Portland 503-894-9496
sellwoodcommunityhouse.org/preschool
ROSEBUD PRESCHOOL
St. Ignatius School
St. Ignatius School develops students committed to building a just and compassionate world. Their preschoolers experience a full day play-based curriculum including classes in music, PE, and library.
Ages 3 years-8th Grade
Open House: Jan 26, 202511:30am-1pm
$7,500-$9,950/yr
Play-based, Whole child
3330 SE 43rd Ave, Portland 503-774-5533
sispdx.org
S/SW PORTLAND
Cedarwood Waldorf School
Cedarwood Waldorf School brings Waldorf Education to life and strives to instill a love for learning by weaving together the arts, academics, and movement with a reverence for the developing child.
6 months - 3 years (Parent-Child); 3-6 years (Pre-K, K)
$12,850 - $23,350/yr
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf
3030 SW 2nd Ave, Portland 503-245-1477
cedarwoodschool.org
International School of Portland
Embrace the World! Since 1990, they’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness.
Ages 3-11
Daily personal tours!
$14,840 - $24,410/yr
Language immersion, Play-based, International Baccalaureate
2305 S Water Ave, Portland 503-226-2496 x110
intlschool.org
Oregon Episcopal School
OES offers a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, builds a sense of community, and sparks an enthusiasm for learning through hands-on project work.
Pre-K - 12th grade
Open House: Oct. 17th, 6-8pm
$24,800-$37,700/yr (Pre-K–5)
Experiential, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry, Project-based 6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland 503-768-3115
oes.edu
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PORTLAND
Portland Jewish Academy
At PJA each child is valued as an individual. PJA provides inclusive settings that recognize children’s diverse abilities, interests, needs & learning styles.
Ages 6 weeks-8th Grade
$1,344-$2,278/mo
Experiential, Whole child 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 503-244-0126 pjaproud.org
Sprout & Spark
They strive to spark joy, creativity, resilience, and curiosity in each child and delight in helping them grow into responsible, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners.
Ages 2.5-6
Call to schedule a tour.
$10,000-$14,000/yr
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School
3430 SW Palatine St, Portland 503-719-4365 sproutandspark.com
N/NE PORTLAND
Hancock Street Preschool
HSP is dedicated to excellence in early childhood education, providing a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum with meaningful real-world experiences. Preschool, ages 3-4 (Red Class) and 4-5 (Blue Class)
$200-$300/mo
Play-based, Whole child, Co-op 1624 NE Hancock St, Portland hancockstreetpreschool.com
OES
SPROUT & SPARK
CEDARWOOD WALDORF SCHOOL
Holy Redeemer Catholic School
Inspired by their faith, Holy Redeemer Catholic School is a diverse community committed to academic excellence, prayer and service.
Ages 3-14
Check their website for tour information.
127 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland 503-283-5197
holyredeemerpdx.org
Montessori of Alameda
Montessori of Alameda offers a bilingual (Spanish/English) preschool and kindergarten Montessori education for children ages infant to six years of age.
Ages 3 months-6 years
$16,100-$24,800/yr
Montessori
4210 NE Going, Portland 503-335-3321
montessoriofalameda.com
Schoolita Alegria
Spanish (about 75%) in a nurturing, playful, musical, academic, healthy, creative, playful, whole child, building towards preparation for kindergarten.
Ages 3-5
$725-$975/mo
Language immersion, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf 4605 NE Campaign St, Portland 503-706-1077
schoolita-alegria.com
Shining Star Waldorf Osoberry Forest Kindergarten
100% outdoor learning at a beautiful pond. Class focus on nature play and Waldorf crafts, seasonal songs and stories, and outdoor cooking.
M-Th 8:30-1
Ages 3.5-6
$7,040/yr
Experiential, Play-based, Waldorf
Location: Whitaker Ponds 503-753-4459
shiningstarwaldorf.org/early-childhood
St. Rose School
Located in NE Portland, St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on Catholic faith and values.
Grades PreK-8
$5,070-$9,740/yr
Whole child, Catholic 5309 NE Alameda St, Portland 503-281-1912 strosepdxschool.org
The Madeleine School
All are welcome! They are a faith-filled Catholic community committed to nurturing the growth of the whole child. Offering PE, Music, Art, hot lunch and on-site counselor. Tuition assistance available.
