Best Schools in Portland 2025

In this post we will discuss Best Schools in Portland. Portland, Oregon is known for its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and strong sense of community — and its schools are no exception. Whether you’re a parent relocating to the city or a local family exploring educational options, Portland offers a wide range of top-rated schools that cater to diverse academic needs and interests. From innovative public schools and rigorous private institutions to progressive charter and magnet programs, the city’s educational landscape is rich and varied. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best schools in Portland, taking into account academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, community involvement, and overall student experience.

German International School of Portland

The German International School (GIS) in Portland offers a unique, high-quality multilingual education that prepares students to thrive in a global society. With fluency tracks in German, Mandarin, and English, GIS fosters strong language skills through immersion and cultural integration, while also emphasizing academic excellence and global awareness.

As an IB World School, GIS is committed to developing knowledgeable, compassionate, and active world citizens. Its inquiry-based learning approach encourages students to explore their natural curiosity and build a lifelong love of learning. Small class sizes and a vibrant curriculum—rich in the arts, music, and global perspectives—create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for children from age 2 through grade 8.

Enrollment Process

Enrollment at GIS is a personalized experience, led by the school’s Director of Admissions, Elizabeth Gillespie, who guides families through every step. While most enrollment decisions are made between January and March for the upcoming academic year, mid-year admissions are considered based on availability.

Steps to Enroll:

Gather Information
Prospective families are encouraged to learn more by contacting the school directly at (503) 626-9089 or admissions@gspdx.org. Individual tours can be scheduled online, and families may attend open houses or events.
Submit Application Materials
Applications can be submitted through the school’s online enrollment page. Once reviewed and accepted, families receive a confirmation letter outlining next steps.
Schedule a Family Meeting
A final step in the admissions process includes a family meeting, which can be scheduled online.

Tuition and Fees (2025–2026 School Year)

GIS offers several program options based on age and schedule, with tuition as follows:

Early Childhood Programs

2–3 Year Olds

3 Full Days: $14,600
4 Full Days: $17,300
Half Days (3–5 days): $17,000
5 Full Days: $19,400

Preschool (3–4 Year Olds)

3 Full Days: $14,200
4 Full Days: $16,600
Half Days (3–5 days): $16,400
5 Full Days: $18,700

Kindergarten (5 Years Old by Sept. 1)

5 Full Days: $19,000

Grades 1–8

5 Full Days: $19,200

Additional Costs:

$1,000 non-refundable tuition deposit per child
One-time $2,000 Development Fee for new families (first child only)

Discounts & Payment Plans:

2% discount for tuition paid in full by May 1, 2025
Payment plans available: semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly, with applicable finance fees
Sibling discounts: 10% for the second child, 15% for the third, 20% for the fourth and beyond

Financial Support and Fundraising

GIS families are encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts to bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of education. Financial aid is available upon application. Contributions through the Annual Giving Campaign and other events support the school’s continued excellence and accessibility.

Extended Care & Programs

GIS also offers before and after school care, care during school breaks, and summer camps, available for an additional fee. These services are designed to support working families and enhance students’ day-to-day experience.

The Goddard School of South Portland

For over 37 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted leader in early childhood education, earning the confidence of families across the country. With more than 650 schools in 37 states and Washington, D.C., Goddard provides thoughtfully designed programs for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old, covering the full spectrum of early development from infancy through kindergarten.

At the heart of Goddard’s approach is a belief that early childhood is a time of incredible potential. It’s a stage where curiosity sparks discovery, and small milestones lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. Goddard isn’t just a place where children prepare for their next step—it’s where they begin a journey toward becoming confident, compassionate, and creative individuals.

Families choose Goddard not just for its programs, but for its proven record of academic and social excellence. Children who attend Goddard are given the opportunity to flourish in an environment that blends nurturing care with stimulating, hands-on learning.

