PDX Parent August 2022

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SOAK UP LATE-SUMMER FUN, PG. 44 | FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKE IN VANCOUVER, PG. 42

for the long days and short years

Private School

y d a e R t e G

GUIDE

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o t k c a B for

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Tips to your child

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | AUGUST 2022

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contents

NW ADVENTURE CO.

NW Adventure Co. picks up kids from various schools and

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takes them to local parks for nature adventures.

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Special Section: Back to School

Editor’s Note..................................................................................................4

A Strong Start.......................................................................................... 10

Play Room....................................................................................................... 6

Prepare and empower your kids to have the best first

Check out four books to beat the back-to-school

day back to school, including establishing a goodbye

nerves; advice on dealing with growing pains; and our

ritual and fun treats in the afternoon.

top picks for mighty air filters.

By Erin J. Bernard.

Q&A with Angela Bonilla.................................................................. 12

Field Trip....................................................................................................... 42 The paved path of the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

Incoming president of the Portland Association of

makes for accessible exploring and wildlife viewing.

Teachers talks public education and measuring

By Miranda Rake.

student success.

As told to Tiffany Hill.

The Enrollment Report...................................................................... 13

Time Out........................................................................................................ 44 So many options for late-summer fun! Stroll through fields of sunflowers and dahlias; watch and listen

Learn how the numbers stack up for both public and

to music and movies in Portland parks; catch a

private schools.

Shakespeare performance; and celebrate Japanese

By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill.

culture.

The After-school Shuffle.................................................................14 If you’re wondering how and where to find quality

RESOURCES

after-school care — and what it costs — this essential

Back-to-School................................................................................. 19-20

guide is your afternoon lifesaver.

By Ali Wilkinson.

PDX Parent Picks: Health & Wellness.................................22

After-school Activities.............................................................. 20-21 Private School Guide................................................................ 25-39 Preschool.............................................................................................. 40-41 * cover stories

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Back at It for the long days and short years

It’s always hard for me to write this Back to School editor’s note because I’m working on it right after my kids have gotten out of school (as a monthly magazine, we work a few months ahead

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774

of the calendar). It’s the height of summer and them heading back is the last thing anyone wants to think about. There’s still lots of swimming in their grandparents’ pool, bike rides to the library and trips to visit family in the works. Summers always go by too fast. And this year is indeed shorter for Portland Public Schools families: Grades one through 12 start on August 30, two days earlier than last year. (Kindergarteners will have different start dates, so check with your school if you’ve got a kindergartener.)

Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Tiffany Hill

But we’re here to help your kids transition back to school with, hopefully, smiles on their faces. And, fingers crossed, this may be the closest to “normal” start of school we’ve had since 2019. Check out the

tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com

great tips for having a stellar first day on page 10. Find

Web Content Coordinator

out what teachers are hoping for in the new school

meg.asby@pdxparent.com

year on page 12. And if you are interested in finding

E-newsletter Editor

out more about the top private schools in our area, head to page 25 for our annual Private Schools Guide.

And then there’s finding after-school care. We know it can be a struggle for working families. Writer Ali Wilkinson explains the after-school care system and gives lots of ideas on how to navigate finding care on page 14.

But we also know summer isn’t over quite yet.

August is packed with excellent family-friendly fun in the sun: Take in beautiful blooms at sunflower and dahlia festivals; check out stupendous sandcastles and cavort with pirates in St. Helens; or spread out a

Meg Asby

Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee

blanket at a local park for a free movie or Shakespeare

jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

performance. All these events, and much more, are in

For distribution issues, e-mail us at

our Time Out column on page 44. We hope you can pack in as much fun as you can before the kids head

distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

back to the classroom!

DENISE CASTAÑON

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution

On Our Cover

Savannah Scott of Savannah Scott Photography captured this adorable cover shot. Scott, who has been a professional photographer for six years, used her daughter Ryleigh as a model for her special back-to-school sessions.

“I have been doing a small amount of these every year for kids before they start school,” she says. “It’s such a fun little memory for parents to have!” See more of Scott’s beautiful work on her website savannahscottphoto.mypixieset.com or Instagram feed @savscottphoto.

of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

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p l ay r o o m

Bookshelf: School-kid Screeds Got a kiddo nervous, excited, hesitant (insert emotion here!) about their first day back to school? Kim Tano and Madeline Schier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, have you covered. These back-to-school winners will empower your child to tackle all the year’s upcoming challenges with confidence and grace, from making new friends to using their voice. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.

School’s First Day of

Ways to Make Friends by

New From Here by

Attack of the Black

illustrated by Christian

Mariana Ruiz Johnson

From the author of Front

Sarig King

School by Adam Rex, Robinson

Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by

Kelly Yang

Rectangles by Amy

In Ways to Make Friends, Toad

Desk, this novel was

This timely novel (available

Written and illustrated by

has some excellent and some

inspired by Yang’s own

September 6) on the

an award-winning children’s

very funny suggestions to make

experiences, and tells

subject of censorship was

author and illustrator, School’s

friends. And if by late afternoon

the tale of a Chinese-

born when the author’s son

First Day of School combines

you haven’t made a friend, just

American family moving

came home from school

a gentle approach and sweet

enjoy your own company! With

from Hong Kong to the

asking why his assigned

illustrations from the school’s

charming illustrations and a

Bay Area just as the

copy of The Devil’s

perspective; anxious and

narrative with a good dose of

COVID-19 pandemic

Arithmetic was full of black

nervous like many of the

humor, this is an excellent book

begins — and with it, a rise

rectangles. Protagonist

students, and also excited

to use as a jumping off point

of anti-Asian racism. In

Mac’s quest to use his

about the next day! This

for discussing different ways to

the midst of it all, the Wei-

voice to stop ideas from

unique picture book is one

begin a friendship. Scheduled for

Evans kids must navigate

being silenced is a must-

of our top back-to-school

release by the end of August,

the drama of starting at

read for today’s middle

suggestions every year. Great

this great back-to-school pick is

a new school. For ages 8

schoolers. Recommended

for ages 4 and up. $17.99.

perfect for ages 4 and up. $18.95.

and up. $17.99.

for ages 9 and up. $18.99.

MACMILLAN

GREYSTONE BOOKS

SIMON & SCHUSTER

SCHOLASTIC

In the Know: Coming Soon to Broadway

Have you heard the news? Portland’s beloved youth performing arts organization,

Northwest Children’s Theater & School (NWCT) is moving to Broadway! Nestled in the downtown arts district — the Schnitzer and the Portland'5 theaters are just across the street — the former Regal Theater building will soon be home to NWCT. The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts, (or as the organization has dubbed it, The Judy) is slated to open in January 2023. The new digs met the organization’s three criteria as it searched for its new home: keep all programs under one roof, secure a long-term lease and have a central location.

Want to support NWCT during its big move? Visit

nwcts.org/move!

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The building, which is already undergoing renovations, will feature a 240-seat theater, a 120-seat black-box theater, a 190-seat cinema, multiple classrooms and rehearsal studios, and a maker space. “NWCT’s vision for The Judy is a space where children grow, dream and develop essential life skills,” says Rachael Brown, NWCT marketing and communications director. — Tiffany Hill

pdxparent.com

DAVID KINDER

Reserve your tickets oregonzoo.org pdxparent.com

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Ask Dr. Baynham

symptoms are fever, weight loss, persistent or

Q: My son has been having what I

worsening pain, pain during the day that limits

think are growing pains, especially

activity, redness, swelling, bruising or limping.

at night. Is there anything I can do

The diagnosis can often be made during an

to help ease the pain or should I be

exam. Once your doctor has determined that it’s growing pains and not something else, you

worried that this is not normal?

GAIL PARK

A: Growing pains are important to know about since they represent the most common cause of intermittent musculoskeletal pain in kids and need

can try acetaminophen, ibuprofen, heat, and massage for pain relief. Stretching can also be beneficial.

