February/March 2010
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Homework for Parents: Get Educated on Central Oregon's Private School Options By Suzanne Johnson Every parent wishes their kids felt about school the way that Lisa Armstrong's boys do. "My children adore their teachers. They continually spark the boys' interest in learning, whether the subject is math or skiing!" When the Armstrong family relocated to Bend, they invested quite a bit of time and effort into researching the school options available in Central Oregon, and that effort paid off when they found the right fit in Cascades Academy, one of the many private school options in Bend. Of all the choices a parent makes for a child, choosing a school is no doubt the most important and influential on the child's future. The neighborhood public school serves as the perfect option for many families, but for those seeking a different learning environment, the list of options is long and varied. Traditional public schools, magnet schools, home schools, faith based private schools, and nonsectarian private schools all can be found in Central Oregon. What is it that makes a school the right fit for a family? THE APPEAL OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS Whether private schools are "better" academically than public schools is difficult to measure. Public schools are required to accept every student and mandatory state tests reflect the whole school's progress. Private schools set their own admission requirements, and no testing is required, although many do use some standardized testing. The National Center for Education Statistics 2006 report compared reading and mathematics scores of public to private students in fourth grade and eighth grade. At first glance the private school students scored higher all around. However, when demographic variables were controlled, public and private students performed equally as well in most areas (eighth grade private school students are still better readers.) Yet the success of a school depends on more than academics, as every parent knows. Parents choose private schools for a variety of reasons: they often have lower class sizes and nurture a greater sense of community; they may apply a desired academic philosophy, or reflect and integrate the family's religious beliefs. Julie Gallivan of Bend appreciates the close-knit community her children are part of at St. Francis School. "They feel very lucky to go to a school where the curriculum is challenging, and they learn about God and their religion, as well as the religious beliefs of other people," explained Julie. FINDING THE RIGHT FIT "No matter what school the parents are considering, public or private, the best way to choose is to spend time there, really get the feel for the school" advised Shannon Polk of Trinity Lutheran School. Schools of every sort welcome interested parents with lots of questions – call ahead to set up a tour. Talk to the teachers and other parents, observe in classrooms, and give the school a chance to show off their strengths. Important topics to discuss include:
LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOL OPTIONS Described below is a sampling of the private school options in Central Oregon, representing a variety of teaching styles and missions. 
Cascades Academy of Central Oregon (Grades K-12)With an average class size of 10, Cascades Academy forges a dynamic connection between teachers and students. The school aims to nurture life-long love of learning by blending a rigorous curriculum with experiential learning outside the classroom, incorporating academic field trips, outdoor experiences, and community service projects at every grade level. "Traveling school" starts in third grade, as classes hit the road for a multi-day field trip that ranges farther with each successive grade level. The upper grades aim to prepare students for success in college, and 100% of graduates have gone on to higher education. Enrollment forms for the 2008-09 school year must be received by March 7th. Annual tuition for elementary grade levels is $9450; for middle and high school the annual tuition is $10,500. Approximately 25% of students receive scholarships up to $4500. For more information, contact: Wendy May, Headmaster Cascade Academy 2150 NE Studio Rd. Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-0699 http://www.cascadesacademy.org St. Francis Catholic School (Grades PreK-8) Families seeking a traditional Catholic school setting find what they are looking for at St. Francis. Founded in 1936, St. Francis has educated generations of Central Oregonians with a mission to "provide a Catholic faith centered educational experience that integrates intellectual growth, nurtures faith, and inspires students to meet the challenges of the world." While the classroom setting is traditional in nature, St. Francis also incorporates the storyline approach into the K-5 curriculum. Head teacher Julie Roberts comments that "St. Francis students move on to high school very well prepared, with a solid foundation and good study skills." Class sizes average 23 in the lower elementary grades, and 25 in the middle school. For parish members, tuition runs $3380, and $4000 annually for non-members. Registration for parish families begins in March, followed by open registration in mid-March. For more information, contact: Julie Roberts, Head Teacher St. Francis Catholic School 2450 NE 27th St. Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-4701 http://www.saintfrancisschool.org/ 
