At The Emerson School, curiosity leads the way! We’re a small, welcoming K–5 public charter school in Portland where students are known, valued, and encouraged to wonder, explore, create, and take an active role in their learning.

Our multi-age classrooms and hands-on, project-based approach give students opportunities to dig into big questions, follow their interests, collaborate with others, and make meaningful connections to the world around them. Strong academics are paired with social-emotional learning, Positive Discipline, and plenty of student voice and choice.

What really makes Emerson special is our community. With fewer than 150 students, we’re small enough for teachers to truly know each child and for families to feel connected to the school. We believe learning should be joyful, meaningful, and encourage curiosity—and that every student deserves a place where they can belong, grow, and thrive.