Sunnyside Environmental School

After 3 unsuccessful years at SES we have finally decided to move our child to a private school. In our opinion the first and foremost thing teachers in early grades have to do is to make children enjoy learning. The school failed on this big time. The homework assignments were easy but complex (most of the time spend with cutting and gluing than actually learning useful information), and they were rarely graded or returned; this lack of feedback severely undermines learning. The teachers and the principal behaved in ways that will never earn kids' respect, not a good social model. Big emphasis was placed on things that seemed inconsequential (like not wanting to stomp in mud!?). Starting at the private school mid-year she barely qualified to be in her grade (even with once a week private tutoring for 2 yrs). We don't understand how kids can learn in the chaos reigning at SES. All the "great" things SES offers are things parents do at home. I expect a school to teach study habits, self-governance, how to be part of society at large, general knowledge, and reading, writing, and arithmetic. SES is a fail in those areas. If you want your kids to succeed later, look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is thriving at Sunnyside Environmental. I would say it's not for every child or parent. There seems to be more emphasis on the whole child, and this is definitely not a "kill and drill" environment. I love the emphasis on personal responsibility and respect within the student body. The culture is unique, creative, and loving. My kid looks forward to going to school, and that says it all.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunnyside Environmental School is a beautiful community for hands on learning. Our daughter transferred there during 3rd grade, She is now finishing 5th grade with a passion for reading, creative writing and the natural world. She loves her school and teachers. She has a deep sense of community. Morning "Gathering" is a time for singing and joy. She has ownership and pride in her school work. There is a emphasis on community service, right action and global awareness. The structure is a bit informal, but it encourages student autonomy and creativity on many levels. Perhaps it is not the right choice for every family, but it has been an amazing blessing for us. Long live Sunnyside and its devoted teachers & staff!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from SES 2 years ago. He made great friends, had a good experience, but he didn't learn a thing. With little emphasis on academics or studying for the 3 years he was there, he consequently crashed his freshman year of high school. It took months for him to catch up with his peers from other middle schools. He had no study habits as they were not a requirement at SES. Despite the fact it is an environmental sciences school, my son and his SES friends scored poorly in their freshman biology class that was based on NW ecology and environment. Some of the middle school teachers are good, few are great, and a couple make me wonder why they are teachers in the first place. The math program under Sarah Taylor was sub-par. I hope it has improved with Amy. The mandatory weekly neighborhood field trips were a waste of time. There were no textbooks. The district based curriculum was ignored. And morning meeting was a social club, not a class. In case people wonder if perhaps my son had a poor experience because he is not a strong student, he is now at Cleveland earning A's and B's. His younger brother is at Mt. Tabor with text books, microscopes, and consistent teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

We adored SES under the watchful care of Sarah Taylor. Current Principal Amy Kleiner & her cohort Rebecca Wagner are systematically changing all that was amazing and inclusive at SES...weekly MS field studies, those famous all school spring musicals, personal fundraising to bring down the (sometimes prohibitive) cost of field trips & overnighters, open communication between parents & administration... Sad. This WAS a fantastic opportunity for our kids, but we (along with MANY others) are transferring our kids next year. Hands on learning, kindness, focus & community are all but extinguished under the new regime.
—Submitted by a parent

SES is a school where chaos seems to reign & every day there is at least one event happening that belongs in an episode of "Portlandia". From the escaping chickens out front, to the pig they 'housed' early this year (without a permit), everything seems haphazard at best. Despite the principal's "vision", she is very hands-off, & spends much of her time in developing countries working as a lay midwife. The priorities do not seem to be in guiding the school toward excellence. There is an "anything goes/ it's all good" attitude & as a parent, I can see why kids like it. As a parent who wants accountability, it has been very detrimental for my kids' sense of what is acceptable for finished projects & behavior. I would not recommend this school beyond (perhaps) the first grade level, altho' there are several lower grade teachers who are very committed. The overall atmosphere lacks any structure.
—Submitted by a parent

