I left the Lake Oswego public school system for Catlin Gabel in 7th grade, and the difference was immense. Not only was the curriculum more difficult and engaging, but for the first time in my life, I felt like I truly belonged somewhere. When I talk with my college friends about their middle and high
... Read more school experiences at public schools, I realize just how lucky I was to be in that environment during my adolescence. Catlin's greatest flaw? Sometimes, it is too rigorous and demanding. I know many a classmate who had an emotional breakdown or panic attack from the substantial stress Catlin places on its students. The pressure pays off, though. Most of my classmates and other Catlin alumni report that even at top colleges around the country, classes are easy compared to Catlin. Read less
Posted by a student on 09/01/09
As a parent of two Catlin students, I couldn t be happier! It is said that no one place is perfect, but Catlin Gabel is flawless in my estimation. My children thrive academically, emotionally and socially. This school provides an extremely rigorous curriculum and is fully committed to connecting with
... Read more each individual child. My children feel so safe and comfortable during the hours they spend at school and have a relationship with many of their teachers that I never could ve imagined prior to this experience. Catlin maintains open, honest, two-way communication with students and parents. This is a very supportive, engaging community. I recommend Catlin to all! Simply fabulous! Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/28/09
I graduated from Catlin's Upper School in 2008, and let me tell you, this school and its faculty changed my life. I went to public schools in Chicago through my freshman year of high school, and started in the middle of my sophomore year on full scholarship at Catlin. The difference was unbelievable.
... Read more The teachers genuinely care about the students, and not in a creepy way, and not in a fake way. The workload is heavy, but the assignments require you to actually use your brain instead of the inane 2-page 'What did you think about this book' papers we wrote in public school. The English department will make you cry, but when I look at the essays I wrote going into Catlin and compare them to what I wrote at the end (read: college essays, folks), the difference in quality is immense. Financial Aid is available, and this school is definitely worth it. Read less
Posted by a student on 05/01/09
I highly recommend both the Middle School and the Upper School. The academic program is rigorous, but not overwhelming. Students know that teachers are very approachable to discuss and to learn further. The college counseling department is superb and helped both student and parents navigate this process.
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Posted by a parent on 03/03/09
We were disappointed at the academics in the middle school. The children are not held accountable for their work. There are no repercussions for failure to hand in work on time, or for sub- par work. It was frustrating to my child that there were so many students who did not care about their work.
... Read more Also, the policy of not giving grades is a detriment to developing a strong work ethic. It is definitely not worth the money. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/12/08
Others have talked about the gorgeous campus and rigorous academics. This is all true. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the Upper School's fantastic Robotics department aw well as the Computer Science Department. While not everyone's cup of tea, for those with an interest in engineering this
... Read more program is the best in Oregon. The FIRST robotics team has a dedicated lab. All work is done entirely by students yet they consistently win the Oregon Regional and go to the world championships. Catlin is also one of the very few schools in Oregon where students can take four years of computer science by a fantastic instructor. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/24/08
While my kids attended the Catlin lower school, the academic program was seriously lacking. The students were not taught even the basics of grammar and other elementary building blocks. Our experience matches that of the parent who posted a comment in October 2007: although the campus is beautiful,
... Read more the academics of the lower school didn't begin to match that quality. Catlin was not only a waste of in terms of money; our student's lack of a solid foundation in elementary school basics has been a far greater price to pay. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/22/08
The middle school at Catlin Gabel is fabulous. When we moved here, my son started the 6th grade which normally is a difficult transition, but at Catlin Gabel he transitioned so easily. The kids in his class are a nice group, friendly and respectful, and the parents are nice as well. He has made wonderful
... Read more friends easily, as we have with their parents. The environment created by the faculty and staff is warm and respectful. Of course, the academics are rigorous. There is quite a high homework load and high expectations. However, the teachers are all invested in the success of the kids and with the small teacher student ratio, are able to pay the attention that is needed to individual students. The teachers are what make a school great, and they are all excellent. One has the feeling that anything can be accomplished at this school. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/18/07
As a junior in the high-school at Catlin, I can honestly say that Catlin goes above and beyond in all areas- the teachers are exceptional and always jumping at opportunities to help students improve, and the academics are challening, while at the same time creative and invigorating. And not to mention
... Read more the college-like campus, which is especially beautiful in the fall and spring. Kudoos to Catlin, and any perspective families should really pay attention to the unique teacher-student relationships and the welcoming community! -Happy Catlin Gabel Junior Read less
Posted by a student on 12/02/07
The campus is beautiful and the classrooms are great from the outside...but I found the academics don't match the quality level that should be expected from a private school. My child wasn't challenged in the classroom. Even after speaking with the teacher several times, there weren't many worthwhile
... Read more changes made except an increase in 'busy' homework. I have since moved to another area private school that is much less expensive and has MUCH better academics despite a less luxurious campus. Read less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Portland schools — Catlin Gabel School is located at 8825 Sw Barnes Rd, Portland OR 97225. 8825 Sw Barnes Rd is in the 97225 ZIP code in Portland, OR Catlin Gabel School is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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