Portland Forest School’s experiential education immerses students in their education in ways that traditional models can’t. With a holistic, learner-centered focus, our students become invested in their education and foster a lifelong relationship with the land, their mentors and the community. They are encouraged to push their own boundaries through supported risks, teaching them independence, resilience, and perseverance outside of four walls. Skills and lessons are woven together, becoming transferable across environments and connecting students to the world around them.

Our school calendar generaly follows the PPS (Portland Public School) calendar. School is in session Monday-Friday with holiday breaks and in-service days that typically follow the Portland Public School calendar. Our Portland Forest School calendar is released in the Spring.

10 kids to one staff member is our whole school ratio.

8:15am to 3:15 pm. Our day runs slightly longer than other schools to allow for travel time to outdoor locations without compromising school time.

Yes! We provide on-site after-care from the end of school to 6pm.

Your child is eligible for kindergarten if they are 5 years old on or before September 1 of the enrolling school year.

Portland Forest School is committed to providing financial aid to the greatest extent possible. Limited financial aid is awarded based on availability and need, however, as a new school, our resources are limited.

No, due to our outdoor program occurring in the field, students need to bring their own lunch, snack and water bottle. We believe it is a great way for students to work on personal responsibility and we highly recommend the student pack there own lunch (depending on age and with a family check to ensure nutritious content to get them through their day.

All classes meet at our SE Portland school buiding at 2800 SE Harrison St in Portland, Oregon. We transport students to local outdoor parks and green spaces, or walk to nearby parks.

We use many local and state parks and recreation sites, including a mixture of city parks, regional parks, and private land owned by community members.

Portland Forest School has our own school buses and trained and licensed drivers. The classes also walk or utilize public transportation.

Yes! Our years of experience have taught us that when dressed appropriately, children thrive outdoors year-round. In cases of severely inclement or unsafe weather, we spend more time in our classroom at our Portland headquarters. However, our goal is to teach children to be safe and happy outdoors in any weather. Guidance is offered to parents in preparing and dressing their child for success in class lists and the Family Council hosts regular gear-swaps throughout the year.

While we spend the majority of our time outside, we also spend time in the classroom as needed.

Immersing students in nature in a multi-day stretch is an integral part of our curriculum. PFS students in grades 6 and up do one overnight trip during the year. Destinations are set based on curriculum and student interest.

To be human is to use technology. From fire-by-friction to the bow and arrow or knife, to computers and robots: Humans are technology users. We encourage children to use tech as a tool to deepen their connection to the world around them, not as a replacement for that connection. Tech is a tool to allow for more choices, not dictate the outline of their life.

Our students utilize computers for research and general work. Our teachers utilize technologies as an evaluative tool through specific programs that help us meet our students where they are in their learning.

Portland Forest School is an environment rich in the written word. Students read, write, create, and learn through all manner of texts and media. Our school uses LTRS (a comprehensive literacy development that accelerates teacher knowledge) and DIBLS (an assessment tool that measures student literacy skills) to ensure our students are reaching grade level reading and writing. For students who need more support around reading or writing, we will work with families to find outside tutoring or other learning opportunities to help supplement their work.

Research clearly shows that homework does not have a significant effect on knowledge retention or academic achievement in the elementary years. For our younger students, aside from reading at home and occasional long-term, self-directed projects, all work is completed during school hours. We would rather children participate in and help maintain the home, or just have fun with their family in the evenings! Students in our middle school receive homework appropriate to their academic needs.

Every person learns in a different way, at their own pace. Individualized, project-based learning means being intensely familiar with all one’s students abilities and needs. We will trust our teachers to present curriculum in a way that provides the right level of challenge at the right time. When we observe that a student could benefit from additional support, we will work with the parents and call in outside resources as necessary to help provide the tools to succeed for that child.

How many kids younger than school-age are up-to-date on vaccines in Multnomah County:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/VACCINESIMMUNIZATION/GETTINGIMMUNIZED/Documents/CtyData/MultImmData.pdf

How many Students at the Portland Forest School are vaccinated: as of March 2024

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2kU6itsHRL5aF2b9z_sUMX30sGDDhhq/view?usp=drive_link