SPRINGWATER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES SCHOOL

Springwater Environmental Sciences School is a public charter elementary school that is part of the Oregon City SD 62 school district, located in Oregon City, OR with about 197 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. With about 10 teachers, Springwater Environmental Sciences School has a student/teacher ratio of about 19:1. 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.

Springwater Environmental Sciences School (SESS), located in Oregon City, Oregon, is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K–8. As the name suggests, the school’s core mission is to integrate environmental literacy into every aspect of its curriculum. By leveraging its unique rural setting, the school emphasizes place-based, hands-on learning, allowing students to engage directly with the natural world as a primary classroom.

Beyond its environmental focus, SESS is known for a tight-knit, community-oriented atmosphere that prioritizes experiential education and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to foster stewardship and sustainability, encouraging students to solve real-world problems while meeting state academic standards. By blending rigorous core academics with outdoor exploration and stewardship projects, Springwater aims to cultivate well-rounded students who are deeply connected to their local ecosystem and prepared to be active, responsible citizens.

For more information, contact Springwater Environmental Sciences School at (503) 631-7700 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.