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.

I had two children who attended St. Agatha School (PreK through 8th grade). Wonderful education!…read more They both excelled in high school due to the education and study skills they learned at St. Agatha School! Of course, there issues with fellow classmates, but that's real life! You learn to work with difficult people! We were very involved with all aspects of being parent volunteers, wouldn't change our decision to send our children to school there!

Our family dedicated five years to this school community. We had three children enrolled,…read morevolunteered countless hours, supported fundraising efforts, participated in school events, and genuinely believed we would remain part of this community for many more years. Like any engaged parents, we raised concerns when we believed our children--or other children and families--were being treated unfairly or when situations involving faculty, volunteers, or school culture warranted attention. Some of those concerns involved exclusion, favoritism, and treatment that we felt was inconsistent with the values the school teaches. We brought these concerns forward respectfully and through the proper channels because we cared deeply about the school and believed that addressing problems is part of building a healthy community--not because we wanted conflict. Instead of working toward meaningful dialogue or resolution, we were ultimately informed by school and parish leadership that we had raised too many concerns and that our family and children did not belong at the school. Shortly thereafter, our children's enrollment contracts were not renewed. The most heartbreaking part has been the impact on our children. After five years, they are being forced to leave behind their closest friends, teachers they love, and the community that has been such a significant part of their lives. As parents, watching them bear the consequences of adults' decisions has been devastating. If you are considering this school, I encourage you to ask not only what values it teaches, but how it responds when engaged families respectfully raise difficult concerns. Our experience was that advocating for our children and bringing concerns directly to leadership ultimately resulted in our family being excluded from the community. We are deeply saddened by how our family's time at this school ended. We never imagined that respectfully advocating for our children would result in being told that we did not belong.

I loooooove to blame any and all social retardations I might have today on the fact that it all…read morestarted in grade school. Goddamn, kids are mean! And guess what? Some of those things that they say...and some of the crap that they pull...it sticks with you into adulthood. I'll tell you a secret: No one ever told me I was cool until I was in high school. And I was shocked the first time it happened. Anyway...my experience there alone has had me debating for about 45 minutes how many stars I would give this school. Two? Three? Is that mean? What if people from there read this? I mean, my fam's still part of the parish. Okay, so after a long think, I've decided on four stars. And it's not the fear that someone I'm connected to through the school/parish will read this. Because really, I'm rating the education I received, too, not just the snotty, rich classmates (several of whom now seem to be very nice people and productive to society). My life has been sort of one long chain of events, and looking back, I can see how one has affected the other. I had an edge in college because I went to St. Mary's Academy and worked ridiculously hard. And I had an edge at St. Mary's because of the rigid curriculum I was put through at Holy Family. You heard me. It was a rigid curriculum! I can't say that I loved all of my teachers, but I was doing manual long division in fourth grade. I can't honestly say that I can even remember how to do that NOW because we're all so dependent on calculators. Everyone feared sixth grade because that was when everything changed...you were in the upper-grade wing...and you had homework to match your new status. (And in eighth grade, my parents invested in my reliable Kelty backpack just so I could carry all my books.) I took writing classes there (hell, I was learning MLA in seventh grade!), my creativity was encouraged to grow (I still have an eighth-grade art project framed on my wall), and I gained major critical-thinking skillz (they even had a class devoted to it!). When I moved on to high school, I thought, "Heck! Is this *IT*?! I've had harder tests in Mrs. McCarty's science class." The other thing that I love, in retrospect, is that the classes are relatively small, and you really get one teacher for most of your classes each year. And they've made Spanish-language classes a requirement. And a lot of kids from Tucker-Maxon went there, so we were also introduced to the deaf community. So really, if you take out the social aspect (and the fact that I leached onto altar serving and youth group as a consolation), Holy Family really did give a very good education that I would recommend to any parents in the Southeast area.

Holy Family is a game changer! It welcomes everyone in with a smile and a "Hey there how's your day…read moregoing?" I would totally recommend going there to any parent that's scared about their son or daughter changing schools trust me it's great! My daughter changed schools in first grade and now she's in 6th she has made so many memories and loves it there!

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.

Sunstone is a whole family experience, not just a terrific way of learning how to learn and be self…read moremotivated. My grandson attended public school for three years which caused him to "hate" school. He became very anxious due to timed tests, too much homework and being bullied (despite talking with the teacher about it). Besides enticing my two grandsons (Mr. Kindergarten also attends) to love learning, we all enjoy the sense of community and kindness. What a difference in attitude and personality ... they come home singing or talking about their day! Our third grader now loves math!

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.

This school has amazing staff and students. The education they offer is top notch with lots of one…read moreone for each student. The community with staff, students and family come together for many fun activities.

We are starting our 7th year at Agia Sophia Academy as a family. My children started in the…read moreMontessori preschool where they learned the fundamentals, and are now really taking off with the Classical Education program as they become well-versed and comfortable in multiple subjects--math, literature, science, faith, history, and more. This school also provides excellent Music & PE and Art classes, as well as Library time and Greek & Latin instruction a few days per week. More importantly, the school is led with the most kind-hearted teachers and administration parents could be blessed to have. The children are taught from a young age to love and respect all people and their environment, and they are instilled with a personal responsibility to bring forth kindness into the world, just as the Orthodox church teaches. While I am thrilled with the excellent academic and cultured education my children are receiving, I could not be more overjoyed as I watch them develop into good humans. Details and logistics: Elementary classes are mixed grades (usually 2 grades per class), but capped around 16 students per class. The older students take on a more leadership role one year, and then have the opportunity to learn from role models the next. The student body is very ethnically diverse, and we have the opportunity to learn from many other cultures. The school provides after-school care which is helpful for working parents who cannot pick up right at 3pm. There are 2 musical recitals each year, and several other events for both fundraising and fellowship, which builds a warm and loving family environment.

Both my children are enrolled at ASA, and both of them absolutely love going to school each day! My…read morehusband and I are so happy to have found a school that has wonderful teachers & staff, offers a well-rounded exceptional education, and incorporates our Orthodox faith. Plus, it is only 10 minutes from home and offers generous financial aid! It is our home away from home and we are grateful for the special community we have found at ASA.

Caring observant staff, teachers and principal who work as a team to inspire love for God and one…read moreanother, develop Godly character with appropriate discipline, promoting integrity, respect, humility, art appreciation and intellectual curiosity in my 3 grandkids.

Our experience at Portland Christian Elementary has been wonderful. From day one, the school has…read moreoffered a true, nurturing Christian environment where our child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to grow both spiritually and academically. The teachers here are truly special--they are patient, caring, and invest genuine time and heart into every student. Coupled with high academic standards and great expectations, we've watched our child build a strong foundation in the classroom while learning kindness and character. Weekly chapels and the close-knit community make it an extraordinary place for children to learn and thrive.