Summa Institute

Summa Institute is an experiment--and a successful one from my perspective as a parent. It is not for everyone. If you share the values of its founders and educators, and if you are willing to learn new ways of seeing children and their behavior, this may be the school for you and your family. For my family of intellectuals, skeptics and non-conformists, it has been a great fit. I also greatly appreciate that Summa is a kind of community in itself--so much needed for kids and adults in today's world.
Jul 13th, 2017

We chose Summa at first because of the Individual Learning Plans. Our son is in second grade at Summa. He performs above grade level and we needed a school environment that would be able to challenge and engage him. Summa stood out because of their Individual Learning Plans, Project Based Learning, and Mixed Age groups. All of these provide an enriching and challenging academic experience for our son. Their Holistic approach to education, along with their attention to emotional intelligence and age appropriate teaching practices are what make Summa the perfect match for our family. Our son loves school, his teachers and his friends. The educators at Summa are excellent at balancing challenging academics with age appropriate teaching and learning practices. He is active and engaged throughout his day. Thank you Summa!
Dec 6th, 2016

We had great hopes for this school but have pulled our son out after just 7 months.
Nov 14th, 2016

Summa Academy is a remarkable place. Teachers and staff work together to provide a wonderful learning environment. Each Summa day starts with physical exercize, out of doors, weather permitting. Classes are small, so there's time for each student to have the teacher's undivided attention. The classes are engaging and fun for the students. They often work in multi-age/grade groups to come together to complete projects. There are socially and ecologically relevant field trips, including camping out for a few nights, parents participating, too. Music has an important part in the curriculum, too, with parents, staff, and outside musicians coming in to share their gifts. Art holds a conspicuous place at Summa, also, and there's a student art exhibit every year. The atmosphere is both serious and relaxed; serious learning is happening in an unpressured situation. Academics are, of course, the major reason for sending any child to school. At Summa, however, learning social skills is also considered vital. The level of respect between students, and between students and adults, is unmatched in any other Portland-area school. The students are placed in groups with others who are in the same stage of devolpment, rather than being assigned to specific grade levels. While Summa students are expected to contribute in their classes, they are also urged to develop their own particular interests. Parents are a vital part of the Summa educational process, and they learn about childhood from a slightly different perspective than what they previously knew so that they can help support their children as they develop through their years. The teachers and staff work closely with parents so that each child has the best opportunities to flourish. I learned all of this because my granddaughter has been a Summa student for three years. Her life, and the life of her parents, has been transformed. She has become an sociable, confident member of society. Summa is happily her home away from home.
Nov 4th, 2016

Oct 31st, 2016