Applications are open for the 2026/2027 school year!
Classes are filling fast!
Student enrollment for Portland Forest School is limited to maintain our small class sizes and uniquely low teacher/student ratios. We are excited to get to know your family!
For more information about Kindergarten and our limited student spots in 1st-8th, click here:
Admission, Tuition and Enrollment information
Join Us on the Journey
At Portland Forest School, we believe children thrive through meaningful connections to nature, to community, and to themselves. We nurture curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident learners through immersive, outdoor education rooted in holistic growth.
We invite families to apply and become part of a vibrant learning community where the forest is not just a backdrop, but an essential part of each child’s educational journey. Every day brings opportunities for discovery, resilience, creativity, and connection.
Because of our intentionally small student-to-staff ratio and individualized approach to education, enrollment is limited. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and thriving community, and we offer a limited amount of Tailored Tuition support for families who may need it.
Admission is Open- Student spots are limited
Tuition for the 2026/2027 school year is $18,450
Prospective families attend an open house or Kindergarten round up.
New families submit an admissions application.
If applying for our Tailored Tuition (financial aid) program, complete the Clarity application as well.
A $65 application fee, or a submitted Tailored Tuition application through Clarity, will be required to complete the application.
Families will be contacted following the application review. A personal tour or shadow day can be requested by families and may be required by the school.
Because Forest School is a unique learning environment we carefully review each application and assess each potential student to ensure we can serve their needs.
Upon acceptance enrollment contracts will be sent out. Families will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure their child’s place.
What is Tailored Tuition?
Portland Forest School is committed to improving access to outdoor education, especially for historically underrepresented groups. As part of that commitment our outdoor forest school offers Tailored Tuition.
Tailored Tuition is our approach to financial aid. Every family is considered a full-paying family at every level of contribution. Tailored tuition will be determined through an easy-to-use online application process facilitated by our partner, Clarity.
Portland Forest School is happy to be using Clarity to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts to foster a sustainable future for our school community.
Enrollment Events:
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Kindergarten Round Ups
Discover our private elementary and middle school for Kindergarten-8th grade, located in the heart of Portland, OR, where students explore outdoor forest settings daily. Our nature-first approach to education, with small class sizes, fosters curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Visit us to see how our unique program nurtures growth for students and families.
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K-8th Open Houses
Discover our private elementary and middle school for Kindergarten-8th grade, located in the heart of Portland, OR, where students explore outdoor forest settings daily. Our nature-first approach to education, with small class sizes, fosters curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Visit us to see how our unique program nurtures growth for students and families.
