The Oregon Small Schools Initiative provides support and technical assistance for school-wide planning, restructuring and professional development for communities developing both restructured and new high schools that offer a rigorous, personalized education to all students.

There are currently 31 schools participating in the Initiative - 26 conversion schools and 5 new start schools. We invite you to learn more about the exciting work of each of these schools.
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Crater High School Campus in Central Point
655 N. Third Street
Central Point, OR 97502 (541) 494-6301
www.cratercomets.com

History of innovation and excellence
Crater High School recognized the need for small schools in the 1980s and‘90s, and received widespread recognition for its innovation and excellence in establishing four schools-within-a-school. In the fall of 2007, Crater converted to four small schools: Crater School of Business, Innovation and Science (BIS),Crater Renaissance Academy, Crater Academy of Health and Public Service (CAHPS), and Crater Academy of Natural Science (CANS). The school and community knew that with less than half of its students progressing to post-secondary education, more of its students deserved to benefit from a small school format. Crater’s own experience with small learning communities demonstrated that smaller schools can provide all students with the skills and inspiration to continue their education and vocational training. Read more about each small school in their full profiles.

Crater School of Business, Innovation and Science (BIS)

Crater Academy of Health and Public Service (CAHPS)

Crater Academy of Natural Science (CANS)

Crater Renaissance Academy (RA)

Watch digital storytelling video projects created by Crater students in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, click here.

Marshall Campus in Portland
3905 SE 91st Ave
Portland, OR 97266
(503) 916-5240

http://www.marshall.pps.k12.or.us

A first for Oregon
In September 2004, Marshall High School, in outer Southeast Portland, became the first large high school in Oregon to convert into autonomous, small schools. Marshall’s conversion was in direct response to challenges it faced: only 25 percent of students met 10th grade benchmarks in math and reading, and the school’s poor reputation in the community resulted in persistent decreases in enrollment. Marshall Campus has a diverse population: close to 60 percent of students are from low-income families and almost 40 percent are students of color. When planning the three schools, staff visited model small schools across the country and focused on creating a plan to turn student achievement around. The three autonomous schools of Marshall Campus occupy two floors of the high school’s original brick building. Marshall’s three schools offer a rigorous, personalized college preparatory curriculum each with a unique educational approach. Of the three original academies, BizTech Academy and Renaissance Arts Academy continue to partner with  E3 as they continue their work. Read more about these two small schools in their full profile links.

Renaissance Art Academy (RA²) Full Profile (PDF)

Biz Tech Full Profile (PDF)

Read the Student Profiles of Jordan Roberts & Noi Nanthathammiko (pictured)
Read the Teacher Profile of Bree Woodruff

Newberg High School
2400 Douglas Avenue
Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 554-4404

http://www.newberg.k12.or.us/nhs_small_schools

Bold Changes
In 2006 Newberg High School was among the top 5%of the state’s schools. During a five year period, the percent of students meeting math standards doubled and the percent of students meeting reading standards increased by over 30%. Students in all subgroups showed improvements, rapidly narrowing Newberg’s achievement gap.  Newberg believed that the positive changes in achievement were moving the school in the right direction but that there was still more work to be done. Data revealed that only 45% of NHS students were taking the courses or achieving GPAs necessary to matriculate into Oregon’s universities after graduation. Newberg’s decision to convert to small schools was driven by its desire to build on the success of its rigorous curriculum by creating a highly personalized environment characterized by rich and sustaining relationships, and relevant, integrated learning.

In the fall of 2006, Newberg opened five small schools. Three of the five schools have received extension grants to continue their work with E3’s Oregon Small School Initiative. All of the schools are based on the Coalition of Essential Schools’ (CES) ten common principles:

— Learning to use one’s mind well
— Less is more, depth over coverage
— Goals apply to all students
— Personalization
— Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach
— Demonstration of mastery
— A tone of decency and trust
— Commitment to the entire school
— Resources dedicated to teaching and learning
— Democracy and equity

Green School Full Profile (pdf)

Yellow School Full Profile (pdf)

Silver School Full Profile (pdf)

North Eugene High School
200 Silver Lane
Eugene, OR 97404
(541) 687-3261

http://www.nehs.lane.edu/index.htm

Campus Principal: Laurie Henry

An Oregon innovator
North Eugene Campus prides itself on pursuing reform and implementing best educational practices. Over a decade ago, North Eugene adopted a block schedule and a focus on project-based and cooperative learning. It has been a state leader in using computer technology for education. A challenge at North Eugene was closing the achievement gap between groups of students. Only one in three Hispanic students was meeting state reading benchmarks; one in four for math. Just more than 30 percent of low-income students were meeting math standards and less than 50 percent were meeting reading standards.

In 2001, the school district’s “Schools of the Future” community engagement process encouraged personalization, rigor and high expectations for all students. North Eugene responded by launching the International High School, a school-within-a-school offering International Baccalaureate curriculum, and the Alternative School, serving at-risk students. These and other efforts laid the foundation for the launch of North Eugene’s small schools. In 2006, North Eugene High School opened three new, rigorous small schools, all located in school-specific space within the high school building.  See the full profile for each small school for more information.

