School facts: Metropolitan Learning Center

Metropolitan Learning Center

2033 NW Glisan
Portland, OR 97209

Phone: 503-916-5737
Fax: 503-916-2658
E-mail: fscotto@pps.k12.or.us

School-created web pages: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/mlc

Grade levels: K-12
Enrollment: Enrollment by Application
Principal: Frank Scotto

Student Enrollment: 430

About:
The mission of the Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) is a commitment to innovative learning choices for students of all ages. MLC, an alternative school since 1968, has a long tradition of excellence. For the past three years, MLC has earned an Exceptional rating on the state report card. Some annual traditions include the Egg Drop and Solstice Celebration.

Before and after school programs

Portland Park�s Sun/Community School Program (activities, classes for adults and children). Contact Jacki Hunter at 503-916-2912 or Jackie.Johnson@ci.portland.or.us.
On site before and after school care available through Kids Community Learning Center (KCLC). Deirdre Steinmetz can be reached at 503-241-9443
You can learn more about MLC at www.mlc-k12.com.

Student learning environment

Character traits emphasized at MLC include respect, courage, compassion, integrity and self-discipline.
MLC offers a positive participatory climate that is important for personalized and cooperative learning. Active learning is emphasized and is essential to the development of good decision making, critical and creative thinking, socialinteraction, wellness and communication.
A fundamental principle of MLC's educational program is to
establish a basis for lifelong success through personally
gratifying choices in career and living styles.
MLC's program makes extensive use of community resources and
flexible approaches to learning.
Cross-age grouping provides students opportunities toestablish a network of relationships throughout the school. Cross-age grouping also allows students to be both nurturedand nurturing to others.
At MLC, children gain a natural understanding andappreciation of the importance of a safe, nonrestrictivelearning environment.
MLC provides a student-centered educational environment thatgenerates a positive attitude toward self and others.Personal choice is a key educational ingredient in theeducational program.
To learn more about MLC's learning environment, please visit
our school-created website at www.mlc-k12.com

Curriculum components

MLC is organized by teams: Kx3, 4x6, 7x8 and 9x12. The team approach permits cross-grade experiences and more efficiently utilizes skills of teachers and staff.
Kindergarten (full-day) focuses on school readiness and developmentally appropriate activities. Students have opportunities to make choices within classroom structure. Hands-on activities and field trips are featured. Reading and math skills are introduced in small groups. Work on social skills plays a large role in group activities.
Elementary school students enjoy a traditional classroom setting with a 1:26 ratio (1st/2nd blends, 3rd, 4th/5th blends, 6). Core content areas of language arts, math, science, health and social studies are taught using thematic and experiential methods.
Middle school students (7 and 8) spend mornings rotating through classes taught by language arts, math, science and social studies specialists. An afternoon elective program twice a week emphasizes individual choice in selecting classes from a wide range of electives.
Elective curriculum is multidimensional. Many community members, parents and staff contribute to a wide range of subjects. Categories of class offerings include science, social studies, physical education, computer, literature, marimba and the arts. Our elective program allows our first through eighth students an opportunity to explore areas of interest with teachers and students from other classes in the school.
The high school helps students build a program designed to meet their needs, abilities, interests and learning styles while pursuing their high school diplomas. Students earn the same number of credits as other Portland high schools. Many off-campus learning experiences are available, including co-opting with other high schools, taking classes at local colleges, special interest placement in OMSI classes and at the Portland Art Museum, and volunteer placement within community service organizations. Students may also develop independent study programs.
All MLC students create annual portfolios, but letter grades may be given upon request. High school student portfolios contain evidence of career exploration and shadow experiences, which allow opportunities for reflection on personal and career goals. In addition, several classes are offered that will provide newly required Career Pathways credits for all students. Every spring, high school students present their portfolios to a panel that includes parents, community professionals and other volunteers.
To learn more about MLC\'s curriculum components, please
visit our school-created website at www.mlc-k12.com.

Parent and family support

Parents are an integral part of MLC. Our volunteer program provides both support and enrichment for students and staff. Many parents also spend time assisting in classrooms.
MLC has an active Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Site Council.
To learn more about MLC\'s parent/family support, please
visit our school-created website at www.mlc-k12.com

Special programs and features

MLC begins and ends each school year with an all-school picnic.
Frequent field trips are an extension of the classroom into the urban community and are an integral part of the MLC experience.
Winter Solstice is celebrated by the entire MLC communitywith poetry, singing, dancing and readings.
Egg Drop, an annual tradition at MLC, encourages studentsto design methods of dropping raw eggs from the roof without breakage.
To learn more about MLC\'s special programs and features,
please visit our school-created website at www.mlc-k12.com.

Statistics and test scores

Report cards and AYP Scores
Oregon Department of Education school report cards

School Enrollment and Program Data

Standardized test scores

Course syllabus

[ Top of Page | PPS Home ]
© 2006 Portland Public Schools · 501 North Dixon Street, Portland, Oregon · 97227-1804 · USA 1-503-916-2000 Contact us · Terms of Use · Updated January 19th, 2010