Trillium

If I could give it more stars, I definitely would. As a student in the Trillium middle school, not only do I learn a lot more then I did in public school because of the individualized and democratic learning system, but I look forward to school every night before I go to bed. All of the middle school teachers are amazing, and unlike at other schools, I actually feel comfortable talking to them about my problems because I can trust and rely on them. I went to Oregon Episcopal School for a brief period of time at the beginning of sixth grade, and it was the worst experience of my life. The kids were spoiled and bratty and the school itself was a nightmare. At trillium most of the middle schoolers are accepting, creative, and intelligent, and I love being able to go to this school, from the fact that we get to pick from a variety of amazing classes, to just having a place where I can be myself and even sit in the rainbow corner when I feel down (a corner in one of the advisor's rooms filled with toys and pillows, designated for use by only one person at a time, when they need some alone time). I would recommend this school to anyone, because its positively the best school ever.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this school to anyone. We spent a total of 5 years with this school and it was a disaster. I didn't realize how much of a disaster until I moved my eldest child out of the school and into a traditional public school. My daughter was horribly mistreated AND emotionally harmed by her last teacher at Trillium. My husband and I pulled her out of the school after an especially traumatic event. Unfortunately, the staff involved in the decision to suspend my child after the fact, never bothered to meet with us nor did they make any effort to resolve the situation. Had this occurred in a traditional school, this teachers would have been fired. My child entered her new school two full academic years behind, she could barely read or compute simple math problems and she had no knowledge of punctuation. She was referred for special ed testing and had a very severe learning disability, something all the teachers at Trillium failed to notice. My son had a great experience at Trillium. His teacher was amazing. Unfortunately, she was forced out by the new administration. Before you decide to send your child to Trillium, attend a Board Meeting.
--Submitted by a parent

Trillium was once a great place where the kids were the main focus. The new administration systematically forced out the founders of the school. Most staff members who started with the school have been let go or have quit. The new administration has not one bit of experience in running a school and would rather decorate her office then buy books for kids. Most programs that made trillium unique are being phased out. Such as garden and traveling. The new administration would rather the school be filled with upper middle class white children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has seriously taken a turn for the worst. They used to care about the students. Now they care about making the administration look good. I wish that it was the same place that I loved once, but it just is not. It is a twisted place that needs to get it's head back on straight.

As a parent of both current and former Trillium students I must express an extreme disappointment with the school as a whole. They profess to subscribe to a democratic process, but I have seen that fail on many occasions. There isn't continuity between classrooms and boundaries are almost nonexistent. While much energy is spent on community activities, there isn't enough focus on academics. Services for special needs students are hard to get. I spent 4 years trying to get extra help for one of my kids to no avail. In less than 3 weeks of dis-enrolling from Trillium and enrolling at our neighborhood school we were getting the remedial help that Trillium refused to provide. There is a complete lack of accountability from students to teachers to administrators. Family involvement is strong. Unfortunately the needs of the students and school can take second place to the beliefs of the parents. There is a core of dedicated staff and parents that are keeping the school afloat. The kindergarten program is phenomenal and I would recommend it to anyone, but beyond that I would advise people to make alternate educational plans for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had three daughters attend Trillium. It is a wonderful school. Unusual is the decision making process where the children learn that their opinions truly count and they learn to resolve conflict with words. At times this takes a long time and a lot of care, but what a skill to learn. Two of my daughters had Rob Van Nood, who teaches 3,4,5. He is an amazingly creative teacher. This year, he decided to start the year in an empty room with no furniture. They have developed a learning style that is fluid and hands on, with the kids moving around the room in all sorts of interesting explorations. The school is not for everyone, but it is truly a kind a loving place.
--Submitted by a parent

I Love Trillium because they Care! Also in the upper grades they allow the students to work together & help one another. My Son Loves Trillium & he's a Senior this year! Yeah!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great, innovative school that really helps the kids that are ahead of their grade level, while gently pulling up those who are below their grade level. Their full-spectrum programs don't focus entirely on the simple math, history, english area, but also include humanities, music, and other less common areas (horticulture, anyone?) For a small charter school, they do a great job - heck, for a big school they do a great job.

I love the school's focus on sustainability, democracy, and nonviolent communication skills.
--Submitted by a parent

Individualized learning for each child
--Submitted by a parent