Primerly field report

Cascade Heights Public Charter School

a tuition-free public charter in Milwaukie

K–8 · Public · Charter · North Clackamas School District

11326 SE 47th Ave, Milwaukie · Kristin Macy

Cascade Heights' defining feature is its adherence to the Core Knowledge Sequence, a highly specific, content-rich curriculum where students study distinct historical events, scientific concepts, and literature at precise grade levels to prevent knowledge gaps. Students follow Saxon Math and Math-U-See for problem-solving, and science instruction emphasizes hands-on experiments and the scientific method. Unlike many neighborhood schools that prioritize skills-based instruction, Cascade Heights prioritizes content acquisition, operating on the philosophy that cultural literacy requires a shared body of specific factual knowledge.

Beyond the Core Knowledge framework, the school differentiates itself through a K-8 world language program. Students receive an introduction to both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese in Kindergarten, then select one track to study formally from 1st through 8th grade — continuity that's rare in public K-12. Regular Field Trip Fridays anchor each thematic unit, from tide-pooling to Capitol visits, and are counted as instructional hours. Daily PE is built into the schedule for all grades K-8. The environment is structured and traditional, drawing families from across the metro area seeking a rigorous, content-aligned academic experience.

• K–8 grades
• ~226 students
• 16:1 student-teacher
• 26 average class
• Tuition-free charter

Tuition: Tuition-Free Public

Address: 11326 SE 47th Ave, Milwaukie OR 97222. Phone: 971-233-2016. Website: cascadeheights.org.

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