OES or Catlin Gabel?

[daleyocum]

I don't think you can go wrong with either school. Catlin's not religiously affiliated which might be a factor for some. Catlin's science and engineering program has progressed by leaps and bounds from the time years ago when it was known primarily for it's liberal arts. Now I'd say Catlin and OES are more equal, Catlin leaning more towards engineering (though their top ranked robotics program) and computer science and OES more towards science.

Catlin does tend to be more liberal and less buttoned down. It really feels more like a college campus than a high school.

[freemkt]

Originally Posted by sprash25

My kid has been offered admission to both OES and Catlin Gabel for primary (1st Grade). We visited both schools, and liked them both. We liked the inquiry based learning, and focus on creativity at Catlin, while we loved the emphasis on Science and academics at OES. We hope to pick a school and stick with it all the way to end of high.

Are there any parents on here from either schools who would be willing to talk? We need to reach a decision soon. If so, please send me a private message.

Thanks!

P.S: I hope this thread does not turn into a public/private debate.

I hope it does.

[Yankeemama]

I know one family that sends a child to Caitlin Gabel and so far... so good. Honestly, the common practice among many families here in the inner NE us to send kids to public schools with foundations and then consider St. Mary's and Central Catholic. I have met several parents in my neighborhood who went to Caitlin Gabel and loved the school though that was many years ago. Portland parents are a very involved group of people, in general, and the culture here is a big reason that kids thrive, IMO. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Nell Plotts]

I think either would be a great place for your child. Now look at how each school fits with your life. How do you take your child to school? How about after school activities. Think about traffic around the school. If you work at St. V's you can walk your child to Catlin.

There are lots of great schools, choose the one that works best for you.

[The Cactus Leaguer]

We went through a similar adventure this past year for kindergarten. It is a difficult decision because a lot of the evidence you gather is subjective or anecdotal (like what you read in here at times!). We ended up choosing West Hills Christian.

The best piece of advice I got is that there is less harm done if you end up choosing a school that is a wrong fit for your child now, as opposed to middle school or high school where there is more risk of uprooting social networks and it becomes more difficult to get back on track before college.

Good luck with your decision!

[Nell Plotts]

Admission to OES's high school is competitive. Just because you attended K-8 does not mean you will be admitted. Catlin's HS admission is much 'softer'.

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Admission to OES's high school is competitive. Just because you attended K-8 does not mean you will be admitted. Catlin's HS admission is much 'softer'.

Yes, except in extreme under performing cases, if your student at Catlin for MS, they are eligible to go to Catlin Upper School.

[Mossy]

Originally Posted by The Cactus Leaguer

We went through a similar adventure this past year for kindergarten. It is a difficult decision because a lot of the evidence you gather is subjective or anecdotal (like what you read in here at times!). We ended up choosing West Hills Christian.

The best piece of advice I got is that there is less harm done if you end up choosing a school that is a wrong fit for your child now, as opposed to middle school or high school where there is more risk of uprooting social networks and it becomes more difficult to get back on track before college.

Good luck with your decision!

How do you like West Hills?

[The Cactus Leaguer]

Originally Posted by Mossy

How do you like West Hills?

I sent you a PM. So far, so good!