The Emerson School

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The Emerson School

The Emerson School is a K-5 public charter school sponsored by the Portland Public. We are committed to excellence and a welcoming community.

The Emerson School was founded in 2003 by three educators as a Project-Based, free public elementary charter school. Deliberately small in size, with 6 blended classrooms, The Emerson School takes advantage of our downtown Portland location with frequent and meaningful interactions with the urban community. Students engage with the city as an expanded classroom, and take full advantage of its many

resources. Our strong social curriculum, grounded in Positive Discipline, gives our students a foundation in understanding and compassion for each other and their community. With strong academics and a consistent yearly rating of Outstanding by the state, The Emerson School provides students with the tools and passion to be life-long learners.

08/26/2026

Looking for something different for your elementary schooler? 🦦

There’s still time to join The Emerson School for the 2026–27 school year!

Emerson is a small K–5 public charter school in Portland where students are known, valued, and encouraged to be curious. Through hands-on, project-based learning, strong relationships, and a whole-child approach, we create a school community where kids can learn, grow, and belong.

✨ Small, welcoming school community
🔎 Hands-on, project-based learning
💙 Focus on the whole child
🌱 Curiosity, creativity & connection
🎒 Tuition-free public charter school

Limited openings are still available for this school year.

Come see what makes Emerson different—and whether we might be the right fit for your family.

Learn more & inquire about enrollment today!

08/21/2026

Yesterday we officially “opened” our new play yard space! We still have a couple of details to dial in, but we now have a play yard space! Huge thanks to the Portland Metro Chamber for writing us a proclamation and providing the ribbon and giant scissors. Also much gratitude to Ray & his team for executing the design by Puddletown so elegantly! 📚

08/01/2026

Even cloudy days call for a frozen treat! 🍦🦦

Waldo made a stop at an iconic drive-in for a gourmet frozen yogurt treat, and while we waited, they kept busy with a coloring page. Sometimes the weather doesn’t matter—ice cream is always a good idea!

Do you know where Waldo is? Have you been here before? 👀

07/14/2026

Sometimes you just have to slow down and enjoy the view. 🌅🦦

Over the weekend, Waldo found the perfect spot to watch a stunning sunset. The camera doesn’t quite do the colors justice, but it was the perfect way to end the day.

Can you guess where Waldo was when they took in this beautiful view? 👀

07/06/2026

🌊 Adventures of Waldo 🦦

Waldo made a new friend this weekend—meet Little Bear! 🐻💙

The two of them hit the road and headed to the Oregon Coast for a weekend adventure. First stop: the Tillamook Creamery, where they met up with Teacher Kim and two Emerson alumni. The biggest hit? 🍦 Ice cream, of course!

To wrap up the trip, Waldo and Little Bear explored Bayocean Spit. The tide was way out, and Waldo was convinced it was the perfect time for a swim… but we had to remind them that sometimes adventures are best enjoyed with dry fur. 😄

Where should Waldo and Little Bear explore next? 🗺️✨

07/01/2026

A huge thank you to Davidson & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc for donating much-needed school supplies to Emerson! 📚✏️

School may be out for the summer, but thanks to their generosity, we’re already getting a head start on preparing for an amazing school year ahead.

We’re so grateful for community partners who invest in our students and help them thrive. 💙

06/27/2026

With a little time to spare before heading home, Waldo and I made one last stop at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo! 🦁🦒🐊

We spotted lion cubs, colorful birds, alligators, zebras, giraffes, and—our favorite of all—river otters! 🦦 Waldo was especially excited to meet some fellow otters.

It was the perfect way to wrap up our New Orleans adventure. Now we’re headed home with lots of memories (and plenty of stories) to share!

🦦✈️

06/26/2026

Waldo and I had an otterly great time in New Orleans at the National Charter School Conference! 🌟 We’re heading back with fresh ideas, new connections, and plenty of inspiration to share with the Emerson team.

👀 Can you spot Waldo in the photo?

06/24/2026

Waldo is already having fun! Can you guess where they are??

06/22/2026

☀️ Good afternoon, Emerson Otters!

We hope your summer is off to a wonderful start! Waldo is getting ready for their first adventure of the season, and we can’t wait to take you along.

Follow our stories and posts to see if you can guess where Waldo is headed next! 🌎🦦✈️

Address

1800 SW 1st Avenue Suite #1
Portland, OR
97201

Telephone

+15035256124

Website

http://www.emersonschool.org/, https://linktr.ee/EmersonSchool

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