ABOUT
SUNNYSIDE ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL

A K-8 Educational Option That Includes a Neighborhood Attendance Area

Student Enrollment : 504

Focus Option: Thematic Environmental Curriculum

Kindergarten : Two Full Day Kindergartens

Child Care : Art for Life

The K-8 curriculum will bring the beauty and magic of the natural world into the lives of children through an integrated, developmentally appropriate, art infused education. Creativity, love of learning, personal responsibility and family, will be the cornerstones of an education that celebrates the many overlapping environments of Portland. The city's wild and urban areas become sites for inquiry, exploration and understanding as children acquire personal and academic skills that lead to a satisfying life as thoughtful, active members of the larger community. In pursuit of this goal, student are involved in service learning efforts throughout their years at the school

Special Programs and Features

  • "Reading Buddies," service-learning experiences with the elderly and homeless, "Adopt A Park" program, and curriculum based camping trips.
  • School gardens and compost bins teach horticulture and sustainability,
  • Rotating curriculum themes : River, Mountain, Forest
  • Visual arts demonstrate and teach curriculum concepts
  • Required Spanish language and culture courses enable students to earn high school level language credits.
  • After school activities : Theatre, musical, a marimba band, a garage band and choir.
  • Required algebra courses provide high school credit for many students and geometry is available for advance students.
  • Physical education is integrated into curriculum through sports, hiking, kayaking, camping service learning.