Overall, for leg pain that occurs intermittently,

to be distinguished from other more concerning causes of pain. Roughly 25% of kids will have growing pains at some point in childhood, usually affecting kids ages 3 to 12. It’s also a little more common in girls.

only at night, doesn’t interrupt daytime activity and has changes noted during an exam, you’re probably fine to try the above measures and watch at home. If nothing is helping or the pain is getting worse, you see redness/swelling/bruising,

No one knows what causes them. Theories include overuse — as growing pain episodes tend to follow periods of increased activity — low vitamin D and decreased bone density. Kids will

or you notice it’s limiting your child’s daytime activity, then it’s time to see the doctor.

usually describe pain in both legs in the thigh, calf, behind the

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,

knee or shin, usually occurring at night. It’s usually gone by

Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two,

morning and should almost never affect daytime activity. They’re

Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy,

unpredictable in that they may occur weekly for several weeks

resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team

or months, then resolve for months, then return. Concerning

with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Gear Guide: Smoke

Scrubbers

With our extremely soggy spring, we can hope that wildfires might not be as much of an issue this

summer and fall. But being prepared with an air filter can’t hurt. (And anyone who lived through Portland’s wildfire smoke-pocalypse of 2020 will probably not want to repeat that experience.)

Bonus: The Coway and Blueair purifiers will scrub the air of viruses, including coronavirus.

Blueair Blue Pure 211+ If you are looking to scrub the air in a large room (think basement play room or living room/dining space), the Blue Pure 211+ is a great choice.

It filters out smoke, allergens, viruses and more in up to 650 square feet. Bonus: It’s relatively quiet. $319.99. At BLUEAIR

COWAY

blueair.com and amazon.com.

Coway Airmega 200M This small but powerful air filter is highly

Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Filter

rated and a good value. Best for a bedroom, it cleans the air in up to

The Core 300’s three-stage filtration system

361 square feet. When set to eco

captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size

mode, the fan will adjust on and

budget choice for clearing a small bedroom of

off as needed. $229 (prices may

wildfire smoke smells. $99.99. Available in store

vary online). Available in store at

at Target and Best Buy, and online at levoit.com.

Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond,

LEVOIT

including smoke, dust and pollen. It’s a solid

and online at amazon.com.

— Denise Castañon

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You Practice, They Play Full-body workouts that leave you feeling balanced in body and empowered from within—all while your little one hangs in our Play Lounge.

Scan to try your first class free.

PLUS, email staff@barre3.com to redeem a complimentary Play Lounge visit for your child.

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A

Strong Start Battling back-to-school nerves? Try these kid-centered hacks for helping your littles make this first day of school the best one yet.

ERIN J. BERNARD

Download a free, printable back-to-school sign for first day photos at pdxparent.com/ back-to-school-printable

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Be Wonder-Full

ROSE CAUDILLO

Did all your kid’s besties end up in a different class? Do they have the school’s grumpiest teacher? No welcome-back message from the principal? Don’t panic!

Part of sending kids back to school is trusting that the teacher and administrators can handle whatever emotions and situations arise as everyone settles in, says Portlandbased therapist and parent coach Tracey Biebel. And your job as a parent is to model calm curiosity about all those unknowns.

Resist the urge to fret alongside your kids, bright-side worries, or jump in to “fix” things, Biebel advises. “One of the biggest gifts we give our kids is the ability to tolerate uncomfortable emotions, because life has uncomfortable emotions,” she says.

Biebel recommends sitting down together and wondering aloud about what’s ahead, validating all emotions from excitement to fear and reminding kids of past challenges overcome. This exercise gets children comfortable with not-knowing — an essential life skill.

light, with red indicating things they can’t do, yellow things they can do with help and green things they’ve mastered, your kid’s responsibilities should regularly place them between green and yellow, she says. A rising fourth-grader might be ready to pack their own lunch (with some nutritional guidance), while a kindergartener can begin dressing independently.

The goal: to tackle increasingly complex tasks in a way that feels emboldening — not overwhelming.

Own Your Anxiety

September can stir up parental stress, too! It’s normal to worry as a new school year looms and even to harbor a bit of grief. But we must remember our kids are watching us, and it’s easy to pass on our anxieties and hang-ups, warns Biebel. “If they look at us and what’s reflected back is fear, they’re gonna be scared,” she says. “They look to us for: ‘Is this going to be ok? Is this going to be safe?’”

If the anxiety or grief feels overwhelming, Biebel recommends seeking a therapist to help you work through it so you can parent from a place of peace and clarity.

Establish a Goodbye Ritual

Plan a Summer Send-off

As summer wanes, make a family list of lingering must-dos or have one last adventure: Hit that lake you’ve been meaning to visit, escape to the coast for a night, or plan a backyard campout. A calendar countdown can also help kids prepare mentally and practically in summer’s final weeks, but don’t rush it, recommends Biebel. Focus instead on enjoying those last hazy days; they’re going to go fast.

Hand off A Responsibility or Two

Nurture a growth mindset by keeping kids in what Biebel dubs the Zone of Struggle. If you think of your kid’s development as a traffic

A small ritual offers kids of all ages comfort and camaraderie as well as a concrete way to bid farewell each morning. For little ones, it might be a quick personalized goodbye song sung in the drop-off line, followed by a brief hug. For older kids, try a secret handshake at the front door of your home before they head out into the world. Keep it simple, fun and fast, suggests Biebel, and if your kid dashes off on that first day without hugging you goodbye, let them go and call it a win!

Your kid’s got this. And you’ve got it, too! We promise.

— Erin J. Bernard

Celebrate the Start You’ve prepped your kid to have a great start to school, but take it to the next level by throwing in a surprise treat after the first day or first week of school. Consider hitting a destination park for a post-school play date: The Imagination Station in Gresham, Harper’s Playground in North Portland or the brand-new, inclusive playground at Gabriel Park in Southwest Portland are great choices. Or get a little sugar rush at an extra-special treat shop. Boba is just the beginning at Yoonique Tea (5348 SE Foster Rd.); other drink specialties include the Oreo Cloud foam tea and fresh fruit tea frappuccinos. Or try cannolis and other Italian baked goods at Sebastiano’s in Montavilla (411 SE 81st Ave.). Oyatsupan Bakers (16025 SW Regatta Ln.) in Beaverton specializes in delicious Japanese pastries; kids will love the chocolate coronet with googly eyes! And you can’t beat ice cream! A scoop of Circus Friends at Woodstock’s Cloud City Ice Cream (4525 SE Woodstock Blvd.) or Blondie vs. Brownie at Fifty Licks (several locations; fiftylicks.com) is a tasty way to ring in the new school year. — Denise Castañon

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Q&A Angela Bonilla

ANGELA BONILLA

We talked with the new president of the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) about Portland’s state of public education and her thoughts on student success.

In September,

Angela Bonilla will become PAT’s new president.

Originally from the Bronx in New York, Bonilla began working with Portland Public Schools in 2015 and was most recently a bilingual instructional coach.

Bonilla sat down with PDX Parent to discuss the future of public education throughout the Portland area and why advocating for teachers and their students has lasting impacts.

PDX Parent: Going into the new school year, what are the biggest needs for our students and how will teachers provide them?

Angela Bonilla: What we have heard from educators varies from school to school, but some themes are consistent across the district. Students need consistency, safety and connection.

What educators need to provide that support is more trained adults in buildings and time to do the work well. This includes time within our work year and work day for training, communicating with parents and guardians, and collaboration.

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PDX: What are the biggest challenges Portland (and Oregon) teachers face?

AB: We need consistent, collaborative leadership. Without that, any gains made at a school or district level fall to the wayside as someone new comes in and unveils a new set of initiatives that derails or undoes work we have already done.

PDX: What policies or practices would you like to see instituted in our local public education system?

