You know the importance of a first step, of choosing a direction. That’s what you’re doing as you research private elementary schools for your child. You are charting a path to the future for your family.
You are moving toward an education that inspires a lifelong love of learning. A way of life that seeks to know and serve God. A community that welcomes, uplifts, and supports.
All of those things are within your child’s reach at Portland Christian Elementary.
Are you ready to take a step forward?
CONSIDERING A SCHOOL CHANGE?
Take a closer look with our Parent Info Packet
An Educational Approach That Works for Your Child
At PCS, we’re large enough that your child will have access to excellent facilities and highly trained teachers — and small enough that we will notice if they need extra help or an extra academic challenge.
Our average class size is 18 students, and we have support staff who are available to come into our elementary school classrooms to provide additional one-on-one or small group instruction.
We don’t expect every child to be in the same place academically or socially, but we do give each child a safe place to learn and improve. For that reason, we have a student support team that consists of four staff members who work alongside students to provide them with the tools they need to be successful in school. This may look like offering academic support or meeting students’ social-emotional needs through interventions, breaks, or calming tools.
We’re here to answer any questions you might have.
We see parents as partners, and we would love to meet with you and talk about ways we can help your child reach their potential.
“We love the small class sizes.
The environment and people are welcoming and kind — PCS has a family feel. PCS has helped our kids be well-rounded in character and academics and we have seen them grow in their knowledge of God and relationship with Him. They are being challenged academically by the curriculum and teachers. It is the best decision we have ever made for our kids. Well worth the investment!”
— The Kittleson Family
A Chance for Your Child To Grow, Lead, and Serve
At PCS, you don’t have to pick between an elementary school that prepares your child with college in mind or a school that incorporates lessons in social skills, leadership, and character development. It’s all part of the PCS experience.
College-Prep From the Start
Even the youngest students at PCS are taking steps to prepare for college.
That’s why students read for an hour each day and develop core skills in:
- Math, using BJU Press
- Science, using FOSS
- Writing and reading, using Zaner-Bloser and Amplify
- Bible, using Purposeful Design
- Social Studies, using Studies Weekly
- Physical education
- Art
- Music
- Spanish
- Media (library and computers)
As students move through elementary school, our goal is for them to be comfortable with using technology for larger projects in a respectful and Christ-honoring way.
A Focus on Social-Emotional Development and Leadership
At PCS, we believe in teaching life skills, such as managing emotions and navigating tricky situations with friends.
In fact, Christ-centered social-emotional learning is part of our curriculum, and we address it throughout each day and with special character trait-focused chapels.
We also give students the opportunity to:
- Practice public speaking at chapel services
- Join a leadership training program starting in third grade that includes learning how to start a conversation, how to make friends, how to handle tough social situations, and how to serve others
- Mentor other students as a Reading Buddy
- Lead prayer
- Be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving in our community
Extracurriculars That Inspire
Clubs and athletics can spark lifelong interests, so we offer them early in your child’s education. For example, elementary students can participate in Lego Engineering Club, Chess Club, Folk Dance, and summer programs. Starting in fourth grade, students can take band.
Students in first through fifth grade can play basketball, while those in third through fifth can also choose among track, baseball, volleyball, and cross country.
Meet a Teacher
NAME: Janelle Thomas
Degree: BA from Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University)
Experience: 4th Grade teacher, Has been employed with PCS since 1990
“I decided to become a teacher when I was in the 2nd grade. When I was in 5th grade, we visited Monmouth, OR, and I saw the Oregon College of Education campus (now WOU) and decided to attend there to get my teaching degree. I chose to work at PCS because I wanted to teach at a Christian School. I enjoy being able to be real in front of my students and talk about Jesus and the Bible throughout the day in all different situations. I have really enjoyed teaching 4th graders because it’s the age where they are starting to understand harder concepts, and their humor is developing.”
See Portland Christian Elementary for Yourself
The best way to see if we’re the right fit for your family is to tour our campus, meet our students, and visit our Christ-centered classrooms.