Rosa Parks Elementary School

My daughter, now first grade, loves Holy Cross, and so do we! We started her in Pre-K two years ago, and I thought it was especially unique in that they get to experience electives like all the other students, like P.E., music, library (with weekly checkouts), and technology time (learning the basics of computers). The faculty and staff are so welcoming and caring, and because is a small school, is a lot more like a family. Older kids look out for the littles, and the Parents' Association works hard at building community. Teachers are great at identifying building confidence, holding a safe space for kids, and providing opportunities for children to exercise responsibility. It is truly a great place for a kid to be academically-challenged while learning to be a good, kind human.

Poor academics. My kids spent two years here doing nothing but waiting for the day to end. They told me they were bored. The school is not inclusive. They actively push out kids who require special education. They point fingers at parents of kids with special needs. They harm kids who need the most help. This should not even be a school. We spent four years trying to undo the trauma they caused to our family. What they did to my child caused life long trauma. Do not send your kid here.

The teachers and families here are absolutely wonderful. It runs a bit like a co-op in terms of school programming, but I find the education, life skills, and creativity cultivated here to be a stand out. They have embodied a really mindful education and families and students are happy and kind. If you are looking for a gentle, arts-based education this is a fantastic option in the Portland area. People in my two kids grades actually make some very long commutes to come here. The kids are joyous and love their school and classmates. They are rooted in storytelling, caring values, and artistic community. I cannot say enough wonderful compliments about the teachers. They are attentive, kind, creative, inspiring activists who love what they do and are incredibly generous.