FAQs

Park Academy’s core curriculum and assessment is aligned with common core state standards and benchmarks. Instruction is structured, simultaneous, sequential, and multi-sensory. Unlike conventional instruction, which perpetuates the concept that all students learn the same way, the multi-sensory approach encourages student learning by engaging multiple senses: auditory, visual and kinesthetic/tactile. The students’ stronger learning styles are reinforced while weaker ones are integrated and developed.

Park Academy admits students with dyslexia and other language learning Park Academy admits students with dyslexia and other language learning differences that have not been addressed in a traditional school setting. Park Academy does not accept students with significant cognitive, emotional, or behavioral disabilities. For more on this, please visit our “Who we serve” page.

Park Academy teachers are trained in research-based, multi-sensory methodologies. Most teachers have also obtained their Master’s degrees in education or their specific field. Learn more about our instructors on the Meet Our Team page.

Park Academy is accredited through the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).

Craig Lowery has spent his career in education focused on students with unique learning challenges. After beginning as a Language Arts teacher, he set off overseas serving as a teacher and teacher trainer as a Peace Corps Volunteer on the distant Pacific island Archipelago of Kiribati. Soon after returning, Dr. Lowery completed his Master’s of Science in school and clinical counseling and served as a teacher, counselor, and adolescent therapist before moving into administration. Later, Dr. Lowery completed his dissertation focused on the experiences of families navigating the Individual Education Plan (IEPs) process, in the pursuit of a Doctorate of Education.

Dr. Lowery has spent most of his career as a professional educator working in the independent school special education community. He served as teacher and counselor for Gately Academy and as principal of Bridges Middle School. In addition, Dr. Lowery served as the local co-chair for the International Dyslexia Association Conference, which hosted more than 2,800 attendees in Portland Oregon on November 7-10, 2019.  Currently, he is a committee member on the NWAIS Standards and Practices Committee.

When he is not immersed in the world of education you can find him out and about on adventures with his wife, Jessica, and two children, Jackson and Sophia.

Park Academy’s Board is comprised of civic and business leaders, educators, parents, and the founder of the academy.

Andy Pihl, Board Chair, Park Corporation

Tom Boothe, Trustee, Attorney at Law, retired

Dr. Keith Cheng, Trustee, Community Representative, Alumni Parent

Kevin Crombie, Trustee, Community Representative, Alumni Parent

Vijay Daniel, Trustee, Bremik Construction

Karen Hoke, Community Representative

Gary Maffei, Trustee, Community Representative

Jeff Mengis, Trustee, Mengis Capital Management Inc.

Mickey Morey, Trustee, Community Representative

Piper Park, Founder, Community Representative

Dr. David Plotkin, Trustee, Clackamas Community College

Bill Westphal, Trustee, Community Representative

Gina Williams, Trustee Community Representative

Tuition for the 2025 – 2026 school year is set at $27,750 for all grades.

Visit our Application Process page for how to apply.

Park Academy is committed to assisting families who are in need of additional financial support. Awards of scholarships will be based on the availability of funds as set forth by the Scholarship Committee and the Board of Trustees. Visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Teachers and staff are invested in student success and believe the role parents and families play in their child’s education is critical. Parents and teachers communicate regularly via email or phone regarding student progress. Grades can also be seen any time through Alma.  Park Academy’s website and Facebook page also keep families informed of upcoming school events, curriculum design, fundraisers, etc.

Twice a year, Clackamas County requires us to share county immunization rates as well as our school’s rates. You can view our rates here, and the county’s rates here. You can also request this information at the front desk.