History

A brief history of our formation:

The Forest Grove Community School was born out of nearly three years of dreaming, planning and very hard work by a core group of founders who identified the need in Forest Grove for a small, multi-age public school that prepared students to be active participants in a rapidly changing world. That small group has now expanded to include students, parents, other family members and community partners who believe students learn best by doing, teaching others and making connections between academic learning and life. Our school program is committed to personalized, place-based learning.

Going back in time:

September 2010: Charter contract renewed for three years by unanimous vote of the Forest Grove School District Board of Directors.
June 2010: Said farewell to our high school students and graduating 8th graders after the difficult decision to close our high school program.
September 2009: Added 11th grade to Level 4
June 2009: Awarded first high school diploma to Rose Thompson, who started FGCS as an 11th grader and earned her remaining high school credits through the FGCS multi-age curriculum and a personal learning plan that included individual projects and college classes.
September 2008: Received provisional accreditation by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. (Provisional accreditation is the highest level for which FGCS is eligible based on the number of years the school has been open).
September 2008: Added 10th grade to form High School Level 4
April 2008: Designated an Oregon Green School in recognition of "outstanding efforts in waste reduction and conservation."
Spring 2008: Level 3 students receive grant from Forest Grove Arts Commission to paint a water cycle mural on building near school grounds, beautifying a wall frequented by taggers
September 10, 2007: School opens
June 25, 2007: School board signs charter contract
February 20, 2007: School board approves charter proposal
January 22, 2007: School board public hearing
November 2006: Submitted charter proposal to school board
Summer 2006: Filed as a non-profit organization with the state, board formed
May 2006: Received incentive grant from the ODE
April 2006: Web site launched
March 2006: Second application for incentive grant funding from ODE
February 2006: Second community meeting
October 2005: First application for incentive grant funding from Oregon Department of Education (ODE)
Fall 2005: First community meeting