I didn't know anything about Montessori before enrolling my kids at Sunstone. I am now a…read morefull-fledged convert to the Montessori method. This school has been fantastic for our children--not only are they learning but, more importantly, they are developing a love of learning. They have gone from feeling indifferent to school to doing long division at home for fun, or begging us to sign them up for after school classes.

We didn't know much about Montessori before enrolling our son at Sunstone Montessori four years…read moreago. We've appreciated the wealth of parent education nights that have informed us about the absolute brilliance that is Montessori education. Wow, Maria Montessori. Each time we're at the school for parent education or some sweet gathering for families, we feel starry eyed and grateful to be able to have our kids at a Montessori school. On top of that, Sunstone is a great community of compassionate people. The year is full of sweet community events and seasonal gatherings. My kids look forward to school the great majority of their days and come home proud of the research/math/knitting or other awesome things they've done. The guides are all excellent, committed and caring, and clearly like family with each other. Truly my only complaint is that I wish we could walk there! And I wish they'd start a high school!

I truly cannot say enough positive things about Teacher Anna + the Montessori Studio, it's…read moreliterally a dream + prayer come true. Our daughter has grown so much since attending and loves Ms. Anna, her school mates, and the environment so much! She always has stories and lessons she's learned from the day. I love how the small group really gets to know each other and how intentional and curated the lessons are to each child. I'm also constantly in awe of Teacher Anna's patience, kindness, attention to detail and the way she holds boundaries in a way that's firm but also so gracious. It really has created this safe space where kids feel supported, loved and free to be themselves and grow. She is amazing at redirecting when needed and also comforting when needed. Really couldn't ask for anything more, it was the exact fit we had been looking for for over 3 years!! We love it here!

I feel without a doubt that I've found my spiritual niche at LightSong. The amazing classes offer…read moreteachings and practical skills that are ineffably valuable both in one's personal life, and/or one's professional practice as an alternative healer. Plus, the larger LightSong community -- which one may encounter at holiday events, for example, outside the classroom -- is one big family of open-hearted, open-minded folks who are all interested in growing in this lifetime and being the best version of themselves they can be.

Two years ago we enrolled our twin boys in kindergarten and they are now heading into 2nd grade,…read moreand we could not be happier with our experience with 8th Street. The boys have loved every part of school--from the caring teachers to the engaging learning to the friendships they've made. We've watched them grow so much academically and in character, and we especially appreciate the strong Christian values that are woven into everyday life here. As parents, we feel truly grateful and confident recommending this school to other families.

Parents, please be aware. This school appears to be driven by money and popularity rather than what…read moreis best for the children. They charge for nearly everything and seem more concerned with image than student growth. Despite using "Christian" in the name, it is absolutely not God-centered. The title feels misleading and used to attract Christian families, but Christian values are not reflected in practice. Students who do not maintain a 4.0 are discouraged rather than supported. The school also claimed it would become accredited, which never happened.

If you are looking for a private school that is top notch and focuses on each individual child,…read moreplease explore The Catlin Gabel School. In a world where education puts kids in a box, The Catlin Gabel School is a refreshing tangent. I am so impressed with the students who have attended this school. They are the most mature kids who have been educated in a way that brings out the best of their gifts and abilities. Last year I had a student intern from Catlin at my place of business and I was so impressed. She was able to produce a professional video that reached the heart of my acupuncture practice and business. The first thought for most is that they cannot afford the school, but they have a complete system for financial grants and scholarships based on what you can realistically afford. According to the website: "More than one-quarter of the student body receives financial assistance through need-based grants and special scholarships. Grant and scholarship awards are not loans and do not have to be paid back. In 2013-14, we allocated over $3.4 million in financial aid to families with annual household incomes primarily in the range of $15,650 to $170,000. Award grants ranged from $1,830 to $25,750 and averaged $16,235." We hope our boys can attend this school next year or in the future and we applying for the 2014-15 school year. Fingers crossed and wish us luck!

I attended the upper school many years ago. Looking back on it now, I'm so grateful that my parents…read moremade me attend Catlin Gabel. The school really prepared me to be on my own once I graduated and also I was ahead of so many when I got to my college classes. I loved the small school environment once I was there! I can't say anything bad about Catlin! Go Eagles!

Cathedral School has been an exceptional experience for our family. We've lived in 12 different…read moreplaces over the past 15 years, and our kids have attended a variety of schools -- so we have quite a bit to compare it to. When we moved to Portland, our children were already preteens and teenagers, and we knew we couldn't afford to get this decision wrong. Cathedral has been exactly what we were hoping for (and my high schooler is a bit upset he was never able to attend). The environment is both energetic and welcoming. The teachers are professional, genuinely caring, and excellent at what they do. The elementary and middle school years are all about building a strong foundation, and that's exactly what students receive from day one. Every child is truly seen, known, and supported, due to the small class sizes. Teachers understand their students not just academically, but personally -- and that kind of attention makes a lasting difference. Academically, the program is both thoughtful and rigorous. While it may not specifically market itself as STEM-focused, there's a strong and consistent emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and preparing students for high school -- it honestly feels more STEM-driven than it claims. At the same time, the arts and music programs are fantastic and add so much depth to the overall experience. The teachers are true professionals in their respective fields, bringing both expertise and passion to the classroom. Graduates leave confident and exceptionally well-prepared, going on to outstanding Catholic and independent high schools, as well as advanced programs within public schools. Just as important is the culture. The school community is safe, respectful, and grounded in kindness and accountability. There is very little tolerance for bullying -- something we've unfortunately experienced elsewhere -- and issues are handled appropriately and proactively. Character development isn't just talked about; it's part of daily life. Although rooted in Catholic values, Cathedral is welcoming and inclusive of families from a wide range of faith backgrounds. The location truly can't be beat. Yes, it's downtown, and like many urban areas there have been a few challenging years -- but the school prioritizes safety at every level. Security is strong, and any concerns (which, thankfully, have been minimal to none) have always been addressed quickly and appropriately. We've consistently felt that student safety is taken seriously and handled with care. Lastly, my high schooler is now in advanced classes (high school), and I've noticed that many of his classmates also came from Cathedral. That says a lot. The foundation they're building there clearly sets students up for long-term success -- the school must be doing something very right. If you're looking for a PK-8 school where your child will be challenged academically, supported emotionally, and truly known by dedicated teachers, Cathedral School is an outstanding choice.

As a parent of a new 6th grader, we're having a really positive experience at Cathedral school…read more Starting somewhere new can be a big adjustment, but my daughter has felt supported both academically and socially. The academics are challenging and students are held to high standards. Behavior issues are addressed directly and thoughtfully, and while middle school naturally comes with some social ups and downs, concerns like bullying are taken seriously and handled appropriately from what I've seen. Communication from teachers and staff has been great; I appreciate being kept in the loop, even about small things like when a student isn't paying attention, because it shows how engaged and attentive the teachers are. The teachers! Absolutely top notch and very hard working. No one is checked out. I also love that 6th-8th graders have the chance to be part of a leadership program and are encouraged to serve their school and the wider community. It's been wonderful to see students given real responsibilities at school events. Overall, it feels like a supportive, structured environment where priorities revolve around academics and student success.

An amazing group of Rabbis providing community programming and learning to all affiliations of…read moreJews. I highly recommend their classes and programs.

Really enjoyed Multnomah Presbyterian Church. The services are Bible based, yet relevant to our…read morelives today. The music and musicians are terrific. The people are friendly and welcoming. There are many activities to get involved in, plus the youth pastor is fun and energetic. They are adding a pickleball court down in a separate building for youth and adults.