AB: We need sustainable funding and resources to execute the six research-based community school strategies that allow for greater student-centered learning, community investment and engagement, and school environments squarely focused on teaching and learning. Those are: Curricula that are engaging, culturally relevant, and challenging; an emphasis on high-quality teaching; wraparound supports; positive discipline practices; authentic parent and community engagement; and inclusive school leadership.

PDX: How should we measure success in our schools and how should we align the incentives of teachers and administrators to promote that success?

AB: I think we need to reevaluate how we determine success in students, educators and administrators. These past years under COVID have me convinced that if we want to change entrenched systems at the drop of a dime, we can. I know this because we did. … It wasn’t perfect, but it showed the dedication and resilience of our workforce. If we want a better public education system, we can and must create it. Our kids deserve nothing less.

PDX: What would you like parents — and the public in general — to understand about education right now?

AB: The kids are not OK. They have it harder than we did, and we need to listen to them so we can help them.

Often this means slowing down, creating space for student voice, lessons that engage what they are grappling with and what is going on in the world.

PDX: How do you think the pandemic is changing education in the long term?

AB: I think we will have to move toward more project-based learning that provides flexibility in instruction while still aligning to our state standards. It will allow us, however, the ability to move on different timelines for different students based on their attendance, developmental and instructional needs.

PDX: What is PAT hoping to accomplish during the upcoming Oregon legislative session?

AB: We will continue to work with legislators and local officials to promote a fully funded quality education model.

We are one of the only states that has a model for what quality education looks like and a projection for how much that costs. We have seen record profits for corporations across the country during the pandemic. I cannot believe that that much wealth exists and yet we cannot find the money to fully fund our education system.

— As told to Tiffany Hill

The Enrollment Report In April, Portland Public Schools (PPS) announced that due to decreased enrollment, schools would face cuts to classroom teachers. According to data from PPS, in the 2021-2022 school year the district saw a drop of 3,981 students enrolled compared to the 2019-2020 school year. The Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) and many parents strongly advocated against the cuts. Now district officials say that the budget approved on May 24 will not force teacher layoffs for the coming school year. But the status of future cuts remains uncertain.

“No educator, student or parent will tell you that this year we had enough of anything: enough staff, enough support, enough time,” says Angela Bonilla, the incoming president of PAT. “This reflects a disconnect between the spreadsheets and the reality on the ground. In order for it to be successful, public education needs more investment, not less.”

Some private schools reported their enrollment numbers remained unchanged during the pandemic.

“We are grateful that our enrollment numbers have remained steady over the last many years,” says Mo Copeland, Oregon Episcopal School’s

head of school (pictured below). “During the pandemic, we heard from many interested families who thought we were a great option because we required vaccinations and upheld mask mandates.”

But some parents, she adds, weren’t keen on having their kids continue to mask up for the school day.

Catlin Gabel’s Director of Enrollment Management Sara Nordhoff says that the westside private school saw full enrollment in the last few years despite the pandemic. “Many families appreciated the school’s commitment to the health and safety of our community during the height of the pandemic,” she says.

“This included our decision to require all employees and age-eligible students to be vaccinated, with exemptions for religious and medical reasons.”

Despite the ongoing public-school student enrollment decrease, Portlandarea educators agree that inspiring work that engages and motivates students is still happening in and out of the classroom. And that work will hopefully spur teachers, parents and the community to come together, for the sake of students, whether in public or private settings. — Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill

In the 2021-2022 school year PPS saw a

drop of 3,981 students compared to the 2019-2020 school year.

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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The After-school Shuffle After-school care is a lifesaver for many parents — and enriching for kids — but finding quality, convenient and affordable care for your kids isn’t always so simple. Read on for our essential after-school how-to.

BY ALI WILKINSON

YMCA

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Portland Public Schools’ (PPS) after-school programming is not a one-stop shop. Upwards of 10 licensed child care providers serve more than 50 schools.

While this can be confusing, Nancy Hauth, Student Success Program Manager for the Early Learners Department at PPS explains why. “If we had just one partner organization, serving over 50 schools, we would be at a disadvantage if the partner organization closed, reduced their capacity or wasn’t providing quality care.”

While having so many service providers gives schools and parents a wider safety net, it also makes it harder for parents and caregivers to understand their after-school care options. Compounding this problem is that on-site after-school programs fill up — often quickly — leaving families scrambling.

We break down the after-school programs offered in Portland, including tips for what to do if you don’t get a coveted spot. Plus, other options for convenient after-school care.

After-school Programs These programs all take place on the elementary campuses listed below unless otherwise noted, pps.net/childcare.

ART4LIFE

Art4Life This after-school program focuses on arts and culture. Typical after-school activities include exploring music, theater, visual arts, literature, cuisine and movement.

Art4Life serves four area schools: Abernethy, Richmond, Winterhaven and Access Academy. $170-$470 a month. Art4life.net.

Champions Champions, owned by KinderCare, is based on early childhood education principles. The program focuses on building social-emotional skills, executive functioning skills and inquiry-based learning. Champions works with 32 Portland schools within PPS as well as outside: Astor, Atkinson, Bridger, Bridlemile, Buckman, Capitol Hill, Cesar Chavez, Cherry Park, Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, Creston, The Emerson School, Earl Boyles, Gilbert Heights, Gilbert Park, Harrison Park, Hartley, Kelly, Lee, Le Monde French Immersion, Menlo Park, Prescott, Rieke, Rockwood Preparatory, Russell, Margaret Scott, Shaver, Skyline, St. Rose, Ventura Park, Whitman, Woodmere and Woodstock. Cost varies by location and runs from $40-$56 for one or two days per week to $80-$102 for three plus days per week.

Discoverchampions.com.

Camp Fire Columbia This program provides programming that promises to support academic achievement, build social and life skills, foster community engagement, and develop career and college readiness. Camp Fire serves eight area schools: Beverly Cleary, Creative Science, Hayhurst, James John, Peninsula, Rose City Park, Sunnyside and Woodlawn. $296-$455 for three to five days. Campfirecolumbia.org.

FRIENDLY HOUSE

CAMP FIRE COLUMBIA

Friendly House Serving Chapman Elementary only, Friendly House is a nonprofit community center and social service agency. It provides after-school care on a sliding scale, which includes art, science, homework help, field trips and play. Fhpdx.org.

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Kids Community Learning Center This program offers homework help, activities and an assortment of clubs, including music lessons.

KCLC is available to students at the Metropolitan Learning Center, Access Academy, Ainsworth, Chapman and Emerson. $115-$415 per month for one to five days. Kidscommunity.org.

KIDS COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER

Neighborhood House This organization’s after-school program includes homework help, art, sports and other enrichment.

Neighborhood House serves Boise, Chief Joseph, MLK Jr. and Sabin elementary schools. $244-$399 per month for two to five days. Nhpdx.org.

Portland Jewish Academy Balancing teacher-led and child-initiated activities, the program offers activities based on weekly or monthly themes. PJA offers services at Portland Jewish Academy, and transports students from the Odyssey Program at East Sylvan. Students from other schools are welcome but will not be transported. $191-$570 a month for one to five days. Pjaproud.org.

YMCA A variety of fun activities are included to help children develop their academic and social skills. YMCA reaches 14 schools in Portland, and more in surrounding areas: Alameda, Arleta, Beach, Faubion, Grout, Laurelhurst, Lenox, Lewis, Llewellyn, Marysville, Rigler, Scott, Vernon and Vestal. $380-$526 a month.

Ymcacw.org.

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Several schools have programs unique to their individual schools. Often, these programs are led by parents of families enrolled in the program. These include: Ainsworth Child Care Association, $390-$503, ainsworthaftercare.com.

Duniway All Stars, $55-$720 (drop in to five days), daschildcare.org/DAS. Irvington Extended Day, $224-$316 (three to five days), iedprogram.org.

Markham Children’s Care Association, $247-$339 (two to four days), mccakids.com.

Stephenson Child Care Association, $85-$425.

