Research The Catlin Gabel School Private Schools in West Linn, Oregon

“We were disappointed at the academics in the middle school. The children are not held accountable for their work. There are no repercussions for failure to hand in work on time, or for sub- par work. It was frustrating to my child that there were so many students who did not care about their work. Also, the policy of not giving grades is a detriment to developing a strong work ethic. It is definitely not worth the money.”

“Others have talked about the gorgeous campus and rigorous academics. This is all true. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the Upper School's fantastic Robotics department aw well as the Computer Science Department. While not everyone's cup of tea, for those with an interest in engineering this program is the best in Oregon. The FIRST robotics team has a dedicated lab. All work is done entirely by students yet they consistently win the Oregon Regional and go to the world championships. Catlin is also one of the very few schools in Oregon where students can take four years of computer science by a fantastic instructor.”

“While my kids attended the Catlin lower school, the academic program was seriously lacking. The students were not taught even the basics of grammar and other elementary building blocks. Our experience matches that of the parent who posted a comment in October 2007: although the campus is beautiful, the academics of the lower school didn't begin to match that quality. Catlin was not only a waste of in terms of money; our student's lack of a solid foundation in elementary school basics has been a far greater price to pay.”

“The middle school at Catlin Gabel is fabulous. When we moved here, my son started the 6th grade which normally is a difficult transition, but at Catlin Gabel he transitioned so easily. The kids in his class are a nice group, friendly and respectful, and the parents are nice as well. He has made wonderful friends easily, as we have with their parents. The environment created by the faculty and staff is warm and respectful. Of course, the academics are rigorous. There is quite a high homework load and high expectations. However, the teachers are all invested in the success of the kids and with the small teacher student ratio, are able to pay the attention that is needed to individual students. The teachers are what make a school great, and they are all excellent. One has the feeling that anything can be accomplished at this school.”

“As a junior in the high-school at Catlin, I can honestly say that Catlin goes above and beyond in all areas- the teachers are exceptional and always jumping at opportunities to help students improve, and the academics are challening, while at the same time creative and invigorating. And not to mention the college-like campus, which is especially beautiful in the fall and spring. Kudoos to Catlin, and any perspective families should really pay attention to the unique teacher-student relationships and the welcoming community! -Happy Catlin Gabel Junior”

“The campus is beautiful and the classrooms are great from the outside...but I found the academics don't match the quality level that should be expected from a private school. My child wasn't challenged in the classroom. Even after speaking with the teacher several times, there weren't many worthwhile changes made except an increase in 'busy' homework. I have since moved to another area private school that is much less expensive and has MUCH better academics despite a less luxurious campus.”

“My children attended the Catlin lower school (elementary school). I agree completely with the review dated February 2004. Not only were the academic standards in the lower school poor and inconsistent, but the administration and teachers were unwilling to give parents information. The Oregon state standards for elementary schools do not apply to private schools like Catlin, and Catlin does not use any uniform standard for testing at the lower school level to assess children's progress, so parents are often in the dark. On the other hand, the campus is beautiful, and the teachers are warm to the children. The lower school is very expensive, particularly in view of the educational quality.”

“Catlin Gabel is an outstanding school that teaches students how to think, not what to think. Teachers are warm, knowledgeable, and focused on what's best for each child. My brother and I had a remarkable experience here and went on to terrific colleges (Brown and University of Chicago). This school gets it right for students and families, and does so without pretension or a sense that the school has 'arrived' and need not continue to grow and adapt. A model learning institution. I realize daily what a gift the Catlin education has been for me.”

“Our family has been part of the Catlin community for 6 years. The school has met every expectation that we've had: rich curriculum, nurturing faculty & staff, small class size, freedom to 'think outside the box', an authentic preparedness for 'real' life. While no school is perfect, Catlin strives to meet the high expectations and standards that families seek the institution. Our family, my children, as well as my husband & myself have been continually amazed & grateful for the experiences provided by this great school - Catlin Gable!”

“My daughter has attended Catlin Gabel since pre-school and has had an outstanding experience. The school is strong academically, focusing on learning how to think, not just rote memorization. My daughter was and is learning critical thinking skills in the 4th and 5th grade. I feel the school offers so much to the children and families. I have never experienced difficulty in communicating concerns or questions on academics or other critical issues. Our experience has been outstanding. Our daughter will attend through high school.”

“Catlin Gabel is staffed with excellent faculties. The school strives to provide an education that allows the students to make an easy transition to any colleges of their choices. A new library and a language department center are recently established in its course to provide great environment for the students. Ranked first among the pool of at least hundred private schools by the Oregon Parental Council For Higher Education.”

“My son is almost a lifer - starting in K and now in 9th grade so we have seen the school change and improve over the last 10 plus years. Gorgeous campus, enthusiastic parents who volunteer a great deal - but if you don't, its okay. several ethnically diverse teachers (not sure when the other reveiw was written but this has been true for several years.) Biggest plus - develops individuals who can think and analyze, in part due to the multidiscipline integration. Biggest negatives are the cost and how much homework for homework's sake there is. In total though, a wonderful experience.”

“My daughter is a past student. Visually beautiful campus. Children encouraged to question, discuss and experience everything. Where working very hard to develope a truly diverse student body. Need some minority staff above the janitor level.”