The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science 640 South Bancroft Street, Portland, OR 97239

"This school can't work correctly"

"This school is amazing. The focus on community, science, and the dying topic of civics makes its curriculum and inner culture rich. It is a small school where all of the kids from K-8 are encouraged to teach and work with kids in other classes and of other ages, creating an environment that blurs the age/grade divisions prevalent in other schools. My kinder adores 'his' 8th grader and looks forward to the days she gets to hang out, to read to him, or they do activities together. Grades take field trips together and work together on certain tasks and lessons, while then receiving grade specific lessons seperately. The entire structure promotes multi-tiered and multi-faceted approaches to learning and education that I haven't seen elsewhere. I have been really amazed by every one who works there - from the educators to the school aides and everyone in the office. The curriculums are well developed and promote and integrate empathy, diversity, and critical thinking. Families and parents are very involved (and are an important part of how the school functions). I can't say enough about CSCS."

"Love it"