Seven Peaks School (Grades PreK-8)Located just around the corner from Cascade Middle School, Seven Peaks is founded on the Core Knowledge curriculum designed by educator Ed Hirsh, author of Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know (coreknowledge.org). The Core Knowledge approach outlines the specific knowledge that all citizens should share, and builds sequentially upon those concepts with each grade level. Each grade level's content is clearly laid out, avoiding both gaps in knowledge and repetition from one grade to the next. Music, art, foreign languages, and physical education are provided every day, and the school is especially proud of the state-of-the-art science lab. Class sizes range from 18 in kindergarten to 25 in middle school. Parents volunteer both in the classroom and through committees and fundraising. Open houses are scheduled throughout February and March, with registration applications accepted through April. Tuition for kindergarten is $5600 annually, and $5800 annually for grades 1-8. For more information, contact: Kim Walter, Principal 19660 Mountaineer Way bend, OR 97702 (541) 382-7755 sevenpeaksschool.org Sisters Christian Academy (Grades PreK-8) Founded in 1997 as the SonRise Christian Academy, the school changed its name two years ago but maintains its nondenominational, Bible-based curriculum. With a mission to "inspire excellence in every student," Sisters Christian Academy is based on the Classical Model of teaching, which emphasizes understanding context over rote memorization. Latin instruction begins in second grade, and an emphasis on developing logic and critical thinking skills is instilled throughout. Curriculum is based on a Biblical worldview. Home-schooled students in grades 6-8 can enroll in one or more classes or activities at Sisters Christian Academy through the Home School Outreach Program. Average class size is 10, and enrollment is taken on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact: Peggy Miller, Principal Sisters Christian Academy Street Address: 15211 McKinney Butte Rd. Sisters, OR 97759 Mailing Address: PO Box 1103, Sisters OR 97759 (541) 549-4133 http://www.sisterschristianacademy.com Trinity Lutheran School (Grades PreK-10) It's evident that families appreciate the tight-knit community within this school, as it continues add a new upper grade level every year (11th grade will be offered in 2008-09.) "Our teachers really know the kids," stated Shannon Polk, Development Director. "There is a lot of continuity." Trinity's classrooms have a traditional structure, and teachers integrate the curriculum with a strong Christian foundation. Average class size is 20, and open enrollment for the upcoming school year begins January 28th. For more information, contact: Bob Fowls, Head of School Trinity Lutheran School 2559 NE Bulter Market Rd. Bend, OR 97701 (541)382-1850 http://www.saints.org/ 
Waldorf School of Bend (Grades PreK-5)Head, Heart, Hands...the Waldorf approach aims to teach to all three in each child. The Waldorf School of Bend is currently in the process of certification by the national Waldorf association, and holds true to the Waldorf philosophy of integrating the arts, science, music, nature studies, and movement throughout the curriculum. Teachers work closely with parents to nurture student learning and create a positive atmosphere accepting of individuality. Families are expected to restrict media exposure at home. While not a religious school, "Waldorf infuses a spiritual element into the teaching." Outreach and Development Director Deedee Erhard explains. "Thankfulness and reverence for life and nature is infused into daily life here." Class sizes range from 10 - 14. Enrollment begins in April for the following year; kindergarteners can register for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. Full time kindergarten tuition is $4500, increasing to $5875 for first grade, and $6250 for the upper grades. For more information, contact: The Waldorf School of Bend 63175 O.B. Riley Road Bend, OR 97701 Phone: (541) 330-8841 www.bendwaldorf.com/ ADDITIONAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL OREGON INCLUDE: Morningstar Christian School (Grades PreK-12) 19741 Baker Rd. Bend, OR 97702 (541) 382-5091 www.morningstarchristianschool.org/ Three Sisters Seventh-day Adventist School (Grades K-10) 21155 Tumalo Rd Bend, OR 97701 (541) 389-2091 Eastmont Community School (Grades PreK-5) 62425 Eagle Rd Bend, OR 97701 (541)382-2049 www.eastmontchurch.com Crook County Christian School (Grades PreK-12) 839 S. Main St. Prineville, OR 97754 (541) 416-0114 www.crookcountychristianschool.com/ Central Christian School (Grades PreK-12) 2234 SE 6th St. Redmond, OR 97756 (541)548-7803 www.centralchristianschools.com |
