Class Academy

2730 Northwest Vaughn Street

Portland, OR 97210

60 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025

Our kids were fortunate to do elementary school in Class Academy till we moved out of state. What makes Class Academy unique is how they let kids flourish with their authentic personalities and quirks without being expected to fit in a box. Academic standards are the highest we have seen in Portland, while keeping school fun and discipline gentle. Class Academy is a gift to working parents. School is open the whole year round with only short vacation breaks (e.g. only 2-3 days for Thanksgiving). Class Academy is open for about 40 more days / 8 more weeks than the public school district! Tuition is kept very affordable, and before and after care are included in the tuition. We will miss Class Academy and their wonderful staff and teachers.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2024

When I first drove by this odd little building across from Montgomery Park, I never would have guessed that one day it would become like a second home for our family. I can’t say enough good things about the teachers, staff and families that make up the CLASS community. The small, age-blended classes allow the teachers and staff to truly understand and cater to the needs of each student. More importantly, the teachers and staff truly care about each student and are highly dedicated to their success. I’m truly amazed at the job they have done fostering our son’s emotional and academic development. They’ve helped instill a sense of confidence in him that I never thought would be possible. Most parents are also very involved in the school (and several of the teachers/staff have kids at the school) which helps create a true sense of community. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” and we are so grateful that our village is the CLASS Academy community.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2023

My kiddo joined class academy right after pandemic. Joining class academy was the best decision we made! Some of our reasons why:1) The school from day 1 inculcates such a wonderful community experience. As an example I learnt my kiddo reads story books to children of younger ages. What a wonderful way to teach reading and experience community!2) Very diverse school- I personally love that they celebrate various festivals from different cultures.3) Experience based learning.4) Volunteering hours- granted sometimes it’s a challenge to dedicate hours, but I have had many enjoyable times meeting other parents during my volunteer time5) Promoting a healthy and open communication between teachers and parents.I have seen an exponential ramp with my child’s learning and social / emotional skills since joining class academy. I’d recommend this school in a heartbeat.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2023

The teachers and principal are very involved in the students success. My child has ADHD and recently lost his father, his teacher and the principal have been so supportive for our entire family.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2023

This is one of the best kept values for grade school education in the greater Portland area. They offer a very supportive environment with a focus on STEM curriculum, but are also very supportive of the arts.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2023

My two children have had very positive experiences at CLASS Academy. CLASS has strong academics which really prepared my older son for Middle School (moved to public school in 6th grade). Both kids were engaged with their social and academic learning, enjoyed the small classroom size, and strong community. As a parent, I think CLASS does a really good job assigning reasonable workloads for every age group. The curriculum is challenging but engaging and relevant, so the kids remain eager to learn. You can also tell that the teachers and administration truly care about the kids and their families!
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2023

CLASS academy has been the perfect fit for our son. The teachers are so invested in each child and have wonderful communication with parents. They do lots of rich experiences throughout the year: ice skating, swimming, bubble parties, celebrating holidays from all cultures/religions. CLASS is inclusive, warm, and full of happy kids.Also a huge plus that before and after school care is included in the cost of tuition!
Submitted by other on October 22, 2020

I went to CLASS for 10 years. I admit that although I disliked it, it provided good opportunities to have small classes and get ahead. However, once you reach later years, you discover that none of the "age acceleration in grades" matters. They put you down grades because of your age, claiming that "We want you to be at home with your age". They don't let you work outside of class, such as do advanced math when you are in a math class that teaches subjects you have learned for 3 years in a row. Most of the class time is a joke. You spend 15 minutes on whatever, then play games for the rest of the class, sometimes just going into the computer lab to play video games. As I said, I respect the work they do for young kids, but I BEG you, if you do decide to send your kids there (don't) please don't keep them in that school for longer than 5 years.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2020

To us the biggest tell tale of a school is if your kid is excited to go to school or not. Our daughter can’t wait to go to school everyday and talks about all the fun things they learn everyday. The diversity of students and the friendships they have are truly something that stands out in non diverse Portland schools. Kids learn by doing and experimenting and social skills like kindness are encouraged. Little homework that starts from preschool sets the kids up for homeworks when they grow up.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2019

Public school had no idea what to do with our son who was ahead multiple grades in academics, but needed support with social and classroom skills. The amazing, supportive teachers and staff at Class, and the classmates who instantly became his close friends have made such a difference in his life. Character building is a key part of the curriculum and it shows! Education is not one size fits all and we are so grateful to have found Class Academy!
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2019

We love CLASS Academy!!! Our daughter is in the lower school there & she adores it. She's made so many great friends there already. Thanks to CLASS, her confidence & independence has grown, her vocabulary has exploded, & her social skills are full of empathy & patience.The teachers at CLASS are amazing - they go out of their way to make sure the kids practice kindness & inclusion with everyone. Character building & growth mindset are core to the curriculum there. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to start our daughter's education in such a positive, supportive environment.I HIGHLY recommend CLASS Academy - can't say enough wonderful things about it.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2019

