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.

We are in our third year as a Childpeace family with boys in Children's House and Lower Elementary…read more The positive energy from students, teachers, staff and parents is truly amazing and heart warming. One can't walk through the doors and not smile. Like most kids, our boys have different skills, interests and personalities. Childpeace does an excellent job, meeting each child where they are developmentally and socially by designing a unique learning experience that nurtures their individual strengths while addressing weaknesses. We have found our boys' guides and assistants to go out of their way to make time to meet with us, answer questions and serve as a terrific resource for extending the classroom experience to our home. Finally, Childpeace hires and retains the absolute best people who often consider working at Childpeace to be a dream job. This love of the school shines through in every interaction.

The best teachers and positive, supportive environment. Small school with opportunities for growth…read morefor every child. I would send my child here indefinitely if they had a high school program.

Lady Blues, show your pride!…read more Yes, I am an alumnus of the great St. Mary's Academy (SMA)--the only all-women's college preparatory school on the West Coast--class of 2003. I think it's safe for us all to say that we have memories from our golden years, whether they be good or bad. Thankfully, 98.6 percent of my memories of good ol' SMA are very fond. From the spirituality of the Encounter retreat (ask me sometime!) to Ms. Gorman's STD slideshow (the cauliflower penis scarred us all) and falling off the Ark, those four years were great. I remember Sister Linda (the Prez of Student Affairs) would walk through crowded SMA dances, and separate girls from their dates who were dancing too provocatively, telling them to leave room for the Holy Spirit. And if you were caught again, you were taken to the cool-down room, where Mr. Hemmen (a religion teacher) would kindly lecture you. Obviously, *I* never made it that far. For a full list of SMA oddities, just check out the Facebook group [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2230163620]. While SMA wasn't the school for everyone (i.e., the extremely boy crazy, and the ones whose parents forced them to go there), I thought it was the perfect place for me. It definitely fostered my growth as an intelligent and well-rounded person, and the teachers and staff never treated us like kids, even though we were in our teens. And I have to say that I feel I received an A++ education that TOTALLY prepared me for university. I mean, when I went to college, I had LESS homework than during SMA, and my classes were way EASIER than my high school ones. Pow! Take that! They taught me how to stand up for myself and how to get involved and ask questions. When I went to college, I was surprised to see that not many people were vocal like I was. Oh, and St. Mary's does not have uniforms (common misconception), and last time I checked they have the most liberal dress code of all the Portland private schools. Yes, you can wear flip-flops (Central Catholic doesn't allow that)! And SMA is right downtown. I took Tri-Met to school every day for four years! And because it's not a huge campus, you can leave the grounds for lunch after your freshman year. AWESOME. The teachers rock, the students rock, and they offer good financial aid packages. And I like the aid program they've got going on: For every $100 they give you in aid, the student has to do one hour of service work. It totally got me involved during my time. Oh, and no one's mascot has anything on SMA's (Laura N....that means your poet, too!): It's a blue music note. Ha! I've got nothing but love for this place. Send your baby girls here.

Best school ever for developing strong women leaders of tomorrow. Also, the Cleanest men's…read morerestrooms I have ever seen in a high school. Always spotless.

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.

Love this school! Our son started middle school there this year. We went there for the strong…read moreEnglish program that focuses on building critical thinking and writing skills. They're delivering. We also went for differentiated math. Delivering. And our son loves doing tap for PE. Who would have thought it? On top of that, the school is very well run.

Right from the start my experience with this camp was poor. I am new to Portland and was very…read moresketched out dropping my child in Kelley Point Park/ bum camp/ meth den. I had driven all the way and decided I would be leaving him with staff who would care for him. I take note of the Do Not Swim in Water signs. We arrived early as there was no traffic on the Monday before the 4th. I chatted briefly with the girl with a clipboard. Then I stood there while she checked in a returning camper. I had to inquire if I could check in my son. Her response " well we don't start till 9am". Yes, I realize Im early but do I stand here, while you stand here till then. Sigh. When my wife picks up my boy she is informed that my son lagged behind the group with a friend, the group turned and they went straight. So, they lost him! In this park I was already none too keen on. The wife also is informed he spent the day in the water and being buried in the sand. She immediately came home and googled the reason why there is no swimming. Luckily it was not a Hep A outbreak just that 2 people drowned! My son hops in the shower and when he gets out we are able to see his face is scorched. My wife was told they tried to shade him with sticks as he was buried in the sand. Hmmm couldn't borrow sunscreen or have the camp stock it? We expect a lot of responsibility from my son and work hard on independence. We discussed his role in getting lost but at best it is only half his fault, he is 8years old. Final complaint, my son did not even complete the bone activity because he said "you don't even have to do the activities". If you want your child to participate in this type of invaluable education chose Trackers PDX. My son went and gained confidence and knowledge. I was very pleased with their program. I was so disappointed with Rewild my son did not return. My wife couldn't sleep due to her concerns of what could go wrong the rest of the week. Next summer, only Trackers.

The Ivy Basket Class was absolutely superb! I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in…read morebasket weaving, wild-crafting, or just wanting to learn a new skill. Peter is an excellent instructor and a wealth of knowledge on all things ecology. The best part of the class was all of the other wonderful people that it attracted. I can't think of a better way to spend a day. Be careful though... after doing one of these classes, you're going to want to do more! The class was just yesterday (3/9/13) and I've already signed up for another by Rewild on Animal Tracking.

Every time I go here no matter how hard I try to communicate they always chop off too much. I've…read morefinally got to a place where my hair is thick and long and full enough to be long and curly and they actually cut most of my length off, barely leaving my anything towards the crown of my head The last straw is actually with a student who is ABOUT to graduate, so please don't roll the dice here (especially with curly hair) !!!! Please

DO NOT get a manicure! My manicure resulted in a sticky, tacky, smeared polish with no attention to…read morethe cuticles or no hand massage. Aveda Institute does not teach the students. The manicure service I received was not acceptable. It was clear that the two students who worked on me did not have the basic manicure technical training, nor the basic manicure products and tools. I had to say, 'before you polish aren't you going to work on my cuticles? Don't you put the base coat on first before the polish?' I never received the hand massage. The licensed instructor was aloof and ready to leave her shift for the day. I asked the students how they feel about their training, and they said, you get training from videos and a 'gloss over' of instruction from the instructors for $20,000 tuition. They attend because of the Aveda name, but it doesn't match up to a quality cosmetology education.