Cascades Academy of Central Oregon

Cascade Academy of Central Oregon is, by far, the best school my children have ever attended. They are excited each and every day about heading out the door to see what fun learning adventure they might have that day. We've attended several schools around the world and CACO is the most challenging and engaging of them all. The teachers truly care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I come from a family of public school educators who all care deeply about our children's future and strive to give them the best education possible. But they are handcuffed by bureaucracy. The same is true with other schools who have signed on to externally controlled "branded" programs. CACO epitomizes the best of independent education--a talented faculty and staff who are energized by their ability to focus on teaching rather than red tape, engaged students who truly care about each other, a fun and engaging parent community which is treated as a partner rather than a bother. I could go on and on about the strong academics, the experiential learning and the breadth of the program, but most important to me is to remember that my child spends almost half his waking hours at school. I want a school that will be a partner in raising my child, and I found that school at CACO. Academics and extra-curriculars are necessary, but they are not sufficient. The culture of the school and the sense of community is equally as important--and the CACO community rocks!
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter went to CACO from the time it opened until last year. When we first enrolled and told them that we were limited financially, I was told "we will meet you financially with whatever you can afford". Not only were they good on their word, they have continued to support us, and so many other families that would otherwise not be able to send their children to this wonderful school. You know a school is GREAT when the students don't want to leave and when each teacher knows how to motivate and help each and every student. My youngest daughter currently attends CACO (she has attended since kindergarten) and absolutely loves it. Storyline method in the lower school, travel school, ski lessons, experiential learning, community service - who could ask for anything more!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a student here at cascades academy for half a year and am already pushing my limits in order to get all the homework done. The students you might find to be very annoying and constant need for attention but, that doesn't mean that they are bad students... It just means that they might get on your nerves. This is by far the most challenging and fun school i have ever been to. And occasionally, they go on outing like for example, you go out into the middle of the forest to write a poem. They also go skiing on thursdays after winter break and through the ski season! For P.E., we go to places like the boys and girls club to play a variety of sports, then we go to the ice skating rink on fridays, and somtimes even take hikes through the woods or play commando. Every year there is a confluence trip to latgawa washington in order to do a variety of thing from forming frienships to playing flashlight tag. We also have electives on friday like for example, cooking, drumming, guitar, tech, and art. But finally, in the late school year, we get to go to traveling school where we travel across the country to famous landmarks and national parks!!!

My two children have had the wonderful opportunity to attend Cascades Academy for their entire educational lives. I have one child who learns well traditionally and another with learning challenges. I must respectfully disagree with the other reviewer who negatively discussed children with learning differences and Cascades Academy. In our five years at the school our learning-challenged daughter has been supported by teachers, students and faculty. They have met with our learning specialists, provided suggestions, modified expectations and gone out of their way to make sure our child is challenged and supported through every grade. The amazing thing about Cascades Academy is their ability to meet each child where they are, and lift them to their next level. My children's excitement for learning is what every parent would want and I would recommend Cascades Academy to any family.
--Submitted by a parent

CACO cares about each child and helps them reach their potential by giving them opportunities for new experiences and stretching their abilities.The staff and family community helping them be successful.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that the academic environment at Cascades Academy is nothing short of amazing. The teachers encourage curiosity and a love of learning, and they get to know each child on an individual level and what makes them tick. I have seen both of my boys blossom in areas I would never have imagined possible. They have grown into self-confident, caring kids who embrace challenges and have a real connection to the students and teachers, the community and our environment. Cascades Academy does a wonderful job in preparing students to excel not only in college, but in life.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at CACO for 4 years. the school has many advantages, but reconsider if you have a child with learning disabilities or add/adhd. The school professes to help those with these challenges, but I have found that my daughter has been treated as lazy, or not caring, rather than the school really taking a look at her learning challenges. I also found that we would come up with a game plan to help my daughter and there would not be follow through with the plan.
--Submitted by a parent

I am in the eighth grade at cascades academy, or as we like to call it CACO. This school provides an education that you could not get anywhere else. I used to go to Sky View but I just didn't like it. My brothers friend went to CACO adn saifd that he really liked it so my parents went to check it out. They said that they loved the school and that I should check it out for my self. The next day, I went and found myself in one of their classrooms about a month later. when I vistited, I felt the welcoming enviorment of all of the students. this could have been that there where only 8 other 7th graders or that they were just a great group. Although I wount be goigng there next year, I will never forget that day when I walked into that awesome school!
--Submitted by a student

I'm a a junior in high school at Cascades Academy. This school is one of the greatest blessings in my life! The teachers are more than educators, they are role models, mentors, and friends. Everyday I am guaranteed to learn something new in a fun and exciting way! Not to mention the incredible travel opportunities! The high school has traveled to Mexico twice! This school is everything I could want...and more!
--Submitted by a student