10 Best College Prep High Schools in Portland

Newcomers moving to Portland with kids often wonder about the best college prep high schools in the city. Portland has many excellent schools that focus on strong academics and as a result, help prepare students for college.

10 Best College Prep High Schools in Portland

Here are the top college prep high schools in Portland, based on rankings from Niche:

1. Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel is a top-rated school with both boarding and day programs, and it focuses on academics, sports, and the arts. In addition, the school has a diverse student body from all over the world and offers excellent college counseling to help students succeed. Therefore, families moving to Portland often choose Catlin Gabel for its welcoming community and personalized learning.

2. Oregon Episcopal School

Oregon Episcopal School (OES) offers small classes and a challenging curriculum, so students get lots of individual attention, and as a result, helps them succeed. Furthermore, the school is known for hands-on learning and outdoor education, consequently, making it unique. Families new to Portland will find OES to be friendly and inclusive.

3. Jesuit High School

Jesuit High School is well-known for academic excellence and a strong sense of community, and the school offers many extracurricular activities, like sports and clubs, and has a great college counseling program. Therefore, newcomers will appreciate the school’s focus on personal growth and character development.

4. Islamic School of Muslim Education Trust (MET)

The Islamic School of MET combines academics with strong faith-based education, and the school focuses on character-building, leadership, and teamwork. It also has a strong athletic program and supportive community, making it a great choice for families relocating to Portland.

5. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School

This school focuses on critical thinking and hands-on learning. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is highly regarded for college prep. Most importantly, families moving to Portland will like its supportive and innovative approach to education.

6. Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School provides a faith-based education with a focus on academics and personal growth. The school has a strong sense of community and offers advanced placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities. Families moving to Portland will find a welcoming environment here.

7. St. Mary’s Academy

St. Mary’s Academy is an all-girls school known for small class sizes and strong academics. The school encourages leadership and community involvement. As a result, families relocating to Portland often choose St. Mary’s for its supportive and focused learning environment.

8. Westside Christian High School

Westside Christian High School offers a Christian-based education with a strong focus on personal growth and leadership. The school provides many extracurricular activities, including arts and sports. Families moving to Portland appreciate its welcoming and supportive community.

9. Lincoln High School

Lincoln High School is one of the best public schools in Portland, and it offers advanced placement (AP) courses and programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB). The school also has strong arts and sports programs, and as a result, makes it a great option for families looking for a high-quality public school.

10. Valley Catholic School

Valley Catholic School has a strong academic program and lots of extracurricular options like music, theater, and sports. The school focuses on building community and preparing students for college. Therefore, families moving to Portland often choose Valley Catholic for its balance of academics and support.

Choosing the Right School

When picking a school, families should think about a few key things. For example, academics are important, so look for schools with strong programs like AP or IB classes. In addition, activities like clubs, sports, or arts should match what the student enjoys. Also, the school’s culture, including its values and feel, should fit the family. Location matters too, like how close the school is to home. Finally, for private schools, it helps to compare tuition and check for financial aid to keep costs manageable.

Visit and Explore

To find the right school, newcomers should visit in person. For example, they can go to open houses, take tours, and talk to teachers and students. This helps them see if the school’s environment is a good fit for their family.

In short, with so many great schools, newcomers moving to Portland can find excellent choices to help their kids succeed in school and beyond.