We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students. Our low student-to-teacher ratios allow us to create a family-like environment among students, which, in turn, creates a supportive network among peers. Our on-site school counselor provides responsive counseling services, such as social and emotional coaching, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Park Academy’s curriculum mirrors the Oregon State Standards with accommodations and adaptations that make growth and proficiency attainable for our students. Core classes are held in the morning and are designed with dedicated staff working with small class sizes, allowing students to explore their unique learning styles and discover their strengths. Our reading program is based on Orton Gillingham (OG) interventions. Most of our classes are taught by our trained reading staff, allowing students to receive repetition and reinforcement of specific modalities and interventions across the curriculum. Core classes include:
- Language arts
- Social studies
- Math
- Science
- Physical Education (P.E.)
- Small reading groups with no more than a 3:1 student-teacher ratio
Park Academy also believes that enrichment in education is critical to a well-rounded education for our students. After lunch, students will have enrichment classes such as art, music, and theater. Our enrichment courses are designed to empower students and engage them in creative expression, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Currently, the enrichment classes for our Elementary Program are:
Art (Gena Fields)
Students explore different mediums of art and creative expression.
Music (Melissa Carroll)
Students learn the principles of music through song, chant and beginning instruments.
Theater (Alisha Christiansen)
Students explore the basics of stage presence, production and blocking.
Student participation in these classes is dependent on student need, staffing, schedule, and grade level. Physical education is considered a core class for elementary students at Park Academy.
Assistive technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, along with other necessary accommodations that support learning, growth, and measures of proficiency. Typical assistive technologies used in the elementary school classrooms include:
- Audiobooks and dictation software
- Google Chromebooks
- Google Classroom
- Online Gradebook
When surrounded by supportive teachers and peers, students begin to regain their self-esteem and confidence, boosting their overall academic performance. Park Academy’s highly adaptive, strengths-based curriculum allows students to better understand their challenges, advocate for their needs, and ultimately reach their full potential.
For more information about who we serve, scheduling a tour, or the application process, contact Lucy Davis, Admissions Coordinator at 503.594.8777 or via email. You may also visit the How to Apply page of our website. Some questions may also be addressed on our FAQs page, or this blog post by Craig Lowery, Head of School.