Education is the foundation of all we do in life. It shapes who we are and what we aspire to be
– Julie Payette
Update: This article was last updated on 23th December 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
With a vast range of attractions, including a rich and dynamic culture, a beautiful natural environment, and exceptional possibilities for schooling, the charming Portland attracts families from all around. Based on the Portland Private School Review, there are 133 private schools in Portland for the 2023 school year, serving 21,007 students (176 public schools serve 95,455 kids).
In the city, 18% of all K-12 students attend private institutions, significantly higher than the state average of 9%.
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So, if you are looking for the best private schools in Portland Oregon, we’ve got your back! In this blog, we will examine each element of selecting five top private Portland schools, which are believed to be among the finest of these institutions.
1. Catlin Gabel School
Website: https://www.catlin.edu/
Location: 8825 SW BARNES RD, PORTLAND, OR 97225
Phone: 503-297-1894
Catlin Gabel School is one of the best private middle schools in Portland Oregon among the most renowned private schools in Portland Oregon, appreciated for its academic rigor, pluralistic student body, and dedication to sustainability. The school has been widely recognized as having significantly high average SAT and ACT scores. The student body is by far the largest. Catlin Gabel is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools and operates in a non-sectarian manner.
The school offers courses at an advanced level in areas such as biology, calculus, and computer sciences.
Features:
| Grades | PK-12 |
| Total Students | 785 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10:1 |
| Yearly Tuition Fees | $41,500 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Average SAT Score | 1420 |
| Average ACT Score | 32 |
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2. Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School, one of the leading private middle schools in Portland, Oregon, is located in the Portland area. Oregon Episcopal School, established in 1869, boasts a reputation for its outstanding, comprehensive academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities.
This coeducational institution is affiliated with the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Cognia, and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), providing post-graduate year and summer school options as well.
Features:
| Grades | PK-12 |
| Total Students | 880 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 5:1 |
| Yearly Tuition Fees | $41,800 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Average SAT Score | 1410 |
| Average ACT Score | 32 |
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3. Bridges Middle School
Website: https://www.bridgesms.org/
Location: 2510 SW First Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201
Phone: 503-688-2922
Bridges Middle School, located in downtown Portland, Oregon, offers an ideal environment for students with learning differences to reach their full potential. The school is recognized for its top-notch quality standards from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Cognia, and provides social and emotional growth opportunities through its supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere.
Established in 1998, Bridges, one of the leading private middle schools in Portland, Oregon, offers a co-ed learning environment with specialized programs tailored to distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, sensory processing, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ASD as well as low self-esteem. With Bridges ranked among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon, educators there strive daily to help every student succeed
Features:
| Grades | 6-8 |
| Total Students | 64 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10:1 |
| Yearly Tuition Fees | $26,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Average SAT Score | 1280 |
| Average ACT Score | 30 |
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4. International School of Portland (ISP)
For over three decades, the International School of Portland (ISP) one of the leading private elementary schools in Portland, has provided students with an incomparable educational experience as an IB World School. The school offers a multicultural atmosphere, immersing its students in Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese, starting with preschool and lasting through 5th grade.
Affiliated with both NAIS and Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, the ISP grants learners with high-grade training that equips them to thrive in a global community. Additionally, this non-sectarian establishment serves and supports those with ADD and ADHD.
Features:
| Grades | PK-5 |
| Total Students | 399 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 8:1 |
| Yearly Tuition Fees | $22,250 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% |
| Average SAT Score | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
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5. Northwest Academy
Northwest Academy, one of the leading private high schools in Portland, is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Northwest Academy is an independent college preparatory school that focuses on academics and the arts to motivate its students. Home to the largest student body and several extracurricular activities, Northwest Academy provides a welcoming atmosphere for students.
As a non-sectarian institution since 1997, Northwest Academy has strived for inclusivity and is proud of its affiliation with the Northwest Association of Independent Schools. The co-ed environment of Northwest Academy prepares young minds for college and beyond.
Features:
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Total Students | 260 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 7:1 |
| Yearly Tuition Fees | $29,230 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Average SAT Score | 1280 |
| Average ACT Score | 22 |
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The data from www.edchoice.org reveals the key factors influencing parents’ choice of school for their children. For parents of district school students, location is the main priority (56%). On the other hand, private school parents focus on a safe environment (50%) and academic quality (47%) as their primary concerns.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best private school is essential for parents and students. The schools suggested above provide an excellent education and encouraging atmosphere in which students can flourish.
Students also get plenty of opportunities to participate in a variety of academic and extracurricular programs to help them accomplish their educational and professional goals. Whether it is about community service, language immersion, or college preparation, these best private schools in Portland can meet your requirements.
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In what ways does the school prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion within its educational framework?
The school promotes diversity through inclusive curriculum, support systems, diverse faculty, cultural awareness initiatives, equitable practices, and community engagement, fostering an inclusive and welcoming educational environment.
Can you discuss the role of the arts and creativity in school curriculum and how it enhances students’ overall learning experience?
The arts enrich the curriculum by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. They cultivate innovation and communication skills, enhancing students’ holistic learning experience and nurturing well-rounded individuals.