Our community reflects a deep reverence for humanity and the land on which the school resides.
Set on seven acres in the heart of beautiful downtown Milwaukie, Oregon, our vibrant campus is home to two spring-fed creeks, a blacksmithing shop, athletic fields, abundant gardens, and a wood-fired oven.
Through a highly engaging learning program that fosters trust between teachers and students, plus an active volunteer program, festivals, plays, gatherings, and concerts, our school feels more like a close-knit community.
We value adolescents' desire for independence within a structure of community and healthy boundaries, letting the shift happen gradually with adult support.
Ultimately, the beauty of an education for adolescents residing within a Preschool-Grade 12 experience is that it provides them with a subtle reminder of their childhoods as they reach forward into their futures, solidifying the ground beneath them as they bloom into early adulthood.
Read more about our Mission & Core Values, including our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
How We Foster Community
Tending to the Grounds
Our facilities team keeps watch over every detail here at the school. They are not only an integral part of our community but model for our students the importance of honoring place through daily and detailed care. They frequently enlist the help of high school students to get the job done.
Festivals & Events
We gather as a community for festivals and events throughout the year.
Marking the transitions of seasons and passages of milestones is integral to the Waldorf experience all the way through high school. Adolescents, in fact, take lead roles in ceremonies and rituals.
Dances & Prom
Social dances are a rite of passage. The high school tradition of prom and other formal and non-formal dances are important celebrations at PWHS. Some take place on campus while others, like end-of-year prom, are held at exciting event spaces in the Portland metro area.
Service Learning
Each high school student is required to perform 30 hours of service work per year. The hours in 9th grade are split between on-campus and off, building towards all off-campus hours as they approach 12th grade. This is developmentally designed to support students’ understanding of the needs of their own communities and others as they grow in age.
Volunteerism
Portland Waldorf High School encourages every parent, caregiver, student, and community member to get involved as a volunteer.
Whether you build picnic benches or chaperone field trips, guest lecture or bake, your efforts help build a strong sense of community and let our school thrive.