Waitlist Tips Not everyone can get into their school’s onsite after-school program. And COVID staffing shortages have made the problem worse. If you get on the waitlist, here are some tips: • Once you’re on the waitlist, don’t get off! Follow up with the provider a few times before school starts to see if they might open up more slots. Encourage other parents to do the same. If there’s need, space and staffing, the program may expand to serve more families.

• Look into programs that pick up kids for after-school enrichment opportunities, page 19.

• Contact Oregon’s 211info for other child care options. They are available by phone at 211, by email at children@211info.org, or online at findchildcareoregon.org.

• Coordinate carpooling with other parents to offsite programs.

Schools Uniting Neighborhoods SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Community Schools are full-service neighborhood hubs funded by Multnomah County. They offer after-school programs, instruction, enrichment, extracurricular activities and more. Many SUN programs also have a food pantry onsite, as well as connections to health and mental health services. Unlike other after-school programs, SUN is not a licensed day care provider. Instead, it is an anti-poverty initiative. There are 92 community schools across six school districts, with elementary and K-8 making up 62 of those sites. Most SUN programs are offered at no cost. Those sites that do charge fees provide opportunities for low-income families to attend for free. Multco.us/sun.

Programs that Pick Up

TRACKERS

A number of programs pick up from local schools and provide after-school enrichment off-campus. Here are some.

Atlas Immersion Academy Atlas offers after-school programming in French or Spanish. It picks up from Hayhurst, Ainsworth and Le Monde, and transports children to Atlas Gabriel Park. Atlasimmersionacademy.com.

Trackers Get the Trackers camp experience in an after-school program. The nature-first program picks up from Abernethy, Buckman, Duniway, Grout, Llewellyn, Portland Forest School, Richmond and Winterhaven. $32-$36 a day. Trackerspdx.com.

Belmont Academy This program offers snacks, free time, art projects, games and homework assistance. Belmont Academy picks up from Arthur Academy, Buckman, Glencoe and Richmond. $340-$450 a month. Belmontacademy.org.

NW Adventure Co. This program provides kids with adventurous nature-based activities at local parks. Serving Ainsworth, Alameda, Beach, Beverly Cleary, Chief Joseph, Rose City Park and Scott. $30/day.

Nwadventurecompany.com.

One With Heart This martial arts program picks up from Atkinson, Glencoe and Richmond. $699 a month. Onewithheart.com.

NW ADVENTURE CO. SELLWOOD COMMUNITY HOUSE

Portland Parks & Recreation The SOAR and LEAP enrichment programs provide transportation to local community centers.

Serves children from Astor, Boise-Eliot, Cesar Chavez, James John, Peninsula, Rosa Parks and Sitton elementary schools. $175 a month.

The Pay What You Can discount is applicable to these programs. Portland.gov/parks.

Portland Metro Arts After School Art Club (ASAC) ASAC gives kids opportunities in music, theater, dance and visual arts. Pick up from Atkinson, Bridger, Cherry Park, Creative Science, Glencoe, Harrison Park, Laurelhurst, Portland Arthur Academy, Rose City Park and Vestal. $48-$210. Pdxmetroarts.org/ ASAC.html.

Sellwood Community House Kids can choose from numerous classes including cooking, art and science. Serves Duniway and Llewellyn. $115-$660. Sellwoodcommunityhouse.org.

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After-school Enrichment

CHESS WIZARD

Back in the day, Peachjar flyers helped Portland families find after-school activities for their kids on campus and off. Because of equity issues, that program has stopped. But many schools still offer after-school classes for art, basketball, yoga and other activities on school campuses. Some organizations that typically provide on-campus enrichment are:

Check in with your PTA, PTO or school office to learn if your school offers on-site enrichment programming.

In addition, you can check PDX Parent’s after-school guide.

While many of these are not offered on school grounds, you may be able to figure out carpooling to make these options sustainable for your family. pdxparent.com/ business-category/after-school.

MAD SCIENCE

Chess Wizards You’re never too young to learn chess! Offered at approximately five sites. $160-$240 per multi-week session.

Mad Science Kids learn science while having fun during on-site enrichment classes at 60 area schools. $200 per multi-week session.

New Moon Productions Budding thespians learn drama literacy and put on an end-of-session show. Serves approximately five schools. $100 per multi-week session.

PDX Reign Basketball Academy Learn how to play basketball or hone your skills. Currently offered at ten local schools. $145-230 for a nine- to 14-week season.

Yoga Playgrounds Yoga classes are offered at ten local elementary schools. Session rate varies based on the number of weeks offered.

Ali Wilkinson is a lawyer, writer, and podcaster living in Portland. She loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family.

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B A C K-T O - S C H O O L

After School Care Program The Perfect Blend Of Fun And Learning After The Bell Rings Now Serving 17 Elementary Schools Beaverton Tigard/Tualatin West Linn/Wilsonville Phone: 503-643-9059 ClubKAfterSchool.com

The perfect balance of learning and play® NOW ENROLLING Contact us to schedule a tour today!

• Safe, nurturing environment • Enthusiastic and caring teachers • Links to Learning curriculum • Ongoing parent communication

TouchstoneSchools.com 866-537-4455

LOCATIONS: Tigard: 7090 SW Fir Loop • Hillsboro: 6355 NE Cornelius Pass Road TS_PDXParent_Aug22_8x4.875.indd 1

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B A C K-T O - S C H O O L

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Offering group classes and private lessons for youth.

Registration for our fall series is open.

Aerial Dance PDX is the new home for youth aerial arts.

www.aerialdancepdx.com

Stay safe this summer.

Heading to a lake or river to cool down? Wear a life jacket. oregonmetro.gov/watersafety

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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

THE CIRCUIT GYM

KIDS CLUBS Kids clubs are available for ages 5-14. Registration opens in August.

Learn the ins and outs of climbing in a fun, team-like environment in our after school clubs!

Learn more: thecircuitgym.com

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The votes are in and we are rolling out more winners of the 2022

PDX Parent

Picks! Here are our readers’ top choices in the Health & Wellness categories.

Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.com/picks-winners.

PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE Winner Brave Care Multiple locations, bravecare.com When busy parents need a same-day appointment for their littles ones, whether it’s an unexplained rash or for a bone that broke during recess,

ALI RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

the physicians and staff at Brave Care

make your child’s medical emergency their priority. Brave Care has three locations, in Northeast, Southeast and Beaverton. And they even offer a 24-hour phone line staffed with nurses who can answer your middle-of-night questions!

PEDIATRICIAN Winner Metropolitan Pediatrics, LLC Multiple locations, metropediatrics.com With six locations, from Portland to Happy Valley, and 50 physicians, Metropolitan Pediatrics is the go-to place for anything and everything medical related for your child. In addition to care for the sniffles, the offices also offer sports medicine, behavioral health, lactation support for new moms, and even ear piercing for your kiddos!

Top 5 Broadway Medical Clinic, LLP

Top 5 Columbia Clinic Urgent Care Kaiser Legacy Go-Health Urgent Care -

Shriners Hospital’s Walk-in

Clackamas & Oregon Pediatrics

Fracture & Sports Injury Clinic

Pediatric Associates of the Northwest

ZoomCare

OHSU Doernbecher Pediatrics Clinic Sellwood Medical Clinic

Cedar Hills

Schedule a FREE Courtesy Visit Today

www.OregonPediatrics.com 22

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DENTIST FOR KIDS

Top 5

Winner Hollywood Children’s Dentistry

Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children

3839 NE Tillamook St., 503-288-5891, hcdpdx.com

Greenburg Pediatric Dentistry

We know that a trip to the dentist isn’t the most

Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

enjoyable for kiddos. But the pros at Hollywood Children’s Dentistry (pictured right) make sure sitting in the (colorful, kid-size) dental chair is a

Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

welcoming, stress-free experience. The office waiting room even has a play-area (currently closed due to COVID) and fun tooth-themed decor. >> Winners continued on page 24.

