About Portland Adventist Academy
Portland Adventist Academy is is a distinctly different and special academic institution. Steeped in Christian values and driven by educational excellence, Portland Adventist Academy is approaching its' one hundredth graduating class. It's been an inspired journey of excellence as nearly 5,000 students have laid claim to a Portland Adventist Academy education.
It's been quite a journey too.
In 1910, when the first school opened, Portland Union Academy (the school's original name), had only a few students and supported grades 1 through 12. Today, Portland Adventist Academy is a high school that embraces more than 200 students a year.
There have been plenty of changes over the school's tenure, the most notable coming in 1963 with the opening of the present-day location. At the time, a state-of-the-art facility, the school today is challenged by a range of facility-related issues.
Through the halls of Portland Adventist Academy have walked budding community leaders, academicians, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs and nurses. In a sentence Portland Adventist Academy is home to tomorrow's promise. Fully more than 90% of all Portland Adventist Academy graduates go on to college and exceed national and state testing standards. Low student-teacher ratios, college preparatory curriculum, a full menu of activities and opportunities are all delivered with strong Christian teachings that flow through every instructor, class, event and student.
Surprisingly, within the walls of this modest school has been laid important groundwork for the future. The science department by any local measure is exceptional. The school's been equipped with several SMART Boards that reflect leading teaching technology. Rooms have been redesigned into onsite video production and recording studios where students learn through hands-on experience. Test scores, college entrance and significant alumni involvement all reflect the benefit this unique education provides. Unfortunately, though the educational groundwork and foundation are well-established the needs of the facility are out-pacing the school's efforts to meet the demands of a changing curriculum and an outmoded building.