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: Project Classes are 8:30-4:30 Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30-12:30 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Non-project classes are 8:30-2:30 M-F.

Q: What is the academic calendar?
A: Click here to open the 2009-2010 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.  Admissions occur 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 only important that students are on time for the admission session.

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 admissions am I enrolled?
A: Application does not guarantee admission to Open Meadow.  Sometimes there are more applicants than openings.  Please do not get discouraged if you are not accepted during your first interview.  If you are interested in attending we encourage you to reapply during the next admission session, which occur every six weeks. 

Q: Following admission interviews when will I find out if I was accepted?
A: We generally make admissions 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, drive or receive rides to school.  Students may qualify for a free bus pass through Project Return if they are homeless, live in over-crowded circumstances, or are an unaccompanied youth (lives on their own).  Open Meadow can help students fill out the required paperwork upon acceptance to qualify for support services.

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.

Take the 44 via Willamette Blvd and get off at the Buchanan stop.  Walk west on Willamette Blvd and turn left (south) on Polk Street and continue for approximately three blocks.  Polk will dead end at Crawford St.  Open Meadow is located at 7654 N. Crawford.