A Personalized and Proven Approach

Goddard’s proprietary educational framework is designed to ignite curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of learning. Classrooms are led by passionate teachers who understand that each child’s journey is unique. Children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, discover their interests, and develop their strengths in a safe, supportive setting.

Nationally Accredited for Excellence

Goddard Schools are proudly accredited by Cognia®, a respected global organization that holds schools to the highest standards. This accreditation reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education and care.

Locally Owned, Community Connected

Every Goddard School is independently owned and operated, meaning each owner is personally invested in the success of the children and families they serve. Owners are on-site and involved, offering personalized service and building strong ties within the community.

Backed by Experts in Early Childhood Education

Goddard’s excellence is guided by its Educational Advisory Board, a team of leading professionals in child development and education. Their insight helps shape forward-thinking programs that keep Goddard at the forefront of innovation in early learning.

A Passionate Leadership Team

Behind every Goddard School is a dedicated leadership team focused on supporting educators and franchisees. Together, they work to ensure each school delivers an enriching environment where children can truly thrive.

L’Etoile French Immersion School

Located in the heart of Portland, L’Étoile French Immersion School offers a truly unique educational experience where children grow into confident, curious, and capable learners. Recognized as one of Portland’s top private preschools and elementary schools, L’Étoile is known for its warm community, personalized attention, and high academic standards.

Fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education, L’Étoile provides a structured, immersive curriculum that nurtures both the mind and the heart. From their very first day, students are surrounded by the French language, allowing them to develop fluency naturally and confidently. Taught by native French-speaking educators, students are encouraged to think independently, collaborate with their peers, and engage with the world around them.

A Place Where Children Thrive

At L’Étoile, learning goes beyond textbooks. Through hands-on activities, engaging lessons, and the integration of technology, students are encouraged to explore, solve problems, and push boundaries. Whether it’s programming a robot, sculpting in art class, or diving into a science project, each day is full of opportunities to learn and grow.

The school serves children from age 2.5 through 5th grade across two Portland campuses:

Preschool Campus: Ages 2.5 – Pre-K (5839 SW Hood Avenue)
Elementary Campus: Kindergarten – 5th Grade (68 SW Miles Street)
Both campuses are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, providing flexibility for families.

A Curriculum Rooted in Excellence and Purpose

L’Étoile’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed across grade levels:

Preschool–Kindergarten: Fostering early language development and curiosity
Grades 1–3: Building strong academic foundations in French and English
Grades 4–5: Preparing students for deeper critical thinking and leadership

Core subjects are complemented by art, music, drama, technology, and outdoor education, ensuring a well-rounded, joyful learning experience. Classrooms are inviting, hands-on spaces filled with books, artwork, maps, and student projects—designed to inspire concentration, creativity, and a love of discovery.

Guiding Values

L’Étoile operates with a clear set of guiding principles:

Pursuit of Excellence: Students are challenged to try new things, take risks, and grow as individuals in a nurturing environment.
Respect & Inclusion: As a proudly international school, L’Étoile celebrates cultural diversity and teaches students to appreciate different perspectives through global lessons and traditions.
Support & Collaboration: Learning happens through community. Group projects, peer mentoring, and special events like science fairs and performances build cooperation and empathy.
Innovation: From coding to creative problem-solving, students are prepared for a world that’s constantly evolving.
Strong Parent Partnerships: Regular communication and collaboration between teachers and families create a supportive, connected school community.

A Mission with Global Impact

L’Étoile’s mission is to help every child build a strong academic foundation rooted in the educational principles of the French Ministry of Education, while also fostering global awareness, cultural respect, and personal integrity. As part of a global network of accredited French schools, L’Étoile welcomes families of all backgrounds, offering a multicultural environment where students are seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

St. Rose School – Best Schools in Portland

Established in 1913, St. Rose School in Portland, Oregon, has been a cornerstone of Catholic education for over a century. As a mission of St. Rose of Lima Parish, the school is dedicated to educating each student as a unique child of God, guiding them to know and live the Catholic faith while striving for academic excellence. With a rich history and a deeply rooted sense of community, St. Rose continues to offer a vibrant and values-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade.

