Shining Star Waldorf School

Shining Star Waldorf School serves 78 students from prekindergarten through seventh grade in Portland's Lombard Street corridor. This small elementary school operates with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 4.6:1, supported by 17 full-time equivalent teachers who can provide individualized attention to each child. The school has earned recognition for its educational approach, receiving a MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranking 59th among Oregon's 186 elementary schools, placing it in the 69th percentile statewide.

As a regular public school following the Waldorf educational philosophy, Shining Star offers families an alternative pedagogical approach within the public education system. Located in the 97203 ZIP code area, the school serves a diverse community where nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and the median household income is $74,493. The neighborhood reflects both opportunity and challenge, with home values averaging $448,500 alongside a poverty rate of 21.1% among the area's 33,327 residents.

Shining Star Waldorf School provides an intimate learning environment in Portland's urban landscape, combining the accessibility of public education with specialized Waldorf methodology for families seeking this distinctive educational approach.

With an enrollment of 78 students, Shining Star Waldorf School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 4.6:1, Shining Star Waldorf School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Shining Star Waldorf School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.