My son is empathetic and CLASS has been so good for him in teaching him how to deal with his emotions and allowing him to be empathetic with other kids.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2019

CLASS Academy is a fantastic year round private school! My son loves it and the teachers! He's an active kid, so the hand on activities, energizers, PE and art everyday are just what he needs. They also go on fun field trips and have swim and ice skating lessons! The year round program with minimal days off and accelerated curriculum has really helped him academically and socially. I can't recommend CLASS Academy enough!
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2019

The bullying flagship of Portland private schools. But apparently, only if you are a little boy. Our son is mercilessly bullied; our daughter isn’t at all. My son’s two best friends are also smart, sensitive little guys who are also hit or kicked by bigger boys on most days. The faculty of tattooed hipsters will deny it is happening or even blame the smaller boy. Not sure where else to go with my children.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2018

We had an excellent experience at CLASS Academy. The instructors take their time to really understand the quirks of each child (and there are plenty of quirks), and then fashion a way to engage with them in a meaningful and effective way. Our son was just a few weeks shy of the public school cut-off, which is why we enrolled him at CLASS, but it proved to be a fantastic experience - they challenge him in subjects that he's strong in, and they nurture him in subjects where he's relatively weaker. But most importantly for us, he's developed a healthy self-esteem and curiosity that we hope will serve him well as he grows.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2017

We moved to USA from India and were in lookout for a school which keeps up with academically and encourages overall growth of a child. Received wonderful feedback from many parents who had sent their kids for Lower school. And, we now have the same belief, after seeing my daugther going to school without any tantrums. She loves getting ready. Keeps saying I will do it myself. Engages in lot of fun way of learning methods and the teacher to kids ratio ensures it has a good interaction. Not every kid is open in interaction, and this environment gives kids the comfort to open up at their own pace and be individual. Although the fee structure is higher compared to public school. but you don't feel disappointing. Your money is well spent when you see your kid growing in class academy.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2017

Awesome environment for kids to grow and develop communication, math, science and public speaking skills. The small class sizes really help develop kids individually and as a team. Kids get to immerse themselves in active learning with energizers along with daily physical fitness, art and leadership skills which are a huge plus.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2017

I have the distinct privilege of having worked at CLASS Academy for 13 years and also, I am now thrilled that my older child is in the Preschool program! This unique point of view (being an employee and a parent) has only deepened my conviction that CLASS is the best place for children to learn and grow. My son started this past Fall at barely 2.5 years old. In this short time, he has learned patterning, numeral recognition up to 10, counting to 20+, 3-D shapes, and he can recognize and is starting to write many of his letters. What I am most impressed by, however, is how independent and self-confident he is becoming, due to the care and guidance he receives every day. He wants to dress himself, he wants to do his homework, he wants to try things on his own that have previously been a struggle. It is one thing to believe in a school program because of the wonderful results you've seen students achieve through many years. It is quite another to experience and witness those results first-hand in your own child. The inclusive community and diversity that CLASS offers teaches our students life-skills that help them succeed in and out of the classroom. I could go on forever :-). Come check us out for yourself!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2016

We switched my son over to Class Academy from a top rated Beaverton Public school during the 2nd grade. He had become disengaged at school and was struggling with math and homework. It all turned around at Class Academy. The small class sizes were right for his style of learning. He never complains about having to go to school, he's WAY ahead academically than his peers he left at public school and is so much happier. We have enrolled our younger son as well and he's doing incredibly well. I love the staff, I love the flexible hours to pick up kids, I love the class sizes, I love that kids are engaged all day. I wish it were closer to my home or work and I wish it had larger facilities, but I still love it and wouldn't take my kids anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2015

Class Academy has saved our sons education, he was in public school, tested as TAG and was behind in almost every subject. He hated going to school and fought us every morning wanting to stay home. He has been in Class Academy for the past year, he is excelling in every subject and loves going to school. Beyond academics they teach the kids to be independent, responsible people. Class Academy is rigorous in their education but they do it in a way that the kids enjoy it. Plenty of physical activity keeps the kids focused, which is great. We were concerned about the summer school but considering there is a 2 week break in the beginning and a 2 week at the end of summer it is not an issue. My son loves the school and loves his friends there so he is happy to go. Summers are a bit more laid back and similar to a camp. I agree with previous reviews that the outdoor area is small but they do a great job keeping the kids active. There is an indoor gym area, regular field trips, swimming lessons and ice skating so we are more than pleased with the physical activity. After school care is great, we personally do not need aftercare but my son likes to stay. From 2:30pm-3pm they have "home work table" and he gets most of it done (no homework during summer session). After that there is plenty of physical and learning activities. I believe this school is a hidden gem in Portland private school options.