The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science was nominated

The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science in Portland, Oregon, is a public charter school dedicated to place-based education. This unique approach connects students to their community and environment through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The school's mission is to foster creative learning environments where students develop a strong sense of place, become stewards of the natural world, and active citizens. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Cottonwood integrates local history, cultures, and ecosystems into its curriculum, ensuring a holistic and engaged educational experience for all students.

Student experience design

Environmental and Climate Stewardship: Our commitment to land-based knowledge and regenerative practices empowers students to become advocates for sustainability and environmental justice. Grade-level partnerships bring these values into many communities, watersheds, and ecoregions throughout the school year, influencing local policies, land stewardship, and collective climate solutions. Students actively participate in fostering trout eggs, nurturing them until they are ready to be released at the Sandy River Delta. This year we will be working with artist Kate Newby who has asked our students to gather materials from the Sandy River Delta for her upcoming installation at PDX Airport, highlighting the delicate ecosystem in the region for years to come. These are all essential skills fostering restorative governance. Restorative Governance: Cottonwood is deeply committed to raising Oregon’s future leaders who are skilled mediators, engage community members actively, and seek to repair harm caused to humans and the natural world. Our students practice restorative justice techniques, and bring their skills into the community by creating gardens for families of detainees at the ICE building next door, removing invasive species from forests, and older students teaching younger ones about how to resolve conflicts. The exponential impact of these projects on restorative governance and social equity for Oregonians is undeniable. Supporting Unhoused Communities: Through our partnerships with Oregon Food Bank, Blanchet House, and Transition Projects, students engage directly in hands-on service and advocacy for housing solutions that impact children, teens, and families. These experiences extend beyond volunteerism—they equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze root causes, advocate for systemic change, and build networks of support. With regard to our own population of students experiencing poverty, we have been striving to offer an affordable lunch program that serves our diverse community of learners.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Community And Business Partnerships	5+ years
Culturally Responsive Practices	3-4 years
Place-based Learning	5+ years
Restorative Practices	3-4 years
Universal Design For Learning	1-2 years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning

Blended Learning

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Values

Multi-age Classrooms

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

Project-based Learning

Peer To Peer Support

Performance Based Assessment

SEL Curriculum

SEL Integration School-wide

Social Justice Focus

Student-led Conferences

Student-led Goal Setting

key reasons for innovating