If you’re moving to Portland, Oregon, with your family, finding the right private K-12 school resources is an essential part of the transition. The city offers a variety of private school options, each with unique educational philosophies, curriculum structures, and accreditation standards. Navigating the choices can feel overwhelming, but knowing where to look for guidance makes the process much easier. Whether you’re relocating to Portland for work, lifestyle changes, or new opportunities, having access to trusted school resources ensures that your child receives a quality education tailored to their needs.
8 Private K-12 School Resources
Newcomers exploring private K-12 school resources in Portland will find numerous organizations dedicated to supporting parents in their search for the best schools. From accreditation bodies to private school associations, these resources provide information on school standards, enrollment requirements, and educational philosophies. Below is a list of eight essential private K-12 school resources to help families relocating to Portland make informed decisions about their child’s education.
Association of Christian Schools International
ACSI provides a highly regarded accreditation program for secondary elementary and standalone and attached preschools. ACSI has partnerships with all of the U.S. regional accreditation agencies.
719-528-6906
www.acsi.org
Council for American Private Education (CAPE)
CAPE ensures that parents have a choice in the schooling of their children.
301-916-8460
www.capenet.org
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
NAIS is a nonprofit membership association that provides empowerment and services to more than 1500 independent private K-12 schools in the U.S
202-973-9700
www.nais.org
Oregon Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS)
OFIS works to ensure that Oregon private schools are able to operate with a minimum of government influence or control so that parents can choose from a wide range of educational options for their children.
503-850-3546
www.ofisweb.org
Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)
NWAIS standards help schools develop their strengths to provide the best educational experiences for their students. Explore the NWAIS site to get an understanding of their schools’ values to find the best match for your students.
206-323-6137
www.nwais.org
Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)/AdvancED
Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) is a division of AdvancEd a non-profit non-partisan organization that conducts rigorous on-site external reviews of PreK-12 schools with the goal of helping schools improve.
480-773-6900
www.advanc-ed.org
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
An IECA member educational consultant provides counseling to help students and families choose a school providing firsthand knowledge of hundreds of educational opportunities.
703-591-4850
www.iecaonline.com
Oregon Department of Education (ODE)
Information and links to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and other useful information for families considering private school education.
503-947-5600
http://oregon.gov/ode/pages/default.aspx
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