Best Private Schools in Oregon for Outdoor Enthusiasts?

Oregon seems like a great place for someone who loves the outdoors. Which private schools offer nature-oriented programs or extracurriculars?

In Oregon, many private schools recognize the value of outdoor education and include related opportunities in their curricula or extracurricular offerings. Here are a few worth considering:

1. Oregon Episcopal School (OES) in Portland: OES has a strong commitment to outdoor education. The school's program starts as early as PreK, but becomes more rigorous starting in middle school. In high school, they also offer Outdoor Leadership as an elective class. Plus, with Portland's close proximity to both the mountains and the coast, there are many opportunities for outdoor exploration.

2. Catlin Gabel in Portland: The school offers an outdoor education program that takes advantage of the diverse Oregon landscape. The program is cumulative in nature, culminating in a senior wilderness trip.

3. Pacific Crest Community School in Portland: Students here are required to participate in outdoor trips. The school's curriculum includes Environmental Studies and Environmental Science, each of which have outdoor components. Plus, Palmering-Out, a week-long outdoor experience, is a major highlight.

4. St. Mary's School in Medford: St. Mary's offers a program called "Project WILD" where high school students participate in wilderness treks, learn outdoor skills and cultivate an appreciation for the natural world.

5. The Delphian School in Sheriden: Not only does the campus provide a picturesque nature setting, but they also offer students necessary tools and activities to explore the outdoors, including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Remember that each school has its own approach to learning and different available facilities, so it's crucial to conduct your own research into what might be the best fit for your interests and aspirations.