From our beautiful 7.2 acre campus in Milwaukie, our mission is to work out of the insights of Rudolf Steiner to educate children for the whole of life.
We nurture the imagination, cultivate the intellect, and recognize the spirit of each child.
In this way, children are strengthened individually and socially to meet the challenges of life.
Portland Waldorf School offers a broad education that includes, in addition to a full range of academic subjects, foreign language instruction, music, art (fine and applied), drama, movement, and physical education for all students.
Teachers introduce subjects when possible through imaginative and direct experience and movement, which appeals to the different ways children learn. Graduates are known as independent, interdisciplinary thinkers with an enthusiasm for learning.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked OR School
- School Type: Waldorf School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 327 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,040
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Average class size: 26 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Portland Waldorf 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 Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1982
Colors
Blue, Gold
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Campus Size
7
Student Body
Total Students
327 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
3%
Average Class Size
26 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
no media
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,040
Tuition Notes
Tuition costs vary by grade
% on Financial Aid
33%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,000
Acceptance Rate
83%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Sara Johnson
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
BIPOC Student Club, Chess Club, GSA, Student Ambassador Program - High School, Student Government - High School, Student led clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced unicycling - Grades 4 - 6, Band, Chorus, Orchestra
BIPOC Student Club, Chess Club, GSA, Student Ambassador Program - High School, Student Government - High School, Student led clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced unicycling - Grades 4 - 6, Band, Chorus, Orchestra
School Notes
- School Motto: Inspiring a life-long love for learning
- School Mascot: Wolf
- Portland Waldorf School was founded in 1982 as the Morning Song School. In the years since, it has steadily grown and moved through several locations in the Portland area before settling on our Milwaukie campus in 2002. In 1999, a dedicated group of faculty came together to grow Portland Waldorf High School, and today we are proud to offer a Waldorf education that spans early childhood through 12th Grade.PWS is a proud member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Portland Waldorf School cost?
Portland Waldorf School's tuition is approximately $19,040 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Portland Waldorf School?
The acceptance rate of Portland Waldorf School is 83%, which is higher than the national average of 82%.
Does Portland Waldorf School offer a summer program?
Yes, Portland Waldorf School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Portland Waldorf School offer?
Portland Waldorf School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Portland Waldorf School's ranking?
Portland Waldorf 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 Portland Waldorf School?
The application deadline for Portland Waldorf School is Jan. 31.
In what neighborhood is Portland Waldorf School located?
Portland Waldorf School is located in the Hosford Abernethy neighborhood of Portland, OR. There are 1 other private schools located in Hosford Abernethy.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Portland Waldorf School also viewed these schools: Horizon Christian School, The Childrens Hour Academy, Catlin Gabel School, Holy Family School and International School Of Portland.
The nearest high school to Portland Waldorf School is Riverdale High School (2.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is St. John The Baptist Catholic School (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 696 students 9.2 miles 23370 SW Boones Ferry Rd.
Tualatin, OR 97062
(503) 783-6642
Tualatin, OR 97062
(503) 783-6642
9.2
PK-12
696
Grades: PK-2 | 88 students 6.4 miles 17650 SW 65th Ave
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 635-2139
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 635-2139
6.4
PK-2
88
Grades: PK-12 | 784 students 7.6 miles 8825 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 297-1894
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 297-1894
7.6
PK-12
784
Holy Family School
(Catholic)
Grades: PK-8 | 220 students 1.8 miles 7425 Se Cesar E Chavez Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 774-8871
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 774-8871
1.8
PK-8
220
Grades: PK-5 | 397 students 4.5 miles 2305 S Water Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 226-2496
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 226-2496
4.5
PK-5
397
School Reviews
5 6/7/2014
My child attended the Portland Waldorf School from Kindergarten through his senior year in high school. We could not ask for a more nurturing and supportive environment for our child. He was accepted to all the colleges that he applied to and offered scholarships by most of them. We feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful - nurturing school for our son. The bonus is the rich applied arts programs that are missing in most public high schools. His portfolio was rich with woodworking, metal smithing, fiber arts and fine art!
Endorse Portland Waldorf School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.
