Cascade Heights fosters the development of the whole child through a rigorous, multisensory, experiential education. Young scholars gain cultural literacy and an appreciation of multiple perspectives through a cumulative, integrated, and objectives-based education. As a small community, we take pride in ourselves and our school, and provide a safe, positive space for young minds, bodies, and hearts to grow.
Governance
Cascade Heights' Board of Directors is comprised of seven appointed citizens who oversee and establish operational policies of the school. The Board meets generally on the second Monday of each month to discuss school operations and hear reports. All meetings are open to the public. See calendar page for meeting times and dates.
Quick Facts
- Sponsoring School District: North Clackamas School District #12 Clackamas, Oregon
- Established Date: September 2006
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Class Size: 25 maximum
- Current Enrollment: 200 students-
- Student Profile: Open to ALL children - Families who thrive here do well with structure, self discipline and an unsatiable thirst for learning.
- Enrollment Information
What is Classical Education?
The classical approach to education can be described as a journey to meaning. It begins with students acquiring knowledge through a wide familiarity with literature, history, science, math, music, arts, people, and places. Cascade Heights Public Charter School's purpose is to lead young people on an odyssey of the mind and heart, which will steer them towards self-reliance.
Declaration of Principles
1. Children yearn for meaning and require a basis of solid contextual common knowledge for the development of mature literacy and critical thinking, for growth and communication in a diverse society.
2. The educational "playing field" between students of differing backgrounds should be leveled to provide all students a basis to the greatest degree practicable, upon which they can build further knowledge and to develop the skills necessary to communicate and succeed.
3. The skills of learning--reading, writing, speaking, calculating, and thinking -- are most meaningfully learned from the knowledge or content of the curriculum, modeling, coaching, and sensible practice.
4. To thrive in work, citizenship, and personal growth, children must be taught the values of a democratic society. These values include: Respect for others - their property and rights; Responsibility for actions, honesty and social justice; Resourcefulness - being ready to learn, to serve, and to share.
5. Inclusiveness is fundamental in responding to the diverse needs of children and raising academic standards. All parents, regardless of economic status, should be free to choose this educational program for their children.
6. Teachers are professionals; which implies considerable autonomy, mastery and independence. Having accepted the academic and philosophic mission of a school, the teacher needs to be free to exercise informed judgment in order to fulfill the primary role as an educator.
7. The principle determinants of individual academic success are individual ability and effort. The policies of the School (grading, discipline, homework, pedagogy) must support the student's adoption of a personal quest for academic growth using the clearly marked path of expectations in knowledge, skill, and character. The guiding philosophy of the School acknowledges that children can and should be held accountable for their own schoolwork and behavior with the support of teachers and parents and that all children are talented and gifted in their own ways.
*This mission statement was developed through ongoing research and discussion by approximately 500 community members regarding educational philosophy over a five-year period in parent homes, school settings and public forums. Included were discussions with teachers and administrators of districts across the country. Over 200 books by leading educational authorities around the world were reviewed in depth. The writer of this Charter has spent over 12000 hours as an educational volunteer in leadership and other capacities over the past 15 years.
