Portland Public Schools Calendar (PPS), officially known as Portland School District 1J, serves as the largest public school district in the state of Oregon. Founded in 1851, PPS is a PK–12 urban district with over 44,000 students enrolled across approximately 79 schools and additional sites, employing thousands of teachers and support staff.
The district’s operations are headquartered in the Blanchard Educational Service Center in Portland and serve the city and surrounding small areas within Multnomah and Washington counties. The superintendent is Kimberlee Armstrong, PhD, and a seven-member school board represents geographically defined zones in the district; additionally, a Student Representative participates on the board annually.
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Portland Public Schools Calendar 2025-2026
In recent years, the district has garnered attention for significant developments. PPS experienced its first-ever strike by the Portland Association of Teachers, involving about 3,700 union members. The strike lasted nearly four weeks over demands for pay adjustments, smaller class sizes, and increased planning time.
It ended with a tentative agreement securing a 13.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment over three years and steps toward addressing class-size concerns through local committees. PPS has also been the subject of a U.S. Department of Education civil rights investigation related to a transgender student competing in female sports under district policy, a matter tied to Title IX compliance. The district has stated it is following Oregon state law and cooperating with the investigation.
A major focus of PPS has been on building modernization and seismic safety. In May 2025, concerned parents petitioned for over $100 million of the district’s $1.8 billion bond (on the ballot May 20, 2025) to be dedicated specifically to retrofitting older schools that pose earthquake risks. Many buildings from the early 20th century still contain unreinforced masonry, including Buckman Elementary (built 1918), Fernwood/Beverly Cleary Elementary, and Rose City Park Elementary, among others.
Portland Public Schools Maps
Portland Public Schools Phone Number and Website
The central office of Portland Public Schools (Oregon) can be reached at (503) 916‑2000, and their official website is http://pps.net. These details are confirmed by the district’s contact information on the PPS portal and NCES district listing.
Departments
Portland Public Schools has several departments supporting students and schools, including Teaching and Learning, Student Support Services, Human Resources, Facilities, and Technology. These departments work together to ensure high-quality instruction, equitable access, and safe learning environments.
The Finance department manages budgets and resources, while the Communications team keeps families informed. Equity and Partnerships focuses on diversity and community collaboration. Each department plays a vital role in helping the district meet academic goals and support student success across all schools.
Schools & Learning
Portland Public Schools (PPS), serving Portland, Oregon, offers a PK–12 curriculum designed to challenge and engage all learners using a culturally responsive, assets-based instructional framework. Early learners (ages 3–8) access aligned social‑emotional, linguistic, and academic experiences in high‑quality P‑3 classrooms.
The district supports Dual Language Immersion in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Russian across many schools, plus Career & Technical Education pathways in middle and high school. PPS uses district‑wide curriculum maps via Atlas and emphasizes inclusive classrooms, high expectations, inquiry‑based learning, and equity‐driven assessments.
Lunch / Meals
Portland Public Schools in Portland, Maine, provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in grades K–12, regardless of family income, thanks to a recent state law. Meals include an entrée, milk, and unlimited fruits and vegetables; students must choose at least three components, one being at least a half‑cup of produce.
The district’s Nutrition Services focuses on whole foods, minimizing ingredients like artificial colors, preservatives, high‑fructose corn syrup, hormones in meat, bleached flour, and trans fats. Summer meal sites also offer free breakfast and lunch to anyone age 18 or under at designated locations in the city.
Bus / Transportation
Portland Public Schools offers bus transportation to eligible students based on their home address and school assignment. Routes are designed for efficiency and safety, with schedules available online before the school year begins. Students must follow safety rules while riding, and parents are encouraged to review expectations with their children.
Find Your Bus Route!
Transportation is generally provided for students who live more than a certain distance from school, though exceptions may apply. Families can contact the Transportation Department for route questions or special accommodations. Delays or changes due to weather are communicated through district alerts and the official website.
Portland Public Schools Holidays Calendar
One of the largest schools in the district is Grant High School, formerly Ulysses S. Grant High School. Opened in 1924 and recently renovated from 2017 to 2019 using funds from a $482 million bond approved in 2012, Grant underwent interior reconstruction, seismic retrofitting, and added classroom and gym space. It serves over 2,100 students in 2025 with a student–teacher ratio of roughly 21:1. Grant participates in the Portland Interscholastic League alongside other PPS high schools in athletics and activities.
The district places strong emphasis on dual language immersion (DLI) programming. Multiple elementary, middle, and high schools offer Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or Vietnamese immersion programs.
At the elementary level, dual‑language programs include schools like Ainsworth (Spanish), Richmond (Japanese), and Rose City Park (Vietnamese). Middle and high schools continue language pathways, though there is no true immersion in high school—students can accelerate through Spanish levels in advanced classes, but immersion stops at the middle school level.
Portland Public Schools Holidays Calendar 2025
Portland Public Schools also maintains an AM radio station, KBPS (AM 1450), operated by students at Benson Polytechnic High School’s broadcasting program. KBPS broadcasts in stereo during school days and classic formats otherwise and is run by the school district as an educational resource.
Beyond academics, PPS emphasizes equity, anti-racism, and student inclusion. As described in district literature, its mission focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment where systemic inequities are addressed and each student is supported toward success. The board structure allows for community input through parents, staff, and student participation.
Summary
In summary, Portland Public Schools is a historic and significant urban district with wide-ranging educational opportunities, dual-language offerings, active building modernization efforts, and a commitment to equity and safety. The district is currently addressing seismic risks, labor relations, and civil rights concerns while continuing to evolve and adapt to community needs.
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