Our Mission and Vision

The Portland Village School Mission:

The Portland Village School provides a developmentally appropriate, arts-integrated educational program designed to promote the growth and development of the whole child. This school fosters the intellect, nurtures the imagination, and recognizes the emotional life of each child. We strive to create a community that cultivates respect for self and for the broader community. Our aim is to inspire children to live engaged and successful lives, prepared to meet the demands of their world.

The Portland Village School Vision:

We envision a school where the classrooms are calm and beautiful. They draw children in and inspire curiosity and a desire to learn. The visual environment is simple, artful and free of logos and commercial influences. Respect and care for the larger world is modeled through the choice of ecologically-friendly materials. Outdoors the children tend gardens, and have room to run and explore the natural world.

We envision a school where teachers are grounded in the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner as well as contemporary educators. They embrace proven teaching methods, and are creative, artistic, flexible, charismatic, and caring. Music, storytelling, movement, games and art are central teaching methods through which they foster intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth in their students.

We envision a school that provides a holistic, arts-integrated educational program, designed to promote the development of the head, heart and hands—the whole child. Our curriculum teaches through all of the senses as children engage in academics, music, art, handwork, cooking, movement, foreign language, and drama. Our school shepherds the emotional, sensory, and social life of children in ways appropriate to their development. We strive to cultivate children’s love of learning, and develop their ability to apply their knowledge in the world.

We envision a school which is organized and effective. Our staff works cooperatively to foster a culture of safety, self-responsibility, and pragmatic action. Our policies are designed to support the mission of the school, the teachers, and the important work that they do.

We envision a school which sees diversity as a benefit. Our faculty and students are a microcosm of our city, bringing with them keys to the cultural riches of all parts of our community. Our school seeks out, welcomes and values members from all of Portland’s neighborhoods. Our faculty and staff value equal access to educational opportunity for children from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds

We envision a school that gives young people a sense of belonging to a community grounded in respect for people and the natural world.. We practice collaborative conflict resolution and cultivate active appreciation of each individual. Our school organizes educational programs and activities that broaden our connection with the larger community.

Our Educational Approach translates these goals into the classroom.