Spots are still available for the 2026/2027 school year!
Limited space is available in Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and Middle School.
Admissions for 2027/2028 open in late winter.
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 Process Step-by-Step
Tuition for the 2026/2027 school year is $18,450
Prospective families attend an open house or Kindergarten round up.
Interested 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:
-
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. Geared toward prospective Kindergarten families, our Kindergarten Round Ups provide an overview of our school structure and Kindergarten curriculum, as well as a chance to meet the Kindergarten teaching team. This event includes a learning activity and brief classroom tour. Children are encouraged to attend! Look out for 2027 dates in the late winter and spring.
-
K-8 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.
