When it comes to schools, Portland is a little unique — the city stretches across three counties and is served by several different school districts. The largest is Portland Public Schools (PPS), which covers most of central Portland, including popular neighborhoods in the northwest, northeast, southeast, and parts of the southwest. It’s home to a wide variety of programs, from language immersion to arts and STEM-focused options.

In East Portland, families may be part of the David Douglas, Parkrose, Centennial, or Reynolds school districts — each serving different pockets of the city east of I-205 and extending into nearby suburbs like Gresham, Fairview, and Troutdale. These districts are known for their diversity and community feel, and many have been investing in updated buildings and new programs.

Southwest Portland is home to one of Oregon’s smallest but most prestigious districts — Riverdale, which serves the Dunthorpe area with just one grade school and one high school, known for academic excellence. Meanwhile, families living near the city’s outer edges may fall into neighboring suburban districts like Beaverton, Tigard–Tualatin, Lake Oswego, or North Clackamas. Each of these districts serves specific areas within the Portland metro and is known for its own strengths — from high-ranking schools to excellent extracurriculars.

We work in all the above areas and will be delighted to help you explore different options!