Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Forest Grove Community School (FGCS) differ from other public schools in Forest Grove School District?

  FGCS engages students in scholarship, stewardship and citizenship with the goal of educating for sustainability. We offer a place-based approach to learning, using the local community, culture and environment as starting points for teaching math, reading science, social studies and other subjects. Students learn and practice basic skills but teachers also look for ways to apply skills to solving real-world problems in order to strengthen skills and make learning more meaningful.

  FGCS students are in multi-age classrooms, which challenge teachers to provide learning opportunities geared to the individual students' abilities and interests, and allows students to learn from and teach their classmates. Students stay with the same teacher for up to three years, which provides a strong base of security and community within the classroom.

  Our 'Out and About' program takes students into the community at least weekly for learning activities linked to the curriculum. Out and About activities take place at locations such as Fernhill Wetlands, Hagg Lake, Gales Creek watershed, Pacific University and B Street Permaculture Farm. Students also engage in service learning projects, such as planting native trees along Gales Creek, visiting retirement home residents and creating interpretive signs along a nature walk.

  
  
• Does FGCS charge tuition?

  No. FGCS is a free public school supported by tax dollars, grants and donations. As at other public schools, we ask parents to help pay for some activities, such as field trips and Outdoor School but provide scholarships whenever possible.

  
  
• Do I have to live in Forest Grove to attend FGCS?

  FGCS is part of the Forest Grove School District. Any student living within the district's boundaries, including Cornelius and rural Washington County, may attend. Students residing outside the district may attend on a space-available basis.

  
  
• Where is the school located?

  The school located in the heart of downtown Forest Grove at 1914 Pacific Avenue, just a few blocks from the city library, Pacific University and local parks.

  
  
• Who runs FGCS?

  An elected Board of Directors sets policy and provides oversight of the budget and academic programs. The principals/executive directors and the teachers run the day-to-day operations. Students participate in governance of the school through class and all-school meetings with the goal of developing a school constitution establishing community members' rights and responsibilities. Individual classrooms write class constitutions, establishing student rights and responsibilities. Teachers and students hold regular classroom meetings to discuss issues and make decisions.

  
  
• Do the teachers have as much experience and training as teachers at the other schools in the district?

  We have assembled an excellent teaching team for FGCS. Our classroom teachers all have teaching certificates, and all of them are highly qualified, motivated and excited to be part of the FGCS community. Our teachers also bring rich and varied life experiences that contribute to our dynamic learning community

  
  
• Will colleges accept a diploma from FGCS?

  Yes. FGCS graduates will receive a diploma that meets state requirements and is comparable to a diploma awarded by the District high school.

  
  
• What ages does FGCS serve?

  Students ages 6 to 15 (grades 1 to 9) were enrolled in our first year (2007-2008); we will add 10th grade in the 2008-2009 school year and plan eventually to grow to a K-12 school.

  
  
• How are classes structured?

  Currently (2007-2008 school year), classes consist of students ages 6, 7 and 8 (Grades 1 to 3), ages 9, 10 and 11 (Grades 4 to 6) and ages 12, 13 and 14 (Grades 7 to 9). In 2008-2009, our middle/high school students will be grouped into three classrooms: two for Grades 7/8 and one for grades 9/10. We will also add one classroom each at Levels 1 and 2.

  
  
• How many students are in each class?

  On average, groups of about 24 students to one teacher will be working together. The number will depend on the activity, the day of the week, and the needs of individual students.

  
  
• Is the FGCS schedule the same as other schools in the school district?

  Yes, for the most part. FGCS takes the same winter, spring and summer vacations. Some days off for staff preparation and development and Family-Student-Teacher conferences may differ from the Forest Grove School District. Please see the Calendar page of the web site for current information.

  
  
• What if I attend then decide FGCS isn't right for me?

  FGCS is a school of choice. Parents retain the right to withdraw their students, place them in the public school they would otherwise attend, or use another education option such as private or home school.

  
  
• Does FGCS offer music or sports programs?

  We do not currently offer music or sports programs. However, students may apply to participate in music programs at other schools in the Forest Grove School District.

  
  
• Does FGCS have a lunch program?

  Currently, FGCS does not have a school lunch program, so students have to bring their own lunch. A committee of board members and parent volunteers is working with a local organization to develop a school lunch program in future years. For more information or to get involved, contact board chair Terry O'Day at t.oday@fgcschool.org.

If you don't find your question answered here or elsewhere on this web site:

CALL
(503) 359-4600

WRITE
Forest Grove Community School
1914 Pacific Avenue
Forest Grove, Oregon 97116

EMAIL
information @ fgcschool.org

We will answer as quickly as we can. If you want to dig in to the research reports and articles about how we learn and teaching methods, visit our More Information page.