Living Wisdom School serves children from preschool through 5th grade through the lens of Education for Life, a holistic educational model that seeks to bring out the best in each child through a balanced curriculum and a supportive, nurturing environment.
Our philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, the great Indian teacher who introduced yogic principles to America, and the seminal book, Education for Life, by J. Donald Walters, also known as Swami Kriyananda.
We aim to bring universal spiritual principles into the daily lives of our students through direct experience and practical skills for living.
Our focus isn`t on one specific teaching but rather the incorporation of what is meaningful and relevant in our shared experience; we value thoughts, actions and words that bring greater happiness, peace and harmony to ourselves and the world around us.
Our school provides a remarkable educational experience for children in the Portland Metro area.
We look at children and their potential to grow and learn always seeking to bring out their natural curiosity, creativity and strengths.
Bright, curious and creative children show us possibilities for a better world.
The success of our student- centered system is evident in the graduates of the program who are balanced, altruistic and clear in the knowledge of who they are and how they can serve in the world.
They bring fresh solutions to local and global issues in compassionate ways.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 39 students
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1997
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
39 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
none
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Annual Tuition 2019-2020:
Pre-school:(3 days a week, 9-1) $4000; (10 monthly payments of $400)
Kindergarten:
(4 days a week, 9-1) $5200; (10 monthly payments of $520)
Primary Grades 1-2 (8:45-2:45) $8800 (10 monthly payments of $880)
Intermediate Grades 3-5 (8:45-3) $9100 (10 monthly payments of $910)
Admissions Director
Co-Directors: Rose Neal/Michelle Mall
Admissions Associate
Michelle Mall
School Notes
The Living Wisdom School helps children to develop their own unique
potential and gives them the tools to make life choices that lead
to lasting happiness.
We emphasize:
Education for Life looks at traditional subjects through a holistic lens. Our main curriculum areas are: Personal Development, Self Expression and Communication, Understanding People, Cooperation, Our Earth/Our Universe, and Wholeness. Much of the instruction is thematic and uses the principle of Flow Learning. A typical day in our elementary class usually begins with a class circle time that may include yoga, inspiring stories, songs, energy balancing modalities, healing prayers, and class sharing. Our curriculum is student-centered, flexible and experiential.
Our elementary classrooms are multi-age, with a maximum of 12 students. Each class has a main teacher; supplemental teaching staff that adds to the educational experiences of our students. We provide instruction in creative self-expression classes in art, music and dance. Physical education is provided with an emphasis on movement, fun, and individual fitness, rather than competitive sports, although the older students do play basketball, soccer, and other team games. Our elementary program also includes weekly visits in the fall and spring to the arboretum, county, city and state nature parks, and other local places of interest in the area. This experience provides the opportunity for children to learn outdoors in an expansive setting with nature as their classroom. Living Wisdom students go on to both public and private schools, and have not only the academic skills to succeed on their grade level, but the confidence and ability to communicate and cooperate with others that are essential for success.
Preschool Program:
Living Wisdom preschool and kindergarten classrooms provide a nurturing environment fostering imagination, creativity, discovery and a love of learning in these foundational early years. Our curriculum is child-centered, developing each child`s unique gifts, while also developing the important life skills of compassion, curiosity, and cooperation. Class sizes are kept small with a maximum of 7 students, each class has a main teacher and a teacher`s assistant. We use the Education for Life philosophy and an environment filled with love to provide developmentally appropriate opportunities, materials,and activities.The children are able to experience who they are and relate to the world around them. A typical day in a preschool or kindergarten class usually begins with a class circle time that may include yoga, inspiring stories, songs, energy balancing modalities, healing prayers, and class sharing. Our curriculum is flexible and experiential, with time in the day for imaginative and nature-based play, art, as well as an interdisciplinary and holistic introduction to traditional academic subjects.
Features of our preschool and kindergarten program include:
We emphasize:
- A safe, uplifting environment where a child`s natural curiosity is nurtured. Self-understanding and balanced growth: body, feeling, mind, will, and spirit.
- A sound academic program that gives students the foundation to thrive in almost any private or public school program.
- Individual attention, made possible through small classes of from six to twelve students.
- Universal values such as honesty, generosity, love, and living in harmony with each other, nature, and all of life.
- Consistent, gentle guidance to help children recognize for themselves which actions bring them happiness (such as kindness and generosity) and which actions make them feel diminished and unhappy (such as selfishness and bullying).
- Skills for living, including positive attitude, concentration, how to achieve one`s goals, how to control emotions, how to work in cooperation and collaboration, and how to be a friend.
Education for Life looks at traditional subjects through a holistic lens. Our main curriculum areas are: Personal Development, Self Expression and Communication, Understanding People, Cooperation, Our Earth/Our Universe, and Wholeness. Much of the instruction is thematic and uses the principle of Flow Learning. A typical day in our elementary class usually begins with a class circle time that may include yoga, inspiring stories, songs, energy balancing modalities, healing prayers, and class sharing. Our curriculum is student-centered, flexible and experiential.
Our elementary classrooms are multi-age, with a maximum of 12 students. Each class has a main teacher; supplemental teaching staff that adds to the educational experiences of our students. We provide instruction in creative self-expression classes in art, music and dance. Physical education is provided with an emphasis on movement, fun, and individual fitness, rather than competitive sports, although the older students do play basketball, soccer, and other team games. Our elementary program also includes weekly visits in the fall and spring to the arboretum, county, city and state nature parks, and other local places of interest in the area. This experience provides the opportunity for children to learn outdoors in an expansive setting with nature as their classroom. Living Wisdom students go on to both public and private schools, and have not only the academic skills to succeed on their grade level, but the confidence and ability to communicate and cooperate with others that are essential for success.
Preschool Program:
Living Wisdom preschool and kindergarten classrooms provide a nurturing environment fostering imagination, creativity, discovery and a love of learning in these foundational early years. Our curriculum is child-centered, developing each child`s unique gifts, while also developing the important life skills of compassion, curiosity, and cooperation. Class sizes are kept small with a maximum of 7 students, each class has a main teacher and a teacher`s assistant. We use the Education for Life philosophy and an environment filled with love to provide developmentally appropriate opportunities, materials,and activities.The children are able to experience who they are and relate to the world around them. A typical day in a preschool or kindergarten class usually begins with a class circle time that may include yoga, inspiring stories, songs, energy balancing modalities, healing prayers, and class sharing. Our curriculum is flexible and experiential, with time in the day for imaginative and nature-based play, art, as well as an interdisciplinary and holistic introduction to traditional academic subjects.
Features of our preschool and kindergarten program include:
- Spiritual and character development
- Emphasis on the whole child
- Small, family-like environment
- Arts, music, and movement
- Emotional harmony
- Creative play
- Calm focus
- Nature Yoga
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Living Wisdom School cost?
Living Wisdom School's tuition is approximately $200 for summer students.
What schools are Living Wisdom School often compared to?
Living Wisdom School is often viewed alongside schools like German International School by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for Living Wisdom School?
The application deadline for Living Wisdom School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Living Wisdom School located?
Living Wisdom School is located in the Central Beaverton neighborhood of Beaverton, OR. There are 1 other private schools located in Central Beaverton.
School Reviews
5 7/6/2015
Living Wisdom School is not just a school; it's a community and an educational home. The teachers are highly gifted and the environment is uplifting and inspiring. Children are encouraged to develop their highest potential, including the traits of compassion, harmony within, cooperation, and problem-solving. My child has flourished at the school, and is truly developing the best of himself both academically and interpersonally. This school is raising the next generation of world-changers!
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