Primerly field report

David Douglas Arthur Academy

a tuition-free public charter in Portland

K–5 · Public · Charter · Direct Instruction · David Douglas School District

13717 SE Division St, Portland · Richelle Owen

David Douglas Arthur Academy uses Direct Instruction, a structured mastery-learning model where reading, math, spelling, and language are taught through highly scripted, incremental lessons with frequent assessment. Students work in small, skill-based groups rather than age-based classrooms, advancing through sequenced programs only after demonstrating 90% mastery on weekly tests; struggling students receive immediate reteaching until concepts stick, while advanced learners accelerate at their own pace. The approach emphasizes oral response, choral repetition, and teacher-led instruction following prescribed lesson scripts.

All kindergarteners are expected to learn to read and perform basic math before first grade, with the school's mission stating that every student will become a fluent reader regardless of background. For families seeking a no-frills, results-oriented elementary experience with proven literacy gains and a clear instructional philosophy, Arthur Academy offers a distinct alternative to traditional public schools.

Tuition: Tuition-Free Public

Address: 13717 SE Division St, Portland OR 97236. Phone: 503-252-3753. Website: arthuracademy.org/ddaa.

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PPS rightsizing · a proposal, not a decision

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The basics

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A day here

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Getting in

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Your odds in the lottery

Seats here aren’t first-come; they’re drawn by lottery. Each circle below is a tenth of the families who applied over the last two springs and stayed in the running (didn’t take a higher-ranked school). Filled circles got a yes.

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Official PPS lottery results, 2025-26 & 2026-27 combined: offers made ÷ families still in the running (offered + waitlisted); applications cancelled for a higher-ranked school excluded. pps.net › prior transfer data. Slots reset every year.
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Tuition
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