arts in schools? (Portland: transfer, neighborhoods, theatre)

[RebeccaBD]

Hi, we're planning to move to my hometown of Portland from London, England. Our kids are into dance and drama. Would like to know which neighbourhood schools prioritise arts and creativity. Can't afford Buckman neighbourhood (my old stomping ground - what's happened?!) and don't want to go the transfer/charter route. Any thoughts? Thanks, Rebecca

[oldtintype]

In PPS Buckman is about it really. The others do art but no where on such a grand scale.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by RebeccaBD

Hi, we're planning to move to my hometown of Portland from London, England. Our kids are into dance and drama. Would like to know which neighbourhood schools prioritise arts and creativity. Can't afford Buckman neighbourhood (my old stomping ground - what's happened?!) and don't want to go the transfer/charter route. Any thoughts? Thanks, Rebecca

Buckman is a primarily a magnet school. There are some neighborhoods around the school whose children are guaranteed a spot at the school. But something like 75% of the school's students gain entry from the lottery. Check out the pps website for more info:
http://enrollment.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/11193

Also at Winterhaven, the math & science magnet, they offer drama.

You will find many neighborhood schools with "Parent led art curriculums". Since there is not funding for a certified art teacher, the PTAs fund an artist in residence program and parents teach art for part of the school year. I know Llewellyn & Duniway do this. I'm sure there are more schools who participate in this but these are the only 2 I can think of right now.

While we were never pleased with the amount of art or music education offered by schools in the Portland area, we LOVED the amount of art classes offered by local artists and such. We enjoyed classes at Sellwood Art Academy and some by neighborhood artists. We also knew kids who took classes at Do Jump. http://www.dojump.org/school.shtml
We even took art classes at the local community centers. Plus there are tons of theatre groups that your children can try out for.

What the schools lack in art can easily be made up in the community. I also found the classes in Portland to be less expensive than where I currently live (NC)... if you can believe that.

Portland has a vibrant art scene... it's easy to expose your children to it daily.

[RebeccaBD]

Thanks for useful info. I will look again at Buckman but also it's good to be reminded that not everything has to come from the schools.
Rebecca

[oldtintype]

The lottery process ends soon so if you're planning to apply, do so soon! I'd also call because if you apply you also have to attend an informational session. Maybe they waive that for certain circumstances?