Our “Educational Village”

Teachers at Pacific Crest Community School will tell you that they are part of something unique and empowering in the world of education: unique because of the opportunities they and their students have to build open-hearted, dynamic relationships with each other; empowering because both are encouraged to approach the learning and teaching process creatively, in their own special way.

Our teachers describe the Pacific Crest experience as:

In the classroom, teachers are free to develop their own curriculum, and often partner with each other to build cross-disciplinary courses such as the History of Mathematics (math and social studies departments) or the Geometry of Gothic Windows (math and art). Teachers also offer classes that reflect their personal interests and expertise such as Kayak Building and Primitive Methods of Survival. In addition, field trips, projects and other real-world experiences are a regular enhancement to classes at Pacific Crest.

The staff at Pacific Crest is a talented, enthusiastic and committed group of people who work closely together to coordinate the curricular program, and develop individually tailored courses of study with each student. Each staff member offers a range of talents and interests to the school, in addition to a strong background in their subject area.

In keeping with the school’s democratic philosophy, students play an important role in the curriculum, as well; either by requesting courses (e.g. The History of Viet Nam), or by teaching them: Flamenco Dance, Kubrick in Film.

Finally, the Portland community and Pacific Crest parents provide a vast resource of skills and professional achievement that further enriches the school’s educational program. College professors have volunteered to teach courses in Advanced Physics and Philosophy of Religion. Professional writers, photographers and museum curators offer classes in their areas of expertise. In short, we’re an Education Village—and it works.