Lewis Elementary School

I am critical by nature and I am impressed with this school. Music and computers classes inspite of budget limitations.... Our daughter's teacher this year has a blog and uses multi media in a variety of creative ways. A tech savvy, forward thinking, idealistic teacher. How refreshing. A principal who is at every event and knows students by name and goes after grants to keep these extra perks available...wow... We are a politically conservative family and may not fit the Portland mold but I have not felt discriminated against inspite of our 'diversity'. Thank you for this. We are 3 years in and I would recommend it as an excellent public school option. We are very thankful they added more students so our daughter gets to attend this great school. I just wish it went through 8th grade...
—Submitted by a parent

It is a very good school. As others mentioned, while there are many great teachers, some aren't so hot. Also, it is bursting at its seams with students and teachers are feeling the strain of large class sizes (even converted the small teachers lounge to a classroom).
—Submitted by a parent

Lewis is a school full of community! We have incredibly valuable programs in environmental education & the arts. Everyone pulls together for events. We are doing things like getting rid of anything we can to reduce our waste (no more straws, reusing milk cartons for seed starting, washable trays have replaced disposable as well as flatware... We have a fantastically personable principal, Tim Lauer, who truly listens to the community.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter's uncle went here when we were younger and I always said this was the school my children would attend. With no regrets we moved counties so my daughter could go to Lewis. This is our third year with Lewis and I am amazed more and more every year. The staff, teachers, Mr. Lauer, parent involvement. Yea there are a few bad apples, but they are far from commen here.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Lewis for 4 years. Overall it has been a great school, largely because of the untiring efforts of Principal Lauer. Like any school, the teaching staff has a mixed bag. There is ALWAYS the good, bad and the ugly. We've found many fabulous things going on in the garden, camps, community art show, summerfest, talent show, chess club, bike safety class, cooking class, farm field trips... This is probably one of the better elementary PPS, despite it's unassuming exterior facade.
—Submitted by a parent

This is wonderul school full of arts and music as well as the three 'r''s. Parental involement is awesome and teachers are top quality. My little girl loves school!
—Submitted by a parent

Lewis Elementary offers all the marvelous qualities you would expect from a small school as well as an abundance of impressive extras: chess, garden club, band, drama, science, art, the Outdoor Center, the Kindergarten Co-op, and seasonal festivals, to name a few. Step inside Lewis and you'll get a hint as to the wonders of the classroom. The ever-changing artwork displayed in the hallways is inspirational for students as well as families. The teachers are a very dedicated group of professionals that provide leadership beyond the classroom. You couldn't find a more supportive and friendly staff. Volunteers are a vital part of the school's success. At Lewis, we appreciate each other's strengths. My two children are thriving in this environment.
—Submitted by pamela, a parent

I went to Lewis as a child when it was 1st - 6th grade and loved it. I have twin boys who have been at Lewis since kindergarten. They are in the fifth grade now and we are sad to leave this school. Lewis staff does a great job of teaching the whole child. The arts and music are amazing! Parents and the surrounding neighbors are a tremendous help in the 'extras' that make Lewis special. If you are looking for a school that is going to encourage your child to do their personal best; Lewis can, and will.
—Submitted by Deona DeLong, a parent