HOLLYWOOD CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

METROPOLITAN PEDIATRICS

For more

local picks,

visit our business directory:

pdxparent.com/ directory.

nw pediatric & family nutrition

We are a team of non-diet dietitians supporting intuitive eating, eating disorder recovery, and helping parents raise children with a healthy relationship

R EN T P I PA

S CK

PD X

with food and their bodies.

RE

A

DE

2022 RS

’ CH OICE AW

S

TOP 5 AR

D

nwpfnutrition.com | 971-319-1288 5201 SW Westgate Drive, #100, Portland, 97221 pdxparent.com

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FIT4MOM

FAMILY- FRIENDLY FITNESS Winner Fit4Mom Multiple locations, fit4mom.com It can be hard for new moms to do anything for themselves, let alone work out. But Fit4Mom, which has classes from Southeast Portland and Clackamas to Beaverton and Lake Oswego, makes it easy for moms to get a total-body workout by including babies and kids in the workout sesh. And in between all the cardio and strength-training, classes give moms a chance to connect with other women who are also deep in the trenches of new motherhood.

ACCESSIBLE & INCLUSIVE RESOURCES

SPECIALTY SERVICES FOR KIDS

Winner Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services

Kids

Barre3

Ready Set GROW Yoga

Hike It Baby Luna Wellness

5200 S Macadam Ave., Suite 100,

424 NE 22nd Ave., albertinakerr.org

therapysolutionsforkids.com

For families with a child experiencing

The pediatric occupational, physical and

a mental health crisis, Albertina Kerr

speech therapists at Therapy Solutions

is a lifeline. The organization offers in-

for Kids can help children with everything

patient treatment for kids ages 5 to 17

from gross motor skills to stuttering to

with a focus on stabilization, psychiatric

emotional regulation. And the Therapy

evaluation and transitional planning.

Solutions team will coordinate care and

And they also offer outpatient mental

collaborate with your kid’s school and

health resources for children and teens

other service providers as needed.

as well.

Top 5 Hello Clinic Sensory Kids, LLC

Top 5

Winner Therapy Solutions for

Spectra Gymnastics

and Dance Studio

Therapy Solutions for Kids

Villa Sport

Tucker Arts Camp

Top 5 Brain Balance Help Elevate Learning Processing, Inc. Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies, Inc. Northwest Pediatric & Family Nutrition Northwest Reading Clinic

“I feel like our family is whole because we were given a chance; we had a team of people behind us to make that happen.”

–Parent of a Kerr teen client

Kerr is here 24/7 with life-saving children’s mental health services and essential support for children, teens, and adults experiencing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

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AlbertinaKerr.org

SCHOOL OPTIONS 2022

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Guide

NORTHWEST ACADEMY

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25 25

Private School Guide 2022

Bridges Middle School Number of Students

60

Student/Teacher Ratio

12-to-1

Average Class Size

12 students

Staff with Master’s Degree(s)

5

Percentage of Students of Color

30%

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Admission Deadline

March 1 of the previous school year, then rolling as space allows

Our small class settings for fifth to eighth graders incorporate individualized academics with social skills, therapies, and support that set the foundation for future success. Bridges is the only middle school in Oregon specifically designed for students with learning differences to reach their maximum potential — in a loving, nurturing atmosphere centrally located in downtown Portland.

For many Bridges students, this means the difference between effective learning and being passed along. It means positive social and emotional growth rather than isolation or, worse, bullying.

Address 2510 SW 1st Ave. Website BridgesMS.org Phone 503-688-2922

Tuition

$25,500

School Overview: School Type Independent, private, special education

Financial Aid Available

Yes

Grades Offered Fifth to eighth grade Religious Affiliation None School Memberships and Accreditations

COGNIA, Oregon Department of Education

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Private School Guide 2022

Oregon Episcopal School Number of Students

870, including 60 boarders Student/Teacher Ratio

7-to-1 Average Class Size

15 students Percentage of Students of Color

44% Inclusive/Accessible

Yes ADD/ADHD Support

Yes Percentage of Faculty with Advanced Degrees

83% Campus Size

59 acres Admission Deadline

Lower School: January 19 Middle and Upper School: January 31 Open House Dates

Lower School: October 19 Middle and Upper School: October 16 oes.edu/explore Tuition

$33,100-$39,900 - Day Students $71,200 - Boarding Students Financial Aid Available

Yes Activities

Art, music, theater, and no-cut sports Summer School Offered

Yes: oes.edu/summer Before/After Care

Yes Graduates

99% attend four-year colleges

Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so students may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.

Nestled within 59 wooded acres in Southwest Portland that include natural wetlands, nature trails, ropes courses, and gardens, OES offers an outstanding educational experience for pre-K through grade 12 students, including boarding students in grades 9-12.

Address 6300 SW Nicol Road Website oes.edu Phone 503-768-3115

School Overview: Year Founded 1869 School Type Private, independent, co-ed, day and boarding Grades Offered Pre-K to 12th grade Religious Affiliation Episcopal Languages Taught Chinese, Spanish and French School Memberships and Accreditation Northwest Association of

Independent Schools

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Private School Guide 2022

French American International School Year Founded

1979 School Type

Language immersion/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Grades Offered

Early preschool (2 1/2 year-olds) to eighth grade Languages Taught

English, French, German, Mandarin and Spanish School Memberships and Accreditations

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) International Baccalaureate (IB) French Ministry of National Education (AEFE) French Secular Mission (MLF) Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD) Number of students

560 Student / Teacher Ratio

9 -to-1 Average Class Size

15 Campus Size

15 acres Admission Deadline

Rolling (February 1: priority consideration) Summer School Offered

Yes Before/After Care

Yes

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Do you want your child to develop natural curiosity, deeper understanding of other cultures, and empathy for different perspectives?

Discover why immersion is more than learning another language, and how your child would flourish on the 15-acre, nature-filled campus at FAIS — Portland’s longest-established immersion school and only IB school for preschool-8th grade.

Families can join as young as 2 1/2 years old (early preschool), or in Middle School, with five language tracks: English, French, German, Mandarin or Spanish!

Address 8500 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR 97229 Website faispdx.org Phone 503-292-7776 Email info@faispdx.org

School Overview: School Type Language Immersion, IB Grades Offered Pre-K-8th Languages Taught English, French, German, Mandarin and Spanish

Private School Guide 2022

Cedarwood Waldorf School Number of Students

260 Average Class Size

20 Admission Deadline

Rolling Open House

Journey Through the Grades January 26, 2023 Tuition

K-8 $17,250 Financial Aid Available

Yes Activities

Basketball, circus, Ultimate Frisbee, games club, social justice club Summer School Offered

Yes

Cedarwood students are curious and engaged critical thinkers and doers who care about creating a better world. Children in prekindergarten through grade 8 are nurtured by a developmentally thoughtful pedagogy, with hands-on experiences both in the classroom and off-campus.

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, in the historic Lair Hill Neighborhood, Cedarwood Waldorf School’s curriculum weaves together the arts, academics and movement to bring learning to life.

Address 3030 SW 2nd Ave. Website cedarwoodschool.org Phone 503-245-1477

Before/After Care

Yes

School Overview: Year Founded 1997 School Type Private Grades Offered Pre-kindergarten-8th grade Religious Affiliation None Languages Taught Spanish and Japanese School Memberships and Accreditations Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), The Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) pdxparent.com

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Private School Guide 2022

Pilgrim Lutheran Christian School School Type

Private Lutheran Christian Grades Offered

Preschool to eighth grade Religious Affiliation

Lutheran - Christian Number of Students

130 Average Class Size

15 Admission Deadline

Rolling Special Academics

Fine arts, music, STEM and more Sports

Basketball, soccer, volleyball Food Service

In-house nutritious lunch program

West Hills Montessori School School Type

Montessori Grades Offered

Preschool to sixth grade Religious Affiliation

None Languages Taught

English Number of Students

150 Student/Teacher Ratio

25-to-2 Average Class Size

22-25

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Pilgrim Lutheran Christian School enthusiastically provides students with a comprehensive curriculum in a caring, Christ-centered community, preparing them to be compassionate, responsible leaders. Our school seeks to serve with home and church in developing the whole child — body, mind and spirit.

