Creative Science School

1231 Southeast 92nd Avenue

School District

Portland 1j
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Portland School District 1j

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 17, 2023

We have been part of the CSS community from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We have multiple children and the biggest thing I have to share is that over the course of the last 9 years there has not been a single day where even one of my children is as not excited to go to school. The Kindergarten teachers are beyond amazing, loving and nurturing and make the transition from home to school easy. The 2nd grade teachers are absolutely phenomenal, to the point where at the end of the school year my 2nd grader was crying that school was over and she wouldn’t be able to spend the day with her teacher. 3rd and 4th grade teachers and curriculum are amazing from the 3rd grade Bee Fair to the 4th grade Oregon Geography and History everything is hands on and engaging. My children have absolutely loved every grade. The Middle School program has the benefit of being small and close knit with teachers who truly care for each and every child and are willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed. Our school is small enough to offer the benefits of a small middle school yet large enough to still offer exciting electives as well as advanced classes. My oldest will be able to graduate with high school credits in algebra as well as second language credit for Spanish. Some mid level credits are dance, 3D printing, botany, ceramics, drawing, Spanish, and other classes like electronic music.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2020

We have LOVED Creative Science School for the past 8 years. This school, like other schools, may have “cliques“ but they’re harmless. The pedagogy is constructivist, based on a central storyline. Every teacher we’ve had has established a learning experience that exceeds our expectations. As a recent student of post graduate work, the paradigm shift in teaching methodology is refreshing.
Submitted by other on May 30, 2017

Creative Science School is a school that does not give many good ideas for real life. People at this school have formed cliques, whether the person is a child or adult, this is common. The school has found a way to keep any child that is not Caucasian or with disabilities away and not enrolled in the school. The "Storyline Method" is one that is centered around books for children that are not reasonable for the older grades. Most teachers set standards that are very low and treat children like they have no maturity or variety, setting a barrier around reality. The school does not prepare children for later life. This school has failed to impress me.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

Creative Science School is truly an amazing place for students. The staff and teachers are intelligent and warm. They deeply care about the students. The parents are very involved. There are no volunteer requirements but parent involvement is an essential piece of why this schools works. The program has been around for 30 years and the curriculum is Piaget/Constructivism. The “science” in the school name comes from implementing the scientific method in the classroom. This is not a science thematic school. Our teachers use the Storyline Method to present constructivist theory in a practical form. Learning is built around units and students work together to hypothesize, test, conclude and report. The school also uses the program MindUp; which nurtures optimism and happiness in the classroom, helps eliminate bullying and aggression, increases empathy and compassion, while resolving peer conflicts. My son loves the peace MindUp brings to his day. Check it out and apply.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2014

This has been a great school. I went to the school over 30 years ago when it was William Clark and I'm so happy my kids get to go not only to the same building I was in, but to an even better school. The variety of non-traditional activities the kids do throughout the day keep kids engaged and interested in learning. The Afterschool Enrichment program has a large variety of options to choose from for art, dance, music, gardening, etc.. The foundation of the school is the parents. There is a very small paid staff, and the rest of the work is done by the PTA and dozens of parent volunteers. We really could not make the school work without the hard work and dedication of the parents. All the parents are passionate about the education their children receive and the results are proven in our consistently high scores. http://www.ode.state.or.us/data/reportcard/reports.aspx The school also has its own website created and maintained by parent volunteers. http://creativescienceschool.org/ The school is very community-driven. We welcome people from all over the world and all walks of life. You can't go wrong with Creative Science!
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2014

My child has been at this this school since Kindergarten. We have seen a range of great and not so good years and semesters. Kindergarten and second grade are the golden years at this school...the teachers are warm, very bright, engaged, and give parents insight to things happening in the classroom. The years in-between tended to be questionable to us as parents and each year after K, they seem to add one or two more kids to each class. My child comes home with stories about other kids getting picked on, throwing tantrums, or feeling like they're not getting the help they need and are feeling like they are falling behind. This is very stressful on her. In my opinion, the class size is a bit large and unmanageable at times to really fully engage in an efficient and successful constructivist curriculum. My child is now in 4th grade and the class began in Sept. with 29 kids. This year, it's been a struggle for my child to clearly receive directions and get a full grasp on what is being taught and expected of her. I've really noticed her self-esteem drop, her interest in school go down, and have had to supplement work at home to keep her above water.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2012

CSS is an amazing testimony to what can be done with a strong parent and facilitator community. In a time when most schools in the area are struggling to keep up with financial cuts CSS (a Portland Public School) flourishes. I'm very pleased at our choice to enroll our daughter here. Our daughter started here in Kindergarten and is now in second grade, she's truly enjoy's going to school, which seems to be a rarity these days. If you're thinking about enrolling your child here it's advisable that you are the type of person who likes to be involved with your child's education as you will enjoy a group of dedicated, like-minded parents.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2011

Fantastic school. Committed and tireless parent community, supportive and engaged teachers, and the students are bright and excited to be there. The PTA is involved in every decision - this school is for parents who want a voice in the education of their children My experience has been completely positive (I'll admit it; I'm usually a complainer) and my child is blossoming.The test scores aren't the HIGHEST, but that's a positive for me. I don't want my kid to learn how to test well, or how to regurgitate information that's been spoon-fed into him; I want my child to become a thinker, an inventor, a questioner, a collaborator, and most of all, to become his best self. Creative Science expressly is working toward those goals. Oh, and the school- administration, parents, teachers and children- have been completely supportive of our gay family. Open-minded and appreciative of diversity.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2010

it is a great community of teachers and parents and admin staff. it works hard to help each student learn and excel. it works hard to create a place where we all feel welcome and involved