Southwest Charter School

We have been a part of SW Charter for going on 2 years now. We currently have all 3 of our kids in K, 2 and 4th grades. It does take some effort to get the kids to the school, but if your kids are important to you, I can assure you, that once in school their time is well spent. The staff and teachers, and smaller class sizes allow the education to go where the kids are and light fires in them. No DOUBTS from us, hearing our KINDER kids crying because she wants to go to school FULL DAYS never happened in the local neighborhood schools. At SWC our kids are learning, and learning more by doing. IMHO it's an effort that's well worth it. PS ---> Get in NOW while you can with the new location it will be FULL again soon. Nothing is worse than knowing where you want them to go and not being able to have it happen.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience with SWCS has been fantastic. The school focuses on community-building and encourages critical thinking. Science, history, and art are skillfully woven into the core curriculum. The cllass sizes are small so everyone gets the attention they need and deserve. Every single teacher seems dedicated to quality teaching. This school is truly a gem and we feel so fortunate to have found it.
--Submitted by a parent

Southwest Charter School has been great for my quiet, shy child who we were afraid would 'get lost' in a large classroom. Class size is capped at 22. There are 16 kindergarten students this year, equally split between boys and girls. I love that the kids go outside to learn and explore rain or shine. The teachers are passionate about the school and the kids. The school is not in a traditional building and does not consistently offer traditional sports. If this does not matter to you or you consider it a plus, definitely look into it.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a living legend of public education reform. Its very existence is a powerful evidence that public education can bring private school quality to all income levels and disabilities. My son, who is gifted with special needs, is thriving in this school after a horrible year in our neighborhood school, Forest Park Elementary, which has top academic rankings that was achieved by forcing out students with learning differences. For those who are single-minded persuiters of high testing scores, you miss the very essense of education, the life-long joy of learning and curiosity.
--Submitted by a parent

The secret is out -- this is an amazing school. What a unique approach to education -- place based learning. Furthermore, SWCS has great student-teacher ratios, caring and involved parents and wonderful students. Oh -- and the teachers are incredible. A true gem -- we had no idea a public school could be this good, this, coming from a family who was in private school here in Portland.
--Submitted by a parent

Really excellent place of learning. The staff is passionate, caring, and dedicated. And, the school is moving into a really impressive new space on the South Waterfront.
--Submitted by a parent

Southwest Charter School (K-8) is moving next week to its new South Waterfront location: 0680 SW Bancroft. When PPS did not grant it a charter, the State did (hence you will not find it on PPS's list of Charter Schools). Interestingly enough, there are many parent educators that send their own children to this school. I feel very thankful we found the school because I consider it a jewel. The School Director, teachers and staff make it a special place. The staff know your child by name. My child came to the school already with the love to learn and be challenged and the school continues the love from all the little things the teachers incorporate into the everyday lessons. The teachers write their own curriculum, they can respond to the class and their quest for knowledge in the direction that benefits the class. Classes are 22 students maximum. No school is perfect, and this school has had its own set of challenges, but with it finally moving to its own home, it will have more time to attend to other wants and desires of the school community.
--Submitted by a parent

I love SW Charter! My child was bullied at her last school on a daily basis and came home in tears. At SWCS they have a no tolerance policy for that. She is treated with respect by her teachers and, the school staff are amazing. Her class goes outside the classroom to research and examine the world through new eyes. Now that they are in their new larger building in the south waterfront there are no limits as to what they can do. Tell everyone about it!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been involved with Southwest Charter school since our doors opened. We are very proud to be a part of this community. Thank you, Michelle Rundorff
--Submitted by a parent

We left our very highly rated neighborhood school frustrated by the large classes and by a principal who was more interested in protecting the appearance of a well running school instead of trying to make the school great. There were some good teachers, some less so, most were average. Overall, it felt like everyone was just trying to get by. SWCS is totally different. Most important, the teachers are amazing, across the board. The classes are small, so the teacher actually knows our kid - really well. And the instruction is far more engaging. While the basics are properly covered, they also do a lot more hands on experiential learning. Our first grader taught us more about the lifecycle of a salmon than I ever thought I'd want to know. He's learning and he loves school. enough said.
--Submitted by a parent