Primerly field report

Holy Cross Catholic School

a faith-based private school in Portland

PK–8 · Private · Religious · Catholic

5202 N Bowdoin St, Portland · John Matcovich, Principal

Academics at Holy Cross emphasize both rigor and faith formation: religion is woven throughout the curriculum, with weekly student liturgies and communal prayer experiences creating a spiritual foundation for learning. To address the diverse learning styles and paces, Holy Cross employs a variety of learning strategies including small-group differentiated learning for Math/Language Arts classes. This approach allows educators to tailor instruction, ensuring that content is both accessible and challenging, depending on individual student needs. The school has a full-time Learning Support Coordinator to work with directly with teachers and families to ensure each student's needs are met. Over 80% of faculty hold master's degrees, and families consistently note that students are "known and loved" by staff.

A cross-grade buddy system pairs younger and older students (PreK with 6th grade, K with 7th, 1st with 8th) to build mentorship and community connections. Every classroom is equipped with smartboards, and students have access to Chromebooks, though technology is used as a learning opportunity (digital citizenship, coding, etc.) rather than dominating instruction. The school is known for strong academic preparation, a welcoming and tight-knit community, and growing support for neurodiverse learners. Many grades host student teachers from the University of Portland, adding fresh energy to classrooms.

Tuition: $8,550 (2026-2027)

Address: 5202 N Bowdoin St, Portland, OR 97203. Phone: 503-289-3010. Website: holycrosspdx.org/school.

All Portland-area schools on Primerly

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PPS rightsizing · a proposal, not a decision

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The basics

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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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