Address 5650 SW Hall Blvd.

Website pilgrimbeaverton.com Phone 503-644-8697

Serving Portland area families for more than 50 years, our Montessori classes meet the social, emotional and academic needs of children ages 3 to 12 years. Contact us to learn more about our Primary and Elementary Montessori programs!

Address 4920 SW Vermont St. Website westhillsmontessori.com Phone 503-246-5495

Private School Guide 2022

Franciscan Montessori Earth School School Type

Montessori

Grades Offered

Pre-K to eighth grade Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Languages Taught

German and Spanish Number of Students

300

Student / Teacher Ratio

12-to-1

Average Class Size

20 students

Inclusive / Accessible Supports

Yes

Admission Deadline

Rolling

Tuition

Varies

Extracurricular Activities

Sports, music and chess

The Franciscan Montessori Earth School has offered a quality Montessori education since 1977. The Franciscan Montessori Earth School strives to inspire children to expand their minds, nurture their spirits and steward the earth. Call or visit our website today!

Address 14750 SE Clinton St. Website fmes.org Phone 503-760-8220

Valley Catholic School School Type

Private

Grades Offered

Pre-K-12

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Languages Taught

Spanish and French Number of Students

1,200

Student/Teacher Ratio

16-to-1

Average Class Size

16 students

Inclusive/Accessible Supports

Yes

Extracurricular Activities

No-cut athletics, music, theater

Located on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s beautiful 43-acre campus, Valley Catholic School is an engaging, supportive, faith-based education experience. Rigorous classes start early and college preparation begins in middle school. Students are empowered to learn, perform, compete and serve. VCS - Excellence in Everything.

Opportunity for Everyone.

Address 4420 SW St. Mary’s Dr. Beaverton, OR Website valleycatholic.org Phone 503-718-6500 pdxparent.com

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Private School Guide 2022

L’Etoile French Immersion School School Type

Preschool and Elementary Grades Offered

2.5 years old-5th grade Religious Affiliation

None Languages Taught

French Tuition

Varies by program level Admission Deadline

We accept applications for the following school year on a rolling basis starting in October. Applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis.

L’Etoile French Immersion School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education for students aged 2 1/2 through eleven. Our enriched curriculum, taught by native French teachers, inspires children to strive for academic excellence all while developing a strong sense of global awareness and nurturing respect for diverse cultural traditions.

Address 5839 S Hood Ave. Website letoilefrenchschool.com School Phone 503-836-8358

Catlin Gabel School School Type

Independent, private, progressive education Grades Offered

Preschool to 12th grade Languages Taught

Spanish, Mandarin, and French Number of Students

780 Average Class Size

16 Admission Deadline

Primary deadline: January 2023 Extracurricular Activities

Athletics, arts, outdoor education Financial Assistance Available

Yes

Catlin Gabel is recognized as one of the finest schools in the nation.

We fuel curiosity with courage so that every student from preschool to high school will have the confidence and ability to rise to the challenges of life, becoming global citizens who can change the world for good.

Address 8825 SW Barnes Rd. Website catlin.edu School Phone 503-297-1894

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Private School Guide 2022

German International School School Type

International Baccalaureate (IB) and Language Immersion Grades Offered

2 years to sixth grade Languages Taught

German and Mandarin Number of Students

315

Student / Teacher Ratio

16-to-1

Average Class Size

12-16

Admission Deadline

Rolling

Tuition

$11,930-$16,100 annual Other

Immersion, Preschool, International Baccalaureate

We provide a high-quality German and Mandarin language education by immersing students in the language and culture, and as an IB World School, we are committed to developing knowledgeable and caring world citizens.

Address 3900 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton, OR Website gspdx.org Phone 503-626-9089

The Portland Forest School Website

portlandforestschool.com School Phone

503-858-8423 School Type

Independant School, Full-time Outdoor Education Grades Offered

Kindergarten-8th grade Number of Students

88

Student/Teacher Ratio

12-to-1

Average Class Size

12

Trackers Forest School is an independant school thats brings the village back into education. We blend key educational benchmarks with hands-on, project-based learning. Academic insight is honed through experiences in the fantastic forests, fields, and farms of our region. We feature powerfully low student-to-teacher ratios.

Address 4617 SE Milwaukie Ave. Website portlandforestschool.com Phone 503-858-8423

Admission Deadline

None, Rolling

Extracurricular Activities

After care, clubs, outdoor education Other

Outdoor Education, School pdxparent.com

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Private School Guide 2022

Childpeace Montessori School School Type

Private/Montessori Grades Offered

14 months to eighth grade Languages Taught

Spanish Number of Students

280 Student/Teacher Ratio

10-to-1 Average Class Size

25 Financial Aid Available

Yes Summer School Offered

Yes Before/After Care

Yes

Through an emphasis on deeply engaged learning, Childpeace Montessori School fosters an environment for students from ages 14 months to middle school to find their voices and explore new ideas.

For nearly 50 years, Childpeace has helped students cultivate their talents while becoming self-directed learners.

Address 1516 NW Thurman St. Website childpeace.org School Phone 503-222-1197

International School of Portland School Type

Language immersion Grades Offered

Preschool to fifth grade Languages Taught

Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish and English Number of Students

390

Student/Teacher Ratio

9-to-1 Average Class Size

13 Tuition

$13,080-$21,590 Admission Deadline

Rolling

Embrace the World!

For over thirty years, we’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. We provide three full language immersion programs — Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese — under one roof. We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School.

Address 2305 S Water Ave. Website intlschool.org Phone 503-226-2496 x110

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Private School Guide 2022

Micha-el School School Type

Waldorf Grades Offered

K-8 Languages Taught

Spanish, German Number of Students

105 Student/Teacher Ratio

18-to-1 Average Class Size

18 Tuition

$8,640

Inspire your child with Waldorf education. Weaving academics with creativity to inspire joyful learning.

Address 13515A SE Rusk Rd. Website micha-elschool.org School Phone 503-882-3322

Portland Christian Schools School Type

Independent Christian Grades Offered

Preschool-12th grade Languages Taught

Spanish, Latin, French and Japanese Number of Students

650

Student/Teacher Ratio

13-to-1 Tuition

$3,601-$11,033 variable tuition Admission Deadline

Rolling

Activities

PCS is an independent, fully accredited, Christian school established in 1947. Our students excel academically and participate in many extracurricular programs including a wide variety of sports teams and award-winning arts and music programs. At PCS your student will prepare for what’s next while fully engaging in life.

Address Two campuses: 12425 NE San Rafael St.

and 11845 SE Market St.

Arts, athletics and student clubs

Website pcschools.org

Other

Phone 503-867-9214

Before and after school care, summer programs

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Private School Guide 2022 PAUL RICH PHOTOGRAPHY

Portland Jewish Academy School Type

Community Jewish Day School Grades Offered

Infant to eighth grade Languages Taught

Hebrew

Student/Teacher Ratio

10-to-1

Average Class Size

18 students Tuition

K-5th: $22,050; middle school: $22,800 Financial Aid Available

Yes

Admission Deadline

February 1, 2023

Extracurricular Activities

Sports, writing and community service

PJA is an inclusive Jewish community school that welcomes families of all backgrounds. PJA provides an academically rich environment that supports students’ personal growth and development. A hands-on interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning, critical thinking and community engagement. Students are empowered to think for themselves and work for the world.

Address 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Website pjaproud.org Phone 503-535-3599

Tucker Maxon School School Type

Progressive, experiential, academic, and SEL Grades Offered

Preschool to fifth grade Number of Students

105

Student/Teacher Ratio

7-to-1

Average Class Size

12

Inclusive/Accessible Supports

Deaf and hard of hearing, dyslexia Tuition

$9,750/year elementary, $10,200/year preschool (other services see website) Admission Deadline

None/Rolling

Extracurricular Activities

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Tucker Maxon has it all: Amazing teachers, small class sizes, happy children, academic excellence, social and emotional learning, cutting-edge curriculum, a great library, top-notch facilities and playground, science, art, music, PE, parent volunteer opportunities, a caring community, after care, and all, at a low cost. Join us for our 75th Anniversary year!

