Choosing your child’s first school experience can be a difficult task. We are lucky in the Portland Metro region to have a ton of choices, but that too can be overwhelming. While we don’t yet know what backto-school will look like for the 2021-2022 school year, let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired options in our area.

WALDORF

Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Its pedagogy strives to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of pupils’ imagination and creativity is a central focus.The first Waldorf school opened in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. A century later, it has become the largest independent school movement in the world, with about 1,200 independent Waldorf schools,1,800 kindergartens and 646 centers for special education located in 75 countries.

Cedarwood Waldorf School

Cedarwood isn’t just a school. It’s a place for the whole family to learn and grow and connect with community. Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Cedarwood Waldorf School has been nurturing creative thinkers & collaborators who care about creating a better world since 1997.

Grades Pre-K – 8,
$6,500 – $16,500/yr
3030 SW 2nd Ave
503-245-1477
cedarwoodschool.org

Micha-el School

13515A SE Rusk Rd
503-882-3322
micha-elschool.org

Oregon Episcopal School

Nestled within 59 wooded acres of natural wetlands, nature trails, ropes courses, and gardens in southwest Portland, OES is a college preparatory, independent school.

Grades Pre-K – 12,
Flexible tuition
6300 SW Nicol Road
503-246-7771
oes.edu

Portland Village School

7654 North Delaware Ave
503-445-0056
portlandvillageschool.org

Portland Waldorf School

2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie
503-654-2200
portlandwaldorf.org

MONTESSORI

The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori’s method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world. The Montessori method views the child as the one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children
physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

Little Fruit Farm

Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities year-round.

Ages 2-6,
Contact for tuition details
16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton
503-521-8603
littlefruitfarmmontessori.com

Montessori of Alameda

They provide a child centered educational environment and bilingual Spanish and English Montessori experience for children birth to Kindergarten.

Ages 3mo-K, $1,075 to $1,700/mo
4210 NE Going Street
503-335-3321
montessoriofalameda.com

MSB

MSB is a renowned Montessori school with a storied tradition, set on an idyllic 6-acre campus in the hills west of Portland.

Grades P-6, $10,150 – $12,960/yr
11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane
503-439-1597
msb.org

The Children’s Garden

At The Children’s Garden, children from infancy to kindergarten build strong academic and social skills, while gaining a lifetime love for learning.

Ages infant-K, $978 to $1680/mo
Multiple Locations
503-228-2443
thechildrensgarden.com

REGGIO EMILIA

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community
through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with “a hundred languages”, through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city

Hillsboro Parent Preschool

168 NE 8th Ave, Hillsboro
503-648-4781
hillsboroparentpreschool.com

Xstream Learning Center

Using a Reggio-inspired approach, their English-Chinese dual immersion programs use the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Their talented teachers also collaborate with parents to nurture children into
respectful, confident, and joyful learners.

Ages 3-6, contact for tuition details.
2033 NW Miller Rd
503-841-3445
xstreamlc.com