Welcome to Portland Cooperative School

Portland Cooperative School is an independent elementary school located in inner southwest Portland. In our unique cooperative environment, parents are privileged to directly participate in their children’s classrooms, enabling students, parents and teachers to form deep, enduring relationships. In our small, mixed-age, classes, children learn from peers and mentor younger classmates. PCS is structured -- and committed -- to fostering creative, intellectual and social growth in our students, thereby promoting the growth of vital, integrated, human beings.

Our school began in the fall of 2006 with a K-1 class. Last fall we added the second grade and we will serve grades K-3 in the 2008-09 school year.  As we grow, we will add at least one grade level each year.  Currently, we have two classrooms, an outdoor green space, garden, playground, inviting performance space, and kitchen. We will ultimately serve grades K through 8.
Ritual and celebration of community are important to us: a summer camping trip, and harvest, winter solstice and spring festivals will be PCS traditions. Through ongoing activities in our local community, our students experience varied perspectives.  Emphasizing harmony with the Earth, we will maintain a school garden and participate in the stewardship and study of diverse environments. TriMet buses provide easy access to the Southwest Community Center, Gabriel Park, and the Hillsdale branch library, and simplify transportation for other field trips.

Community, intellect, family, empathy collaboration, music, creativity, freedom, responsibility, inclusion and joy define the PCS experience.