News headlines rightfully call out funding shortages, worrisome test scores, achievement gaps, sexual abuse scandals, and other problems that demand attention from parents, teachers, and officials alike. We pause less often to consider the hopeful, the thoughtful, the dogged, the visionary. In this year’s annual schools roundup, in addition to the area’s most complete guide to private schools, we offer a look at the educators and students, from Portland and beyond, in schools public and private, whose work is quietly changing the game, for the better.

In This Feature:

Jonathan Garcia Is Disrupting the Status Quo at Portland Public Schools

The chief engagement officer has a message for the state’s largest school district. Is the city ready to listen?

01/21/2020 By Julia Silverman

These High Schoolers Are Tired of Waiting for Adults to Curb Climate Change

The world has Greta Thunberg. Portland has Charlie Abrams and Jeremy Clark.

01/21/2020 By Sarah Mirk

A STEAM-Powered Mobile Classroom Brings Hands-On Science Projects to Beaverton

G. Douglas Bundy wants to forgo worksheets and have students take up making.

01/21/2020 By Julia Silverman

This Catlin Gabel Choir Teacher Is Writing a Requiem for Victims of Racial Violence

Damien Geter’s 'An African American Requiem' will premiere at the Schnitz in May.

01/21/2020 By Conner Reed

Meet the NoPo Librarian Who’s Watching Over an Entire School of Bookworms

James John Elementary doesn’t have a ton of wealthy parents. But the book-loving culture there runs deep.

01/21/2020 By Julia Silverman

Portland Private Schools, by the Numbers: 2020

Local private schools enroll thousands of area kids in programs ranging from language immersion to faith-based.

01/21/2020 Edited by Julia Silverman