IDEAS High School Full Profile (pdf)

North International High School Full Profile (pdf)

North Academy of Arts Full Profile (pdf)

South Medford High School
815 South Oakdale Ave
Medford, OR 97501
(541) 842-3680

http://www.medford.k12.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=1009

Campus Principal: Kevin Campbell

A tradition of innovation
South Medford High School, with a population of almost 1900 students, has continued on the journey from good to great with the evolvement of four small schools:  Freshman Academy, BACH (Bridging Arts Communications and Humanities) , Discovery School (Environment/Community), and CHAMPS (Community Health And Medical Professions).  Personalizing learning through the power of small with intentional interventions, mentoring programs, and strong community building has resulted in students owning their learning on a daily basis. The results speak for this with significant increases in achievement scores in reading, math, and writing as well as much fewer discipline referrals and growth in attendance rates.

Basic level math classes have been eliminated, and  “open honors” in English ,Social Studies, and Biology have encouraged students to reach for higher learning goals.  Each small school has implemented hands-on, collaborative, project based learning, common reading/writing strategies, and a focus on implementing research-based best practices in instruction.  Student involvement and “voice” in learning continues to grow.  Student-led conferences and student exhibitions of learning are evolving as the conversion to small is completed with the senior class in 2009-2010. 

Campus principal, Kevin Campbell, has led the way in this continual improvement where “failure is not an option”,  aligning the work of each small school with campus and district goals.

See the full profile for each small school for more information.

Freshman Academy Full Profile pdf))

Discovery School Full Profile (pdf)

Community Health and Medical Professions School (CHAMPS) Full Profile (pdf)

Bridging the Arts, Communications and Humanities School (BACH) Full Profile (pdf)

Roosevelt Campus in Portland
I6941 N. Central Avenue
Portland, OR 97203
(503) 916-6260

Campus Principal: Deborah Peterson

www.roosevelt.pps.k12.or.us

Staying on track with small schools
In September 2004, Roosevelt Campus transformed into three small schools of fewer than 300 students each. The decision to convert to small schools was prompted by data suggesting that too many students were failing to graduate with the skills necessary to pursue their dreams, and that too few parents were closely engaged in their children’s education. The vision for the conversion of Roosevelt High School was to create an environment in which every student graduates from his or her perspective small school prepared for post-secondary education, and that each small school is characterized by a personalized learning environment that connects staff with students and their families. Roosevelt Campus strives to provide a rich, equitable education to each student. Each small school includes students of each ethnic, racial and linguistic group present on campus as well as a focused curriculum and learning environment. Read more about each small school in the links to each school’s full profile.

Arts, Communication and Technology High School (ACT) Full Profile (pdf)

Pursuit of Wellness Education at Roosevelt (POWER) Full Profile (pdf)

Spanish-English International School (SEIS) Full Profile (pdf)

Woodburn High School
1785 N. Front Street
Woodburn, OR 97071
(503) 981-2600

Extraordinary diversity and growth
Woodburn High School serves a dynamic, diverse and fast-growing community. The school’s 1,300 students represent an incredible range of life experiences and backgrounds. Hispanic students are the largest and fastest growing group, making up 70 percent of students. An additional 13 percent are from Russian families—many immigrant Old Believers. Almost half of Woodburn students are English language learners. Woodburn has embraced its diversity and its challenges, preparing students for a multi-lingual, multi-cultural world. It offers cutting edge instruction for English language learners, and has designed a K-12 program to ensure all students learn a second language. The Woodburn campus offers an International Baccalaureate program in three of the four small schools and Advanced Placement curriculum in the fourth school.

Woodburn Arts and Communication Academy (WACA) Full Profile (pdf)

Woodburn Academy of Art, Science, and Technology (WAAST) Full Profile (pdf)

Wellness Business and Sports School (WeBSS) Full Profile (pdf)

Academy of International Studies at Woodburn (AIS) Full Profile (pdf)

Read the Student Profiles of Casey Martinez (pictured) and Zulema Magana    

EagleRidge High School (formerly Riverside Charter HS)
EagleRidge High School, a public charter high school in Klamath Falls, was designed to engage students in an integrated curriculum using project-based learning for on-campus curriculum and community connections, service learning, internships and college classes for off-campus experiences.

Through a district and community partnership, EagleRidge High School has formed a strategic alliance with the New Technology Foundation in Napa, California, and uses the experience and format that the Foundation has successfully implemented in other New Tech replication schools. The student services and student orientation model for the school are a unique blend of best practices and a well planned series of experiences and activities that provide the foundation that is required for success in high school, college and as a productive citizen. Read more about EagleRidge High School in the full profile link.

