We all learn and thrive in different ways. We all want different things for ourselves, our families, and our learners. Micro Schools and other alternative education programs are popping up all over the nation to provide educational environments that meet the needs of a growing population— a population that wants something different for their child’s education other than what is currently being offered. Micro schools can be full-time or part-time. Check out these amazing schools; they are leaders in alternative education, and they are all here in Portland and the surrounding area. This post have been broken up into two parts because there are quite a few wonderful programs.

Knowledge Seekers: Knowledge Seekers is a part-time program focusing on providing a voice for students in their own education. Students work on hands-on projects and explore what interests them. A student-shaped homeschool program; teachers and students collaborate to design mindful learning opportunities that cultivate a passion for knowledge, critical thinking, curiosity, and joy. This is achieved in a vibrant and inclusive environment. Call Tess and chat at 818-970-0246 or visit knowledgeseekerspdx.com.

Knowledge Seekers has some fun summer camps: knowledgeseekerspdx.com

Only $44–$260

• Solar Kitchen
• Art Around the World
• Tiny Clay Creatures
• Pinch Pots and Trays
• Clay Jewelry and Mobiles
• Clay Creature Houses

Pop to the website to see all the details, OH! and tell your friends.

Osoberry School: Osoberry School is an extended-year microschool serving Kindergarten through 5th grade with a focus on rich academics, arts & nature integration, social connection, and play.

At Osoberry School, we teach and lead with emotional well-being in mind. While modern life seems to always be running too quickly, Osoberry School provides a space to slow down and focus on life’s meaningful connections. Utilizing discoveries in mindfulness, the science of happiness, child development, and the Finnish education model, our day provides kids, teachers, and families with a space to experience a balanced, meaningful life.

Teachers at Osoberry School know best practices in teaching and utilize hands-on, experiential activities and project-based units of study. We not only teach foundational academics, but we teach kids how to learn and nurture their innate curiosity and joy. Enrolling Now: Located at 4433 E Burnside, Portland. emily@osoberry.school

Activate: Activate is a 3rd- through 5th-grade microschool. Our school provides a calm and inspiring environment where learning is fun and meaningful. Specializing in art, hands-on learning, and dyslexia support, Activate offers high-quality instruction effective for neurodivergent and neurotypical students. Our program also features daily self-directed learning time, weekly field trips, and long recesses to ensure a well-rounded, joyful experience. Located in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. https://www.brightschoolhouse.org

Summit Academy: We are a micro-school and homeschool hybrid, serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Summit Academy is a school where students learn essential skills through play, nature, arts, music, and movement. We will build resilience, instill confidence, encourage cooperation, develop problem-solving skills, and inspire creativity in our students.

All individuals deserve to be heard, no matter how they communicate and grow. Here are some options for those of you who have learners that might not fit into the boxes they are being expected to contort into.

Located south of Portland in Lebanon, OR. https://www.summitacademyllc.com

Reframe Collective: The Reframe Collective grew out of an innate desire to re.vision the ways we learn, teach, and interact with our community. We are actively practicing another way by building strong, sustainable communities shaped by gratitude and respect. We are committed to shifting culture by resourcing a new generation with ethical tools for creative problem-solving and reimagining community care. Through customized gatherings & celebrations, hands-on building and making, and imaginative creative play, we value: radical inclusion, community care, co-creation, intergenerational wisdom, children’s rights, justice, creativity, imagination, life-long learning, interdependence, variety, evolution, and revolution. Located in NE Portland. https://thereframecollective.com/about-us

• Reframe has an Open House this Sunday March 30th 1-4pm, message them for location!

Beacon Academy: We have created an environment for families seeking additional support for students who are struggling in the current school setting. Our homeschool program allows students to receive 1-on-1, individualized instruction that is catered not only to their needs and interests but also supports parents in subjects that may prove difficult for them to teach. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent students and their families to ignite their passions. Located in Gresham. https://www.beaconpnw.com

Other Family and Parenting Support

Macie LaRae:
Macie is a homeschool success coach. Whether you’re just getting started on your homeschool journey or feeling stuck in the process, she has the tools to support you. We go at the pace of joy! She also offers a middle school (grades 6-8) pod for language arts and math, meeting from 12:30–2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, in Milwaukie. macielarae11@gmail.com

I feel so lucky to live in a place that values alternative education and is at the forefront of this educational movement.

FREEBIES!!!

Willow’s Box of Wonders:
We are a woman/mom-run company that specializes in making sensory play affordable for all families. Hi! My name is Mary, and I’m the mom behind Willow’s Box of Wonders. My daughter Willow has loved sensory play for as long as I can remember. Watching her face light up when I would set up a new bin for her, or how excited she would be to share that happiness with her friends. I wanted to share that joy and magic with families everywhere. I invite you to join our Facebook page and visit our website. Enjoy a 10% off discount on any regular-size sensory bin filler kit using code KNOWLEDGE10.

Link to Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1ADQBieDJr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Link to Etsy:
https://willowsboxofwonders.etsy.com

Nutrition with Shari:
My six-week online nutrition course for kids ages 5-11, Super Fuel for Super Kids, is what I am really passionate about because it helps children make healthy food choices in a fun way. I also have freebies that you can include in your newsletter. Parents can sign up to receive a free downloadable PDF called “Is Your Child Hangry?” Here is the link to the form, along with text you can use in your newsletter (or feel free to edit or improvise): https://fulltablenutrition.ac-page.com/hangry

www.fulltablenutrition.com, shari@fulltablenutrition.com

IMPORTANT!
Do not forget to add our email to your contacts so that you get all the updates.

Tell your friends to join, I would love for our newsletter to grow and have others learn about the fun community offerings.

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561745865880

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