Grades PreK-8
$9,500-$10,400/yr
Whole child
3240 NE 23rd Ave, Portland 503-288-9197 themadeleine.edu/school
Willow Tree Preschool
They are art and nature inspired, drawing influence from Reggio Emilia. Play, inquiry and exploration happens all day everyday, and is the core of their school.
Ages 3-5
$510-$845/mo
Tours by appointment
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
7055 N Williams Ave, Portland 503-756-6428
willowtreepreschool.com
NW PORTLAND
French International School of Oregon
Language immersion, IB World School. Educating global minds to engage with inclusivity, achieve with integrity, and excel with distinction.
Ages 2.5-8th Grade
$19,000-$27,000/yr
Language immersion, Play-based, Whole child, International Baccalaureate
8500 NW Johnson St, Portland 503-292-7776 frenchintl.org
THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN
SCHOOLITA ALEGRIA
HAPPY HOLLOW CHILDREN’S CENTER
THE JENNIE
The Jennifer Barnum Luria Early Childhood Center (The Jennie)
Play-based, child-led, intentionally diverse and inclusive, Reform Jewish early childhood education. Building joyful community alongside families.
Ages 6 weeks-PreK
Open House: Sept 21, 2-5pm
$1,675-$2,150/mo
Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
428 NW 20th Ave, Portland 503-447-2457
thejenniepdx.org
BEAVERTON, HILLSBORO & CORNELIUS
German International School
At GIS they offer a bilingual and integrated approach to learning. They strive for their students to become independent, globally minded, lifelong learners.
Ages 2 years-8th Grade
Contact them to schedule a tour!
$13,100-$17,750/yr
Language immersion, International Baccalaureate World School
3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton 503-626-9089 gspdx.org
Little Fruit Farm Montessori
Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student-teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments.
Toddler - Pre-K
Call for tuition details
Montessori
16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton
503-521-8603
littlefruitfarmmontessori.com
SWALLOWTAIL WALDORF SCHOOL & FARM
SELLWOOD COMMUNITY HOUSE
BEAVERTON, HILLSBORO
& CORNELIUS
( continued )
New Life Christian School
NLCS provides a safe, loving, and relational environment for children to grow in knowledge, character, and faith.
Ages 3 years - Kindergarten
$250-$645/mo
Whole child
3440 E Main St, Hillsboro
503-640-5017
nlcshillsboro.com
OMEGA Gymnastics Discovery Preschool
At OMEGA they strive for an environment where children are able to learn, learn socialization skills, and get their bodies moving.
Ages 3-5
Check their website for July and August tours.
$351-$492/mo
Experiential, Whole child
9700 SW Harvest Court, Suite 180, Beaverton
503-466-4872
omega-gymnastics.com/discoverypreschool
Primrose School of Silicon Forest
They’re more than a daycare in Hillsboro. They know how young children learn best, which is why their Balanced Learning® approach combines plenty of purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers.
Ages 1.5 months-12 years
$1,406-$2,399/mo
Experiential, Language immersion, Montessori, Play-based, Whole child
7296 NE Imbrie Dr, Hillsboro 971-206-6030
primrosesiliconforest.com
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm
Artistically educating the whole child. They offer a rich Waldorf curriculum with robust academics, arts, music, and a farm for preK-8th grade.
Ages 3 years-8th Grade
Open House: Aug 17, 11am-2pm
$9,950-$16,150/yr
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf Cornelius, OR 503-846-0336 swallowtailschool.org
OUTER METRO
Portland Waldorf School
Out of the insights of anthroposophy, Portland Waldorf School nurtures the imagination, cultivates the intellect, and recognizes the unique spirit of each child in the community.
Ages 3-18
Open House - Nov 2, 2024: 11am
$10,210-$22,820/yr
Waldorf
2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie 503-654-2200 portlandwaldorf.org
OMEGA
JaJa Circus School
Run away with the circus, at JaJa Circus PDX, founded by former Cirque du Soleil performers! Children will learn a variety of exciting circus skills, including trapeze, silks, lyra, juggling, acrobatics and more in a non-competitive environment, and have fun while building strength, confidence, community and perseverance.
819 Southeast Taylor Street, Portland circus@jajapdx.com
