Portland School District

About

Portland Public Schools is an urban school district in Portland, Oregon. With over 49,000 students in 78 schools it is the largest district in Oregon.

Story

Portland Public Schools, founded in 1851, is a PK-12 urban school district in Portland, Oregon. With more than 49,000 students in 78 schools, it is one of the largest school districts in the Pacific Northwest.

Career Learning: PPS has more than doubled Career Technical Education offerings in recent years, which show a direct link to its rising graduation rate.

Language Immersion: The district's growing Dual Language Immersion program is closing the racial educational achievement gap and improving reading achievement in native and non-native speakers alike, according to a 2015 national study. One in 10 PPS students is in an immersion program.

Early Childhood Education: The district has launched an early learning hub model in which Headstart and community partners offer pre-school and culturally relevant instruction as well as parenting support for families. The PPS Clarendon Regional Early Learning Academy will soon be followed by a similar model in partnership with NAYA Family Center at the former PPS Foster site.

The Arts: The Portland Arts Tax now guarantees arts education for all elementary students and is fueling the alignment of K through 12 programs in such disciplines as orchestra and dance.
Athletics: The Portland Interscholastic League has expanded into the middle grades with its Youth Sports Program, building strong athletic programs from 6th through 12th grade.

Mission

Every student by name prepared for college, career and participation as an active community member, regardless of race, income or zip code.