The Franciscan Montessori Earth School/St. Francis Academy provides students from early childhood through young adolescence the tools to acquire individual fulfillment, academic excellence, moral and spiritual development, confidence and independence for lifelong learning.
Through the academic and experiential learning process developed by Maria Montessori, and influenced by the spirituality of St.
Francis, students learn to care for and respect themselves, others, and the earth.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked OR School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Inquire with school
- Enrollment: 293 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,545
- Average class size: 25 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Franciscan Montessori Earth School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Inquire with school
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1977
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Campus Size
10
Student Body
Total Students
293 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
25 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies per level, average is the number above.
% on Financial Aid
17%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$800
Admissions Director
Sister Therese Gutting
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Art, Chess, Computer, Dance, Green Team, Languages, more, Music, Robotics, Scouts, Sports, Yoga
School Notes
- School Motto: Expanding Minds. Nurturing Spirits. Stewarding the Earth.
- School Mascot: St. Bernard
- The Franciscan Montessori Earth School / Saint Francis Academy has been on the leading edge of private Montessori education in Portland, OR for more than 35 years. We are the only accredited pre-K through 8th grade Catholic Montessori school in the Western United States. We serve children ages 2 ½ through 15 on our 10 acre campus in SE Portland. Our Montessori curriculum is individualized, multi-aged and emphasizes ecology, which we view as the study of the interconnectedness of all living things. Our established gardens and close proximity to wilderness enhance our outdoor and environmental programs which include overnight camping trips for elementary and middle school students. We also offer a full complement of programs including before and after school childcare, nutrition, athletics, religion, art and music.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Franciscan Montessori Earth School cost?
Franciscan Montessori Earth School's tuition is approximately $7,545 for private students.
What sports does Franciscan Montessori Earth School offer?
Franciscan Montessori Earth School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Franciscan Montessori Earth School's ranking?
Franciscan Montessori Earth School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Franciscan Montessori Earth School?
The application deadline for Franciscan Montessori Earth School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Franciscan Montessori Earth School located?
Franciscan Montessori Earth School is located in the Centennial Community Association neighborhood of Portland, OR. There are 2 other private schools located in Centennial Community Association.
School Reviews
5 5/1/2012
Awesome educational experience for my children focussing on whole body learning -- gardening program, earth experience, camping trips, science fair, drama, all that in additional to basic curriculum. My children learned so much in a respectful way what honors the individuality of each one.
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