FOREST GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Forest Grove Community School is a public charter elementary school that is part of the Forest Grove SD 15 school district, located in Forest Grove, OR with about 201 students offering grade levels from 1st Grade to 8th Grade. With about 11 teachers, Forest Grove Community School has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Forest Grove Community School (FGCS) is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K–8 in Forest Grove, Oregon. Founded on the principle of providing an alternative to traditional education, the school is well-regarded for its hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning. The curriculum is designed to be thematic and interdisciplinary, encouraging students to make meaningful connections between their studies and the world around them. With a strong emphasis on community involvement, the school fosters a collaborative environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to support academic and personal growth.

The school is particularly noted for its "expeditionary" style of instruction, which often involves project-based learning and field experiences that take students beyond the four walls of the classroom. By maintaining smaller class sizes and a focus on social-emotional learning, FGCS aims to nurture a culture of curiosity, inclusivity, and stewardship. Located in the heart of Forest Grove, the school provides a unique educational choice for local families seeking a more personalized and experiential path for their children’s elementary and middle school years.

For more information, contact Forest Grove Community School at (503) 359-4600 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.