Learn About UsKindergarten: Half and full-day programs available
Program Continues: Kx6, 7x8, 9x12
Day Care: Kids Community Learning Center, 503-241-9443
The Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) is a well established, long-term (35 years) alternative program, rich with tradition yet continually adapting to meet the changing needs of it students and their families.
MLC offers a unique academic program focused on experiential learning, character development, service to its community and the pleasures of life and learning. Students who thrive in this project and adventure based learning environment have the opportunity to attend from kindergarten through high school. Those who do are joined by others transferring in from other schools, programs and districts. All students and their families choose to attend MLC.
The kindergarten program prepares students for school through developmental reading, math and social skills activities and in-depth subject studies.
Elementary students spend mornings in core academic subjects and afternoons exploring areas of special interest in a wide-range of student choice elective classes.
Middle grade students work with specialists in language arts, math, science and social studies and participate in weekly adventure and service activities as well as the elective program.
High school students build their own schedules. In addition to the full range of courses offered at MLC, schedules can include co-op classes at other schools, independent studies, work experience and credit work at art institutes, colleges and universities.
At all grades, the program is personal and personalized in keeping with the character of a smaller learning environment. Instruction is referenced to the Expeditionary Learning/Outward Bound model, progress reports are ungraded, conferences are frequent and all students annually compile and present a portfolio of their learning.
Special Features:
- A Kx12 program which permits cross-age classrooms, activities and staff collaboration.
- Student-centered learning environment that emphasizes decision-making, critical and creative thinking, social interaction, adventure and service learning.
- Strong connections to family and community.
- SUN-Community School program courses and activities and a Park Bureau swimming pool open to students and the community.
We believe...
All people can and want to learn. We believe experiential learning is a powerful method for developing the curiosity, skills, knowledge, and courage needed to imagine a better world and work toward realizing it. Learning is an expedition into the unknown. Expeditions draw together personal experience and intellectual growth to promote self-discovery and construct knowledge. We believe that adults should guide students along this journey with care, compassion, and respect for their diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and needs. Metropolitan Learning Center, in conjunction with Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, is an educational option designed to promote strong academic and character standards. This New American Schools model is one MLC shares with more than 90 schools across the United States to create communities of respect and high expectations for all.