Mission and Philosophy

The mission of St. Rose School is clear: to nurture students spiritually, intellectually, and morally. The school’s philosophy centers on the belief that each child is called to a personal relationship with God and that education should support this journey. Through a partnership with families and the broader parish community, St. Rose educators model the Catholic faith with integrity and passion.

Their educational approach is grounded in faith formation, academic rigor, and service, creating a safe, welcoming space where students are encouraged to grow as lifelong learners and compassionate leaders.

The Four Cornerstones

Education
St. Rose offers a well-rounded academic program that includes language arts, math, science, social studies, computer science, music, art, and physical education. The curriculum is designed to challenge students, nurture curiosity, and encourage critical thinking.

Prayer
Daily religion classes and a strong emphasis on Catholic teachings shape the spiritual life of the school. Students attend weekly Mass and engage in prayer both individually and as a community, with faith being intentionally woven into all aspects of school life.

Service
Service is a vital part of the St. Rose experience. Students participate in a variety of outreach efforts, including partnerships with St. Vincent de Paul, Loaves & Fishes, Providence Child Center, and Catholic Charities. These activities help students understand the importance of giving back and living the gospel message.

Community
St. Rose welcomes families of all backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive school culture. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in school life, collaborating with staff to support student growth and build a strong sense of unity.

Student Creed

Students at St. Rose strive to be more than just good learners—they aim to be faith-filled, educated, healthy, and globally responsible individuals. Their student creed emphasizes spirituality, knowledge, physical well-being, and global awareness, all rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

A Legacy of Faith and Education

St. Rose School began with humble roots in 1913, when the Sisters of the Holy Child journeyed from England to Portland to found a new school. Starting with just six students, the school quickly grew and became a central part of the community. Although the Sisters departed in 1979, their legacy of faith and educational excellence continues today.

After a brief period as Archbishop Howard School in the 1980s, the school proudly reclaimed the St. Rose name in 2016 to reaffirm its connection with the parish and its founding mission. Throughout its history, St. Rose School has remained dedicated to sharing the Catholic faith and providing a nurturing, academically strong environment for generations of students.

The Portland Montessori School – Best schools

For over 60 years, The Portland Montessori School has offered a high-fidelity Montessori education to generations of children in the Portland community. Formerly known as Providence Montessori School, the school is nestled on over an acre of land in Portland’s North Tabor neighborhood, serving as a peaceful and centrally located campus for families throughout the city.

Rooted in the internationally respected Montessori method, the school guides students to become curious, confident, and compassionate learners. The faculty—many certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)—are deeply committed to nurturing each child’s natural love of learning through hands-on, self-directed activities and a thoughtfully prepared environment.

Programs for Early Learners Through Elementary

The Portland Montessori School serves nearly 150 students across three age-based levels:

Toddler Community (15 to 36 months)
Primary Program (2.5 to 6 years old)
Elementary Program (1st through 6th grade)

Each level is designed to support the developmental needs of children as they grow—emotionally, socially, and intellectually—within a consistent Montessori framework. The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with optional aftercare available until 5:00 PM.

Core Values

The Portland Montessori School is guided by values that reflect both its Montessori heritage and a commitment to modern educational equity:

Delivering authentic Montessori education for all students
Investing in educators and staff to inspire a lifelong love of learning
Leading advocacy efforts to influence broader educational policies
Fostering a connected, supportive community
Creating culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive environments for all

After School Enrichment

To support working families and enrich student life, the school offers a flexible after school program that runs daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During this time, students enjoy more outdoor play, healthy snacks, and creative activities in a relaxed studio space. The aftercare program is led by classroom assistants and support staff, always maintaining a minimum 10:1 student-to-caregiver ratio.

Enrollment in aftercare is optional and available on a first come, first served basis, with waitlists managed as needed. Parents can register for the program during the enrollment process or adjust their preferences annually.

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