Guide to Local Schools in Bend

Relocating to a new area is ripe with excitement. From the fresh friendships you’ll make to the new memories you’ll create, it can be a savvy and wonderful way to elevate your lifestyle and deepen your satisfaction.

 

Relocating also arrives with a ton of considerations to weigh, including the region’s climate, residents, employment opportunities, amenities, and attractions. If you have children, one of the biggest things you’ll have to consider is the quality of schools the area contains.

 

If you have been eyeing Bend real estate, you’re likely energized by all this Oregon city offers, from its abundant natural beauty to its close-knit community. But what are Bend schools like — and will they meet your standards and expectations?

 

In a word: Yes. Read on for realtor Amanda Johnson’s guide to local schools in Bend.

Exceptional academic standards and a distinct way of learning are two of the most attractive pluses of Highland Magnet School, a beloved local institution that retains a relatively small student body of 390 students. This results in plenty of one-on-time teacher-student time, which can boost your child’s learning and lead to a more enriching experience. In addition to Physical Education and courses in music, students can take full advantage of the opportunity to work with specialists in reading, mathematics, and more. Highland Magnet School also utilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive outside the classroom and in the future. This is a highly coveted school; students are accepted through a lottery system.

With the understanding that reading is fundamental to a life of success, students at this acclaimed Bend school receive lessons and guidance to ensure they can read by the time they reach third grade. This means pre-third-grade classes are purposely small to give children the attention they need to flourish. Serving students in the Bend-La Pine Unified School District, Pine Ridge caters to children from kindergarten through the 5th grade and has a student body of approximately 540 students. Their smart, supportive staff also understands the threat and consequences of bullying; to address this, they follow an anti-bullying curriculum designed to foster empathy.

One of the most significant distinctions of this school of 552 students is the emphasis the staff places on measuring students’ progress. LavaRidge Elementary School calls upon the Positive Behavior and Support (PBIS) program to create and sustain a culture that meets both Oregon’s academic standards and the individual needs of students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 24 to 1, children at this warm, inviting institution receive individualized attention and an impressive level of support. The school also endeavors to teach children from kindergarten through 5th grade the importance of making sound, forward-thinking decisions.

This experimental school was founded in 2017 to expand learning options for adolescents in Bend. Located in the city’s industrial region, the school’s initial student body was an intimate 60 students, but plans are underway to grow its enrollment to 400 teenagers. Skyline High School adheres to the education fundamentals set forth by Deeper Learning — a system created to empower children with the knowledge and skills they need to communicate eloquently, collaborate effectively, share their voices, and prosper as adults. This welcoming learning environment also prioritizes creativity and peer-to-peer engagement to prepare children for the rigors of college.

If you intend to place your children in a private school, Bend boasts a terrific range of options. One of the leading private institutions is Trinity Lutheran School. Serving children from kindergarten through 5th grade, its beautiful campus and Lutheran ethics work together to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Bend’s Cascades Academy serves pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students, rendering it the perfect school for students who wish to create and sustain strong friendships throughout their pre-university years. The private, independent institution focuses on diversifying students’ education with ample off-campus learning opportunities and field trips, whether it’s skiing at Oregon’s gorgeous Mt. Bachelor or participating in an internship. This school is also noted for its music, drama, and art classes. Its 39-acre campus, situated next to Tumalo State Park, provides children with second-to-none views of Oregon’s natural wonders, including the glimmering Deschutes River.

The staff at Pacific Crest Middle School believes that the key to effective learning rests within storytelling. This is incredibly alluring to the middle schoolers it serves, who receive quality academic training in addition to an array of athletic programs, including volleyball, football, cross country, basketball, and wrestling–clubs the school encourages because of their ability to teach children everything from teamwork to resilience.

Progressive and welcoming, Sky View Middle School offers students the opportunity to join various clubs, sports, and organizations, from Battle of the Books to the Gay-Straight Alliance Club — all in an effort to promote compassion and inclusion. The high academic standards at this middle school are widely recognized; ditto for the skills taught to its students, which include time management, cross-subject critical thinking, cooperation, and initiative.

If you’re relocating to Bend with teenagers in tow, you may be fortunate enough to have access to its preeminent institution, Bend Senior High School. This five-star rated high school serves students from ninth to twelfth grade and provides a unique curriculum that empowers students to explore different career paths before they set off for trade school, college–or directly into the workforce. Many of its athletic programs are seasonal; during the winter months, students can enjoy Oregon’s splendid outdoors with activities ranging from Nordic skiing to alpine skiing. The result? Happy, well-balanced children who feel ready to take on the world.

Encouraged by Bend’s selection of schools? It’s another reason to call this vibrant city home. Amanda Johnson is an expert in Bend real estate, particularly Bend luxury homes, and has helped countless families find their perfect residence. Reach out to her today for a superb experience.