Address 2860 SE Holgate Blvd.

Website tuckermaxon.org Phone 503-235-6551 x101

Private School Guide 2022

Northwest Academy School Type

Arts focused, college prep Grades Offered

Sixth to 12th grade Religious Affiliation

None Languages Taught

Chinese, French and Spanish Number of Students

260 Student/Teacher Ratio

7-to-1 Tuition

$25,860-$27,580

Northwest Academy is a progressive independent middle and high school college preparatory program that inspires students to learn and achieve through its unique academic and arts partnership. We have limited openings in some grades and we’d love to hear from you!

Celebrating 25 years of inspired learning!

Address 1130 SW Main St. Website nwacademy.org Phone 503-223-3367

Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm School Type

Waldorf

Grades Offered

Pre-K-8th Grade

Languages Taught

Spanish, Mandarin

Number of Students

160

Student/Teacher Ratio

12-to-1

Average Class Size

16

Tuition

$9,000-$14,000 Inclusive/Accessible Supports

Beyond the city lights, where open spaces invite freedom and inspiration, is Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm. Swallowtail has two campuses: a main campus in Cornelius and a 26-acre farm campus in Hillsboro. Swallowtail offers an academic curriculum that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking. At the heart of Swallowtail is an active and supportive community.

Address 460 S. Heather St. Cornelius, OR Website swallowtailschool.org School Phone 503-846-0336

Counselor, reading & math remedial teachers, student support team Specialty Subjects

Outdoor education, music, art, handwork Committees

Parent Assoc., marketing, equity, farm, building & land pdxparent.com

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Private School Guide 2022

The Marylhurst School School Type

Progressive Education Grades Offered

Parent/Child through 8th grade Languages Taught

Spanish Number of Students

157 Student/Teacher Ratio

10-to-1 Average Class Size

15 Tuition

$1,635-$14,987 Admission Deadline

Rolling

Nestled on 38 forested acres on the Clacakmas River, The Marylhurst School is an independent, progressive education community. We offer small class sizes, experiential and child-centered curriculum in a warm, welcoming community. We have a preschool in West Linn and Pre-K–8th grades in Oregon City.

Address 15544 S Clackamas River Dr.

Oregon City, OR

Website themarylhurstschool.org Phone 503-650-0978

Touchstone School Touchstone School provides outstanding preschool education from infants through pre-kindergarten in the Portland, Oregon area. Links to Learning, our preschool curriculum, takes advantage of a child’s readiness to learn with activities that are fun, challenging and engaging. Our enthusiastic teachers understand each child’s individual developmental needs and learning styles.

Address 7090 SW Fir Loop Portland, OR and 6355 NE Cornelius Pass Rd. Hillsboro, OR Website touchstoneschools.com Phone 866-518-2872

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Private School Guide 2022

ays D e r u ams r Nat g o r ol P escho

Hom

Ages 5 - 14

Child-Led Learning in Nature Flexible 1 - 4 days/week

EdenAcres Environmental Education edenacres.org

971-470-7502

BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The package covers 4 sessions that typically take place over the stretch of a couple of years. The “Watch Me Grow Program” includes your favorite 5x7 from each session in a clever wall frame that shows off the progression. This makes a perfect gift for any family! Mention this ad and receive a mobile app bonus from your sessions.

503.232.6836 | info@sbluephoto.com SomethingBluePhotography.com

Visit our kids calendar at pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Family | Couples | Portraits

ROSE FESTIVAL

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PRESCHOOL

Pre-K/ K - Ages 3-6 Let nature and the arts nurture your child's creativity and imagination.

"I wish I could have gone to school here!"

— Most prospective parents upon visiting Our students are met with kindness, simplicity and a well-rounded experience. The children begin to immerse themselves in the work of childhood, which we believe is play. Children enjoy a variety of hands-on practical activities in a social setting that will develop a sense of competence, skill and community.

Schedule a tour to experience the Cedarwood difference www.cedarwoodschool.org 3030 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97202 40

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PRESCHOOL

Visit our preschool directory for a list of local preschools: pdxparent. com/childcarepreschool.

A Place Where Young Minds and Hearts Blossom. Now Enrolling!

• From infancy through kindergarten, building self-confidence, strong academic foundations and a lifetime love of learning.

• An integrative, balanced approach to child development utilizing a variety of proven educational philosophies.

• Inspiring mindfulness, an evidence-based technique to practice peaceful problem solving and critical thinking.

• Experienced educators with a holistic approach to help each child blossom.

• Safe, engaging learning environments with thoughtfully designed areas for collaborative learning and play.

Field Office

Downtown

2035 NW Front Ave

1405 SW Morrison Street

Portland, Oregon 97209

Portland, Oregon 97205

(971) 803-6700

(503) 374-9700

Serving students 6 weeks - 6 years TheChildrensGarden.com

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field trip

On the

Right Path On wheels or feet, explore Vancouver’s Salmon Creek Greenway Trail for a nature reset. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIRANDA RAKE Toddlers to teens will love the smooth ride of the 3-mile Salmon Creek Greenway Trail just 20 minutes outside of Portland. Whether they’re cruising on balance bikes or zooming on a mountain bike, a visit to this trail promises a lovely nature-based reset for everyone.

Opened in 1996, this paved trail follows Vancouver’s Salmon Creek through 850 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands. Park at the lot near Klineline Pond and go from there. Wind your way along the paved trail as it follows Salmon Creek through the surrounding preserved natural wetlands. As you glide along, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as deer, raccoons, geese and ducks abound.

Cycling is probably the best way to enjoy this thoughtfully built trail, but you can also walk it and the relatively fresh paving makes it wheelchair-friendly, too.

Park benches dot the route — offering opportunities to pause and rest while you soak in the lush, watery, forested greenway — as do nesting boxes for wildlife, and official interpretive areas, intended to help visitors get the most out of their outing. (My 4-year-old son loved hiding in shrubs and pretending to be a wild creature!) Animal lovers and bird watchers, from amateurs to experts, will want to bring binoculars to fully take in all of the sightings and glimpses waiting to be caught in this carefully tended habitat.

While exploring a wetland area, we were treated to the sight of a turtle sunning itself on a fallen log. PRO TIP: Even with breaks, the entire trail is a bit long for the littlest legs to handle completely on foot, so if you’d like to do the full loop you may want to bring a carrier or stroller. At the 1.5 mile mark, there is a junction that makes a great place to turn around. There is an option for more ambitious families to take a longer, 5-mile loop.

Plan to finish your adventure back where you started! Back at Klineline Pond (pictured below), kid-friendly play spaces and plenty of picnic tables make for a lovely finishing line.

We enjoyed watching people fish for their supper, a new and fascinating sight for my 4-year-old.

If trail riding isn’t your thing, it’s worth a visit just to come spend the day at this peaceful urban pond. Open for fishing and swimming, a small sandy beach sits near a playground — don’t miss the splash pad! — and is a popular spot to cool off on warm days.

PRO TIP: Bring buckets and shovels and nab a picnic table in the shade to really make a day of it.

Even without venturing onto the Salmon Creek trail, you’re likely to see herons, ducks and even turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs around the pond. Lifejackets are usually available to rent here, though COVID-19 has impacted the availability of some of the Greenway’s usual amenities.

There’s a fee for parking, but it’s inexpensive — just $3 for the day. Dogs are allowed on the trail, as long as they are leashed.

GET THERE: Salmon Creek Greenway Trail/Klineline Pond, 1112 Northeast 117th St., Vancouver, Washington. Visitvancouverwa. com/listing/salmon-creek-greenwaytrail/2028.

