Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do students come to Open Meadow?
A: Most students come to Open Meadow because something is not working for them in their current school setting and they recognize a need to change how they are receiving their high school education.  This could be due to academic needs, need for more structure, a smaller classroom environment, or simply the need for more one-on-one attention. 

Q: What “type” of students attend Open Meadow?
A: Open Meadow serves students who want to be successful in life and are willing to get the additional support they need to reach their goals. 

Q: What is the length of the school day?
A: A regular school day is 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Q: When is there school this quarter?     
A: Click here to open the current academic calendar.

Q: Can I come for a tour?
A: Please plan to attend the admissions session if you are interested in coming to the school grounds.  Unfortunately, we can not accommodate tours as it is disruptive to our current student body. 

Q: Can students attend Open Meadow if they live outside of the Portland Public School district?
A: You need to live within Portland Public School district to attend Open Meadow.

Q: What if the student is on an IEP?
A: You need to contact the IEP coordinator at your student’s current school for an IEP placement review or the PPS Office of Educational Options, 503.916.5437, regarding a change of placement. 

Q: Do you serve TAG students?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you offer GED workshops?
A: No

Q: Do students earn a high school diploma?
A: Yes, Open Meadow diplomas are awarded through the Portland Public School District.

Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition is free.

Q: Do you provide credit recovery programs?
A: No

Q: How do students enroll?
A: Applicants must attend and complete the admission process.  Admission occurs four times a year - once during the summer and at the end of each trimester.

Q: Do students need letters of recommendation?
A: Letters of recommendation are not required, but are welcome. 

Q: What should students bring to the admission session?
A: It is MOST important that students are on time for the admission session. A current transcript is helpful, but not required.

Q: Do I need to pre-register?
A: It is not necessary to pre-register. 

Q: What happens at the admission session?
A:  Students sign in and complete an application.  Open Meadow staff will give a brief program overview including Open Meadow policies.  Following the overview, each student will have an informal interview with a teacher/advocate. 

Q: If I attend the admission event am I enrolled?
A: Application does not guarantee admission to Open Meadow.  Sometimes there are more applicants than openings.

Q: Following admission interviews when will I find out if I was accepted?
A: We generally make admission decisions one week after the admission session and call all participants regarding their status. 

Q: Do Open Meadow students attend college?
A: Yes.  Open Meadow seniors have the opportunity to attend a college class while still attending high school.  Open Meadow will pay for one college course during the student’s senior year as part of our Transition Program.  Many Open Meadow graduates go on to four year and community colleges.

Q: Does Open Meadow provide transportation to school?
A: No.  Most students ride TriMet to school, or come by car.  Currently, students receive a free bus pass through Trimet.

Q: How do I get to Open Meadow by TriMet?
A: There are two bus routes that come to Open Meadow High School, the 75 and the 44.

Take the 75 via Lombard and get off at the Buchanan stop, near the Videorama.  Walk south on Polk approximately eight blocks.  Polk will dead end at Crawford St.  Open Meadow is located at 7654 N. Crawford.