Portland Universities (credit, home, neighborhoods)

[MtnSurfer]

Hello,

We are looking at moving our family to Portland. Currently we home school our three children. But once they are high school age we will have them enroll in College level math/science courses as well. Also as parents we would like for them to have good higher education opportunities closer to home if possible.

So what is the consensus regarding Portland's higher education reputation. Does PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY for example rate very well nationally for math/science programs? Or are most of the schools ranked further down the list when looking at national averages? How about UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND?

Does anyone (you or your family) here have personal experience with these Universities? Are you happy with the quality and diversity of education they provide?

Thanks,

- Derek

[FoxyKnox]

Well, as a current UP student (almost alum, phew!) I can tell you that we are known for our engineering and nursing programs. Engineering is rooted in math, and nursing is rooted in science. While I whole-heartedly recommend UP to college students themselves, I don't think we have a high school program, such as "Running Start." Those programs (to the best of my knowledge) tend to be run through community colleges, such as Portland CC or Mt. Hood CC.

My best suggestion to you is to call the high schools in the neighborhoods that you are considering and ask if they offer AP or IB courses and if they have a "running start" like program. Keep in mind though, your kids may turn out to be poetry buffs, not math and science geeks... :-) Good luck to you.

[MtnSurfer]

Thanks FoxyKnox,

I am glad to hear they have solid math and science. I guess I am not so much worried about the arts. I am sure they could find those programs in Portland. It is after all known for it's artists, free thinkers, etc... I guess I shouldn't assume that draws all the good artsy professors there though. But I have a feeling there are a few. And my kids are very dramatic so who knows what they will finally decide on. My 6 y/o son wants to be a software engineer geek like his dad. My oldest 3 y/o daughter want to be a lifeguard and a chef so far! . So I guess I need to check out the culinary/lifeguard programs as well.LOL...

And I was actually thinking about the community colleges for HS, then the Universities once they graduate. We know some home school families who have done that. By the time their kids graduate HS they have most or all of their freshman year completed. I believe the utilized dual credit programs like the one you mentioned.