SES is an amazing school. Our child LOVES going to school every day and the quality of education is outstanding. The direction on academics is progressive. You will not see worksheets or textbooks at the center of any curriculum. These children learn by doing and not just by reading about this world. This school stretches far beyond the basics. The teachers are some of the hardest working people we've ever met. They consistently go above and beyond for their students. There is true caring at this school! We feel blessed to be a part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just entered kindergarten this year at Sunnyside. The experience thus far has been outstanding. My child has been safe and has developed a true love for schools and learning. I am relieved that my daughter will be at this school for her k-8. Not only is she excelling in reading, writing and math, she gets to leave the brick walls on a regular basis and see the world outside.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunnyside offers holistic, hands-on education that focuses on sustainability and community. Students are well prepared to be future leaders and compassionate well rounded people.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended sunnyside for 6th-8th grade and i loved it. The parents say we didnt learn anything, but i took so much away from SES. There is a community and a sense of belonging that you can't find anywhere else. I had a incredible math and spanish teachers my last year at SES and now am in honors. All my teachers were amazing all 3 years. I can say that without a doubt that sunnyside made me a stronger, confidant and more involved person than before. It has made me concious of the challenges we face and given me the desire to make a diffrence. Most every student took valuable life skills away from SES. Im not saying SES is for everyone, its not. im in High school and i've had no trouble at all
—Submitted by a student

I was very excited for my daughter to attend SES initially, especially since it took me two years to get her in. I have been very disappointed with my daughters experience at this school. There seems to be a lack of structure in every department. The curriculum is very weak and I feel as if my daughter has regressed academically. I feel the school is disorganized, that reflects in the execution of the courses. I am very sorry to say I actually regret sending my daughter there. I will be honest, there are some good courses there, as well as great field trips (if you can afford them), but all in all again, hate to say it, but I am very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunnyside has a great community of teachers, parents, students, and neighbors. It has a wonderful curriculum with outdoor learning, field projects, gardening, and community service.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Sunnyside for seventh and eighth grade and it totally changed my life. I have been more confident and more able to navigate the rest of my school career because of the base they provided for me.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I transferred our daughter into Sunnyside Environmental in 6th grade. She has just begun her 7th grade year. I first want to say that this school is not for every child or every family. It requires a child who is diligent, self-starting, adventuresome, and creative. With that said, our daughter loves the school and is thriving there. The faculty is exceptional, the principal and her administrative staff are caring and expose the children to curriculum, field studies, volunteer projects, and art in a way that cannot be experienced in any other school in Portland. I should also point out that my wife and I have two other children enrolled at Winterhaven School (math and science magnate) and feel it is also an exceptional school and is a very good fit for them. Sunnyside is not for every child but if you have a child with a lot of creativity who loves to read, write, explore their surroundings, and collaborate to find workable solutions to big problems, then you should visit Sunnyside to see if it is a fit for you and your child.
—Submitted by a parent

A disappointing academic experience and very little support from the principal and teachers when problems came up.
—Submitted by a parent

SES is the most amazing place. I went to SES for 6th-8th grade. I couldn't have been more happy. Not only did I learn math and spanish, but i learned things that are more important. I learned how to share. I dont mean sharing my toys, but sharing my heart. I learned how to accept anyone despite their opinions, appearence, or background. I learned the importance of family and community. The lessons they taught were ones people dont usually learn until later in life. I was fortunate to learn them early. When it comes to the end of the day, you dont need math to be happy, you need family. I would give anything to go back. Yes, some kids dont work out there. but thats only like 2 in every 300 kids. I loved it more than anything.
—Submitted by a student

Although Sunnyside Environmental is an expensive school it also gives a great chance to exprience differant curiclums. It has great teacher and classes. It is a comitment kind of a school but in my 3 years it has made me relize how the world really is and could be. SES is an amazing school and if you are thinking of this option I would say please try it. The teachers are very personal and want the best for your individual needs and will spend endless time to make sure you get good grades and they activly participate in the childrens lives. We do have may outside feild studies and over night trips and if you are worried about money you are ussually able to work something out. All around great school!
—Submitted by a student

I love this school it is so awesome and a lot better than any other school, the teachers are great, great classes, you have a lot of field studies and out door learning, you're learning everything a regular school would teach you and more. Everyone is involved and they have meetings 3 times a week where they sing and tell about events, really a great school
—Submitted by a student

I LOVE this school the teachers are nice and you feel like you're learning- a John Dewey gem... bravo for making kids come first
—Submitted by a parent

Sometimes the money issue is important, because although SES is a public school, they go on many extensive field trips about once a week and there is also a special trip to the beach for each grade at the end of the year. Sixth grade and Seventh graders go to the Oregon Coast and Eighth graders fly to LA and stay on the island Catalina at Howland's landing, where they spend eight days learning about the environment and marine life, hiking, sea kayaking and snorkling. There is also an all school camp out at either Mt. St. Helens or Eagle Fern Camp, depending on the theme of the school year (there is a three year rotation refarding the year of the mountain, forest and river). And to make sure your child gets to participate, there are several ways a student can earn 100 dollar scholarships through volunteering during all three years.
—Submitted by a student