Leadership & Entrepreneurship Public Charter High School (LEP High)

Meeting a community need
Leadership and Entrepreneurship Public Charter High School (LEP) is a new school in Northeast Portland that opened its doors in August 2006 with 104 students. LEP serves students entering high school by offering a rigorous, integrated, college-prep curriculum in a personalized school setting with extensive academic supports. Through the study of leadership and entrepreneurship, students develop a strong sense of self efficacy, social responsibility and an entrepreneurial spirit. The Leadership and Entrepreneurship High School focuses on engaging students in their learning experience and making school an exciting place to learn. The school design also provides a rigorous college prep curriculum. Teachers use project-based, interdisciplinary learning to make learning both rigorous and relevant to students’ lives. Students gain real world experiences through internships and service learning with businesses and community organizations.

LEP serves students entering high school who are looking for options not offered in the current school system. Leadership and entrepreneurship is a key theme in all classes, and is also taught as a stand-alone course. Students will graduate surpassing normal diploma requirements to meet college entrance requirements. Because of a strong relationship with local universities, students will also graduate from LEP with college credits. To ensure that all students achieve high levels of success, the school has an extended day (from 8:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and an extended year (190 school days over 12 months) with large amounts of academic support in the form of daily advisory and tutoring periods. Finally, in LEP’s small school environment, students feel cared for, connected and supported at school. The school’s goal is to provide students with the skills for success in college, careers and life in the 21st century. Read more about LEP in the full profile link.

Leadership and Entrepreneurship Public Charter High School (LEP) Full Profile (pdf)

Media Arts and Communications Academy (MACA)
Innovation in Oregon
Media Arts and Communications Academy (MACA) is a magnet school in the McMinnville School District. MACA believes all students, regardless of ethnicity, native language, gender, socio-economic status, or disability, deserve an education that prepares them for postsecondary opportunities and a living family wage. Communications and digital literacy skills gained will have broad applications for students. A clearly articulated college credit path and abundant opportunities for dual high school/college credit are integral parts of the educational program at MACA.

Media arts and technology is of extremely high interest to students, and as such, serves as a gateway to learning across all content areas. MACA’s cross-curricular media applications will enable students to extend, integrate, and apply learning based on their unique interests and goals. MACA opened in the fall of 2007. Read more about MACA in the full profile link.

Media Arts and Communications Academy (MACA) Full Profile (pdf)

Health and Science High School
Health and Science School, a magnet school in the Beaverton School District, serves as a community partner for access to medical sciences education. The school embraces a part of the community that is typically under represented in the science, technology, and health fields. Students are able to access a high quality education that prepares and engages them on their pathway to an education beyond high school. Additionally, opportunities for families and other members of the community to access health science courses and programs are available. Focusing on professional skills, foundational health career knowledge, and a wide base of experiences, the school has a strong, relevant program that prepares students for college and careers.

The goal of Health and Science School is to foster and develop a positive disposition toward math and science through an engaging and rigorous interdisciplinary, science-based immersion program. The school engages students in one or more of three directions: 1) enhanced interest and performance in the medical sciences; 2) future interest and subsequent success in medical science coursework and careers during and beyond high school; and  3) successful participation as a student in this new science option school. The school opened in the fall of 2007. For more information about Health and Science School, please read the full profile at the below link.

Health and Science School (HS2) Full Profile (pdf)

Academy of Arts and Academics

Springfield’s vision
The decision to launch the Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) was the direct result of recommendations made in the 2004 Springfield Quality Education Model, a comprehensive community engagement process that involved over 1,000 local educators, parents, students and employers. Two themes emerged as central to Springfield’s vision for a quality education: to maintain a strong commitment to the arts in educational programs, and to use innovative, researched-based delivery models to engage students in their education. A3 was implemented to meet both of these recommendations while reaching out to students who do not succeed in the traditional high school environment.  The school is headquartered in a renovated building in downtown Springfield and is within walking distance of local arts organizations, many of which provide internships and other hands-on learning experiences for students.  A3 combines a full college preparatory course load with professional-level media and theatre arts experiences to prepare students for a range of post-secondary options. Language arts, humanities, math and science are taught in integrated blocks in grades 9/10 and 11/12.

Through project-based learning students tackle rigorous academic content while exploring issues that are relevant to their lives and the community. In their first two years, students are exposed to a variety of theater, video and visual arts experiences. Then, as juniors and seniors, they choose an art focus in which to specialize. In their senior year, students embark on a unique capstone experience by writing a grant proposal to fund an independent community outreach arts project. Guest artists help teach core arts classes and work with students on community-based arts projects and events. A3 students must complete an application and interview/audition process to be admitted to the school. The process is “blind,” meaning students’ past academic performance and artistic accomplishments are not factors for admission. Instead A3 targets students who have a passion for the arts and a demonstrated commitment to learning in a challenging, personalized environment. Read more about Academy of Arts and Academics in the full profile link.

Academy of Arts and Academics Full Profile (pdf)

Read the Student Profile of Raegan Weir (pictured)