Welcome to
The Emerson School
Tuition-free K–5 charter in the heart of Portland, where hands-on learning and strong academics meet community.
Discover Emerson
The Emerson School is a small, urban charter school where creativity, curiosity, and connection guide learning. Nominated as one of the Best of the Rose City in the elementary school category, Emerson combines hands-on, project-based learning with a positive discipline approach, nurturing confident, capable learners who love to ask questions, explore deeply, and discover answers together.
Students frequently engage with the city as their classroom, exploring parks, museums, libraries, and cultural centers, while also enjoying daily recess and physical education. With dedicated teachers, multi-age classrooms, and strong family partnerships, Emerson fosters whole-child development: academic, social, and emotional growth for every student.
Project Based Approach
At Emerson, learning happens through hands-on, real-world projects that integrate multiple subjects. Instead of memorizing facts for a test, students work collaboratively to solve authentic problems—designing experiments, building models, and presenting findings. This approach cultivates curiosity, creativity, and deeper understanding. Our students are learning the process of learning.
Positive Discipline Philosophy
Our teachers use positive discipline, an approach that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and empathy. Rather than punishment or rewards, students learn to solve problems in a group setting, take ownership of their actions, and build healthy relationships. This method helps children develop emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
Blended Grades
Our blended classrooms bring students of different grade levels together in a supportive, multi-age learning environment. Each class is intentionally grouped so younger students learn alongside older peers, building confidence through modeling and collaboration, while older students strengthen their understanding by mentoring and leading. Students remain with the same teacher and classmates for two years, creating continuity, strong relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. This structure supports academic growth, social development, and lasting friendships across all grade levels.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Emerson is an urban school in the heart of Portland, where the city itself becomes part of the curriculum. Students explore local parks, ride public transportation, and visit museums, libraries, and cultural centers. These experiences connect classroom learning to the world around them and help children feel at home in their community.
Otterly Curious Minds.
Confident Learners.
Learning at Emerson is active, meaningful, and joyful. Through the Project Approach, students investigate real-world topics, collaborate with peers, and think critically as they engage in hands-on, integrated learning. Projects often extend beyond the classroom through city-based exploration, service learning, and visits to local businesses, museums, libraries, and cultural centers—helping children see how learning connects to the world around them.
Supported by Positive Discipline and multi-age classrooms, students build independence, empathy, and confidence as curious learners who feel known, valued, and empowered to grow.
Emerson Announcements
Openings in select grades are available. We make transferring easy and welcoming, with caring teachers and a connected community ready to support your child every step of the way. Contact us with any questions — we’re here to help.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar
Upcoming Events
Testimonials
“Emerson is a place that inspires not just learning, but generosity, belonging, and a sense of purpose—values that take root early and last a lifetime.”
Charlie P.
That’s the magic of Emerson—a place where curiosity takes flight, creativity blossoms, and learning connects back to the world. It’s more than a school; it’s a community that helps kids see the wonder in everything around them.
Andy J.
At Emerson, learning feels alive. Project-based lessons help kids see how their ideas connect to the real world, and every detail—from morning greetings to mixed-age classrooms—is designed with care and purpose.”
Hilary D.
Partners
The Emerson School Nondiscrimination Policy
The Board and employees of The Emerson School represent a diverse group of people who have a common commitment to the equality of opportunity for all. The Emerson School is an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, national origin, or mental or physical disability. Students, families, and staff who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed based on any of the characteristics listed above may file a complaint with our Title VI/IX/ADA Coordinator
(Jenny Thompson, the Executive Director, at the school’s address, 503-525 -6124, jenny@emersonschool.org) who has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy. Students, families, and staff who are looking for support or wanting to file a complaint regarding Section 504 may contact our 504 Coordinator (Jo Sigmund, Instructional Coach, at the school’s address, 503-525-6124, jo@emersonschool.org)