Thank you for your support of PSCS and other community organizations embodying missions and values we prioritize.

We’re ALL building something extraordinary, and we’re doing it together.

"I just have to say, this is awesome. my child's report cards in the past were not at all from a strengths-based lens. We are grateful for PSCS to really see my child and who he is. Thanks for giving him such great opportunities to grow and learn and make connections. I read the positive statements about him and it makes my heart full. I know this is such a challenging time and the thoughtfulness, flexibility and grace by all at PSCS throughout this is so appreciated."
— PSCS Parent

“The tragedy of school shootings underscores my gratitude for PSCS: First, as a community that uniquely embodies respect for all; second, as a model to the world of engaged and caring people, of all ages; and third, as my daughter's school. Not only do I trust for her physical and emotional safety, I also trust the depth and quality of the learning—on high school shootings, movies, teenage drinking, college, politics, (everything!)—that I know she will be surrounded with at PSCS.”
—PSCS Parent

"Thank you for giving me the courage and tools to develop my passions."

—PSCS Alum

"I am very grateful for all the staff, friends, and families that are a part of PSCS.

I know so many wonderful human beings because of my relationship with the school.

My life and my self would not be the same without you.”

—PSCS Volunteer

“...I’ve gone to a school where my voice has been valued, where I’ve been given the opportunity to make my own choices, and where compassion has been paramount.  A place with teachers who have actually cared about me and how I’ve been doing. A place where I’ve learned how to read.  And when I say learned how to read I don’t mean learned to read, I mean learned how to read...
—PSCS Senior Credo

"I am writing to express my thanks for your vision and labor in creating PSCS, and for the positive impact PSCS has had on my daughter. I am so pleased to report that she feels very safe at PSCS and is genuinely excited to go to school—she is also invested in being responsible and meeting the expectations of the team there...I know you all work hard to make this vision possible for the entire school. In addition, you all helped make it possible for my daughter, specifically, to be able to attend."
—PSCS Parent

Featured Profile

Grace Morton ’10

For Grace Morton, the most important lesson she learned at PSCS had nothing to do with an academic subject. It was about self-discipline. Grace had been enrolled in a public high school, and admits that she had given up on her education. “Growing up, I struggled with a learning disability,” she says. “It took me twice as long as everyone in my class just to finish a test. I was constantly nervous and uncomfortable. My doctor prescribed me ADD and anxiety meds to ‘solve’ the problems I was facing in school. I worked so hard in elementary and middle school and I still ended up with average grades, and sometimes barely passing.” In addition, Grace was always passionate about dance. So after school, she would spend 2-3 hours a day at ballet practice. “Homework became a problem and many hours of sleep were lost,” she says. “It was emotionally taxing.” Her parents did some research and found PSCS. “We visited PSCS and I remember immediately feeling welcome,” she says. “I had never felt this way walking into a school. Everyone seemed so happy.” But the transition to PSCS was not easy. “It took me another year to recover from my public school trauma,” she says. “I would sign up for a class and drop out once I understood the amount of work it would take. I missed out on some great PSCS opportunities, because it was ingrained in my head that schoolwork was damaging to my self-esteem. Once I became a junior, [a staff member] showed me how behind I was. If I wanted a diploma, I had to get my act together and accomplish my goals. A switch was flipped, and I started the year with an academic class in every period. My workload increased dramatically. Looking at my schedule was daunting. As the year went on, I realized that I was actually enjoying myself and making a lot of progress. I learned that being committed really pays off, and I experienced joy from the process. “I was so proud of myself when Andy handed me my high school diploma. I still work hard in my day-to-day life, and stay committed to my priorities. At PSCS I learned that commitment results in self-respect and pride.” After graduating from PSCS in 2010, Gracie moved to Portland and began dancing full time with a professional ballet company and the school of the Oregon Ballet Theater. She and her husband, Ian are company dancers at Ballet Austin Company. They are expecting their first child! Read More >