It's a hostile environment for kids who aren't part of the "in" crowd. My kid was bullied in class…read moreby another student and the teacher turned a blind eye. This was in an IB class.

My son, who attends LHS for the IB program, has been making his homework and generally likes all…read morehis teachers -- a completely new situation for me. We moved to Portland from the Netherlands, where he did little or nothing, and I am so happy to see him enjoying school, making new friends (whom I all like when I meet them), attending the Iron Chef Wednesday lunches, and thinking about his future and what he really wants to do with his life. When we attended the parent/teacher conferences together in October, he received one compliment after another from his teachers. Already encouraged by Ms. Chapman, the Principal, who answered my emails personally, and the really nice staff at LHS, who helped with documents and requirements for the IB and regular high school attendance, I realized that in real terms LHS has meant so much more for us. It was the base from which we chose our home and has helped determine our location and views on Portland. We like, no make that love, weird!!! Thank you Lincoln and thank you Stumptown.

I disagree with previous reviewer about shaming the students! It is an academically focused school…read moreand they're doing exactly that. I've got 3 kids attending and am very proud of their work as are my kids.

My son is graduating from the PAA. Yes, his reading and math are strong. So is his anxiety, shame,…read moreand fear. They use group punishment, breeds discontentment between peers. Students grade each other's work, teachers are not super aware of how kids are doing. The principle at PAA uses yelling and fear to get results, doesn't have the skills to talk to kids and doesn't take the time to get to know where they are coming from. She often makes up new rules on the spot, no talking during lunch, no running during recess, etc with inconsistent enforcement. Staff retention is very low as well. We went through so many changes in one year. We were flat out told that "school was not for learning social skills." One learns social skills regardless of intention, and their lack of intentional work taught kids to bully, hide things, and dislike school and learning in general. Facilities for lunch and recess sorely lacking at the Portland Arthur Academy.

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.

Small tight knit community of great folk. I feel very greatful for all the faculty that serve with…read moretheir whole heart . I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for a Christian alternative to public school.

I will never let by kid see this school ever again, because teachers here are unacceptable for…read moreexample Mrs. Boyette is racist, rude, and has no patients and suspends kids for talking to there friends when asking friends for questions because she doesn't teach anything. this is just one teacher that has done this to my kid. this not acceptable and gave briberies to my kids friends to not tell there parents. i have tried to confront the teacher but nothing happened because its a Private school. if I where you i would not send your kids here.

Our family is very happy with our experience at MLC. This school is an experiential learning…read morefocused Portland public alternative school. The kids learn in a more interactive way than a traditional school environment. If you want your child to enjoy learning and be cared and nurtured while they're at school than MLC might be for you! The school welcomes families and community members to participate in the learning process. It takes a village to raise a child and MLC is a wonderful village.

My kids have attended MLC for years, and I can honestly say it's more than a school -- it's a…read morecommunity. When I first walked into my daughter's classroom 12 years ago, I didn't expect to find a home here. But I did. MLC (Metropolitan Learning Center) has been around for over half a century, and it has always stood out for its creativity, inclusiveness, and deep sense of connection. The teachers care deeply about their students, and the families are involved in a way that makes the school feel alive. It's a place where kids are encouraged to think critically, express themselves, and grow as whole people -- not just test-takers. Like any community, MLC has its ups and downs, and right now it's smaller than it used to be. But the heart of the school -- its students, staff, and parents -- remains strong. What makes MLC special is that everyone has something to contribute, whether that's art, language, or simply showing up and helping out. If you're looking for a school where your child can be known, supported, and inspired to be their best self, MLC is truly one of a kind.

My son goes here and has blossomed. They challenge him and love him every day...and he loves going…read moreto school. The academics, the hebrew learning and Jewish education are top notch!

Great Preschool and Elementary school! My kids are happy and learning. All three of my children…read morecame out of kindergarten reading both English and Hebrew.

best school ever nice teachers amazing building and a very nice education with nice teachers. one…read moreof the most cleanest schools i have ever seen and been too

I attended a football game at Grant High School in Portland, OR on 9/2/2016. The visiting Tigard…read moreTigers by a score of 57-20, but it was still a fun game to watch. They sold pizza at the game for $3.00 and chips for $1.00. Plus, I took photos.

First of all, most of the teachers at this school are amazing so 5 stars there. What is not…read moreamazing is their very strict attendance policy and their refusal to try to work with a student's therapist on accommodations during the school day, or take individual circumstances into consideration. They seem unnecessarily rigid in both cases. Yes, my child had horrible attendance issues but I think more could have been done to help improve that had they been willing to be more flexible on some things. I was particularly distraught when my child ended up being short .25 credits to graduate and due to two medical emergencies over the summer was unable to finish summer school...I was basically told they would likely be unwilling to work with us for her to finish. I thankfully was able to find an option after extensive work with the school district, but it did not leave me with a feeling that the administration truly cared about the students themselves. Disappointing. Again, teachers are amazing so if attendance or accommodations are not an issue I would highly recommend this school.

this school has really helped a lot of kids. if it wasn't…read moreavailable, a lot would have never even graduated!