Miranda Rake is a writer and editor in Portland. She is passionate about all the usual stuff — farmers markets, her two children, and swimming in the warm sea.

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SAVANNAH SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY @SAVSCOTTPHOTO

Family | Couples | Portraits

Cool off at these

pools, waterparks and

swimming holes: pdxparent.com/ swim.

MICK HANGLAND

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time out

August 2022

Go. Play.

Explore. you’re the sunflower Who’s ready to take adorable photos in front of beautiful blooms? Look no further than Lee Farms in Tualatin for its Sunflower Festival. The annual event features hayrides and a hay maze, cute farm animals, live music, food and of course, millions of golden flowers. The festival runs weekends from Friday, August 19 through Sunday, September 4. Tickets are $25 for adults and older kids, $15 for ages 3 to 10, and littles under 2 are free.

Oregonsunflowerfestival.com. — Tiffany Hill

The Animal Walk with Farmer Kat at Topaz Farm is the perfect chance for young animal lovers to not just visit several farm animals, but get up close and personal with one, too. After meeting a furry or feathered friend, stick around to cut flowers or purchase farm-fresh meals from the farm stand. Every Tuesday in August, 11 am-11:30 am. Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. Free.

Topazfarm.com. — Denise Castañon

TOPAZ FARM

Comin’ Down the Mountain

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

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Homemade vehicles that range from aerodynamic to outlandish will once again fly down the slopes of Mt. Tabor in the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. Spectators young and old line the track to cheer on 42 teams of up to five racers. And mid-course you’ll find food and beverages for purchase. It’s a one-of-a-kind Portland race your kids will never forget! Saturday, August 20, 10 am-4 pm. Mt. Tabor Park. Free. Find out more at soapboxracer.com. — D.C.

ST. HELENS SAND CASTLE COMPETITION

farm fun

big rig rides Did you miss out on Dozer Day, or have a big rig enthusiast looking to check out more vehicles? Head to Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center in Beaverton for the Big Truck Day. The center’s parking lot will be filled with fire engines, freight trucks, cranes, bulldozers, tow trucks and more — all available for kids to climb aboard! Saturday, August 6, 10 am-2 pm. Free. Thprd.org/ events/detail/big-truck-day/08-06-2022.

— T.H.

THPRD

og shakespeare Sure William Shakespeare’s play scripts are works of art that transcend time. But the Original Practice Shakespeare Company performs his plays how they would have been produced in the Elizabethan era: limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction and with an onstage prompter. You can catch several shows this August in various parks. Pro tip: Bring a blanket and picnic, and snag a spot up to one hour before the show starts. Kids will probably be most entertained by the comedies, so check out Love’s Labour’s Lost on Thursday, August 4 at Irving Park; The Comedy of Errors on Thursday, August 11 at Tualatin Parks and Recreation District in Beaverton; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, August 27 at Mt. Tabor Park Amphitheater. Shows start at 7 pm. Free. See the full calendar at opsfest.org. — D.C.

clove is in the air Who doesn’t love garlic?! Celebrate your fondness for the pungent herb during the 24th Annual Elephant Garlic Festival in North Plains. The free festival not only features tasty food flavored with garlic, but also performances by 12 local bands, a parade with colorful floats, and 5K, 10K and half marathon runs. Friday to Sunday, August 12-14. Free admission. Visit funstinks.com for the full schedule. — T.H.

garlic clove art

thar be sandcastles What’s even better than a professional sand castle competition? A sand castle competition … with pirates!

The city of St. Helens will be hosting this unique event on Sand Island. In addition to viewing amazing sand creations, the pirates of Outrageous Fortune and other pirate groups will be camping on the island and organizing all kinds of high-seas fun: cannon firing, live music, treasure hunting and a pirate tavern. You can take a ferry to visit for the day, or reserve a campsite and spend the whole weekend. Friday-Sunday, August 5-7. Day passes are $5 and tent campsites are $30. Book passes at discovercolumbiacounty.com. Book campsites at sandislandcampground.com.— D.C.

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time out

TIFFANY HILL

petal power Stroll through nearly 40 acres of dahlias in a colorful rainbow of sizes, shapes and hues during the annual Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias in Canby. Starting Monday, August 1, take in more than 370 dahlia varieties — bouquets are available — and then enjoy live music and a tasty meal from local food carts. Pro tip: The farm has many picnic tables on site, perfect for a post-romp bite. The festival runs from August 1 through September 31. Free admission. Dahlias.com. — T.H.

celebrate and commemorate Join the Oregon Buddhist Temple community as it holds its annual Obon Fest. Obon is a Japanese summer festival, in which participants celebrate and commemorate one’s ancestors. Primary to the celebration is the bon odori, or obon dance, where folk dancers pay tribute to family members who have passed away. The temple’s festival will also have memorial lanterns available, live music and taiko drumming and tasty Japanese foods. Saturday, August 6, 2 pm-6 pm. Free admission.

Oregonbuddhisttemple.com/obon-festival. — T.H.

OREGON BUDDHIST TEMPLE PORTLAND SUNDAY PARKWAYS

music in the park The beloved — and free — Washington Park Summer Festival returns this month, where the whole family can enjoy top-notch performances in the tranquil setting of the Rose Garden Amphitheater.

On Friday, August 5, don’t miss the rousing sights and sounds of Espacio Flamenco. Saturday, August 6, celebrate Portland’s Black soul and jazz with the performance of “Time Sound: Albina’s Jazz Reimagined,” plus a screening of the Oscar- and Grammy-award winning film Summer of Soul. The last day of the festival features opera in the park with Angela Brown performing Verdi’s Aida. Each performance begins at 6 pm. portland.gov/parks/arts-culture/ sffa#toc-summer-2022-cultural-andevents-schedule — T.H.

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get rolling

Bike-loving families are in for a thrill this month as three great family bicycling events roll through the streets of Portland.

First off, Pedalpolooza is celebrating its 20th year of community bike rides. Their calendar is packed for August, but here are a few family-friendly standouts: The PSU Farmers Market Ride every Saturday in August starts from SE Clinton Street and 41st Avenue at 10 am and heads across Tilikum Crossing to the Farmers Market; The N NE Splashpad Splashdown meets in the splash pad at Peninsula Park at 2 pm on Saturday, August 27 and then hits three to four other parks with splash pads! Free. Find more events at shift2bikes.org/pedalpalooza-calendar. Second, offering five routes of varying lengths, the Providence Bridge Pedal on Sunday, August 14 provides a unique opportunity to bike across Portland’s bridges sans cars. Pro tip: The 3-mile Kids Pedal across the Hawthorne and Steel Bridges is free! Register and find more info at providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal. And finally, Sunday, August 21 is the second Sunday Parkways of the summer (pictured above). The East Portland 4.5-mile route stretches from Gateway Discovery Park to Parklane Park and hits Ventura Park and Lincoln Park along the way. You can join at any point in the ride and go either direction. Just be sure to stop at the parks for activities, music and vendors! Free. Find the map at portland.gov/sunday-parkways/east-event. — D.C.

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FULL TIME

WEEKEND

WEEKLY

Forest School

Apprenticeships

After School

Grade K-8 Forest School is a full-time private school featuring small teacher-tostudent ratios. We bring the Village back into education.

Grade K-12 In our Weekend Apprenticeships, kids join a team of like-minded peers.

They learn outdoor skills with expert Trackers Mentors, and Guides.

Grade K-5 Join the Trackers Transported After School.

We transport students from their school to Trackers HQ for award-winning afternoon activities.

You can choose wilderness survival, farm craft, fishing, boating, climbing, woodworking, ceramics, blacksmithing, photography, and much more!

Each day kids choose an adventure with friends!

They can shoot archery, whittle, cook outdoors, explore nature, play games, and more.

Our program blends key educational benchmarks with hands-on, projectbased learning. Our Academics are honed by experiences in the forests, fields, and farms of our region.

Register Today TrackersPDX.com