Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education
While there are many educational philosophies and styles, not all are the right match for every child. Let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired choices in the Portland Metro area.
Waldorf
Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Its pedagogy strives to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of pupils’ imagination and creativity is a central focus.The first Waldorf school opened in 1919[ in Stuttgart, Germany. A century later, it has become the largest independent school movement in the world,with about 1,200 independent Waldorf schools,1,800 kindergartensand 646 centers for special educationlocated in 75 countries.
Montessori
The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori’s method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world.
The Montessori method views the child as the one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with “a hundred languages”, through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.
Cedarwood Waldorf School
Play-based, Waldorf
3030 SW 2nd Ave, Portland – (503) 245-1477
Children in Pre-K – grade 8 are nurtured by a thoughtful contemporary Waldorf pedagogy, with music, arts education, experiential learning, and language programs.
Pre-K – 8th grade, $8,500 – $21,250/yr
Happy Hollow Children’s Center
Play-based, Inquiry Based, Reggio Emilia
4455 SW 99th Ave, Beaverton – (503) 646-3214
An inclusive program that specializes in mentoring young learners to construct their own knowledge through hands-on learning,child led exploration, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
Preschool/Pre-K- Full & Half Day Programs $1,545–$975/month + AM&PM Extend care Program $100-$225/month
KLA Schools of Hillsboro
Reggio Emilia
1855 NE 48th Ave, Hillsboro – (503) 333-2002
At KLA Schools, their mission is to foster a safe, innovative learning environment and high-quality education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years, $1,106 – $2,169/mo
Little Fruit Farm
Montessori
16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603
Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities year-round. Ages 2-6, Contact for tuition details
Montessori Children’s House
Montessori
3626 S. Bond Ave, Portland – (503) 360-1179
Opened in 2010 in the South Waterfront area, MCH is a non-profit Montessori school serving young children with 2 toddler and 2 primary communities.
Ages 16 months – 6 years, $1,500-$1,865/mo
Montessori School of Beaverton (MSB)
Montessori
11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland – (503) 439-1597
MSB is an independent Montessori school located West of Portland. They specialize in child-centered learning & offer ample access to nature on their 6-acre campus.
Ages 3-12, $11,510-$13,980/yr
Oregon Episcopal School
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry Based
6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland – (503) 768-3115
Through an inquiry-based curriculum and hands-on exploration, OES instills a lifelong love for learning as students realize their power for good.
Pre-K – 12th Grade, $28,800–$41,800/yr (day, pre-K–12th grade) $73,300/yr (boarding, grades 9–12)
Owl and the Dove Montessori
Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, RIE
6126 NE 12th Ave, Portland – (503) 522-0537
A small community of families (Gender Creative Parenting Welcome!) with a unique low ratio, offering an amazing opportunity to connect, observe & nurture.
Ages 6 weeks – 2 years, $1800/mo
Portland Montessori Collaborative
Montessori, RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) integrated into infant and toddler curriculum
4817 SW 53rd Ave, Portland – (503) 972-7100
They aim to provide a loving and nurturing place for children to explore, grow, learn, and connect with other children and adults.
Ages 3 months – 6 years, $1315 – $1885/mo
Portland Village School
Waldorf
7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland – (503) 445-0056
A public Waldorf school nurturing the whole child. Tuition-free to serve students from all backgrounds and cultures. Moving to S Waterfront fall 2024!
K – 8th Grade, Tuition-free
Portland Waldorf School
Waldorf
2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie – (503) 654-2200
Rigorous & engaging curriculum in the sciences, humanities, world languages, arts, music, athletics, & more. Minimal & intentional use of technology.
Pre-K – 12th Grade, $9,720-$21,730/yr
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm
Play-based, Waldorf
460 S Heather St, Cornelius – (503) 846-0336
Artistically educating the whole child. Inspiring gratitude and reverence for humanity, nature, and lifelong learning.
Pre-K – 8th Grade, $9,950 – $15,325/yr
West Hills Montessori School
Montessori
SW Portland and Lake Oswego – (503) 246-5495
In their 55th year, WHMS provides exceptional learning experiences that foster empathy and compassion, inspire creativity, and nurture joy in learning.
Ages 15 months – 12 years, $1,125+/mo
*educational approach information from Wikipedia