Portland Public Schools, founded in 1851, is a PK-12 urban school district in Portland, Oregon. With more than 49,000 students in 78 schools, it is one of the largest school districts in the Pacific Northwest. Career Learning: PPS has more than doubled Career Technical Education offerings in recent years, which show a direct link to its rising graduation rate. Language Immersion: The district's growing Dual Language Immersion program is closing the racial educational achievement gap and improving reading achievement in native and non-native speakers alike, according to a 2015 national study. Early Childhood Education: The district has launched an early learning hub model in which Headstart and community partners offer pre-school and culturally relevant instruction as well as parenting support for families. The PPS Clarendon Regional Early Learning Academy will soon be followed by a similar model in partnership with NAYA Family Center at the former PPS Foster site. The Arts: The Portland Arts Tax now guarantees arts education for all elementary students and is fueling the alignment of K through 12 programs in such disciplines as orchestra and dance. Athletics: The Portland Interscholastic League has expanded into the middle grades with its Youth Sports Program, building strong athletic programs from 6th through 12th grade.
