The Story of HELP-PDX
"Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better."
​Maya Angelou
Our Story
Higher Elevations Learning Place is built on a simple ideal: We believe that authentic learning and growth emerge not from comfort, but from the exhilarating work of pushing boundaries and daring to challenge ourselves. Through our play-based curriculum, we create purposeful moments of challenge—invitations for our children to stretch beyond what they thought possible, to stumble and rise again, to discover capacities they didn't know they possessed.
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The mountain in our logo isn't just an image; it's the beating heart of our story. For Desi and me, it embodies the journeys we've taken—both literal ascents and the metaphorical climbs we've navigated together. We carry this symbol into our school as a living reminder: success is never a straight path upward. It's tangled with missteps and setbacks, scraped knees and uncertain footing. Every summit requires not just grit and determination, but also the outstretched hands of those who climb alongside us—the compassion, encouragement, and steady presence of our community.
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When we look out for each other, when we belay one another through the challenging passages, higher elevations become not just possible, but inevitable. This is the ethos we breathe into every corner of our learning place.
Our Mission
Welcome to Higher Elevations Learning Place, where children, families, and educators learn with one another in a joyful, intentional community. Our program is thoughtfully inspired by the best of Reggio Emilia and Montessori practices—honoring each child as curious, capable, and ready to explore their world with purpose and wonder. For our infants and wobblers, we embrace the RIE model, prioritizing respectful caregiving, responsive relationships, and opportunities for the youngest learners to develop confidence through self-initiated movement and discovery.
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Across every classroom, playful inquiry drives our approach: children investigate meaningful questions, experiment with materials, and pursue ideas that reflect their unique interests and cultural identities. We weave anti-bias practices into daily experiences, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to celebrate both differences and shared connections. To support deeper thinking, we integrate the Habits of Mind, nurturing persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and flexible thinking from the earliest ages.
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Family partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. Through reflective models of engagement, we listen closely, learn collaboratively, and build relationships grounded in trust and shared aspirations for each child. Together, we create a learning community where children thrive, families feel honored, and educators continually grow.
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At Higher Elevations Learning Place, we elevate not just children's learning, but the entire ecosystem that surrounds them—one family, one partnership, one community connection at a time.
Our Tools & Foundational Supports
At Higher Elevations Learning Place, we rely on a range of tools and community partnerships to support children and families. Our primary communication platform, Brightwheel, provides families with real-time updates, including photos, videos, and daily reports, while also offering a secure system for invoicing and tuition payments.
Our Cascade classrooms benefit from weekly visits through the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) Reading Program, where dedicated volunteer readers help foster a deep love of literacy in young learners. Learn more about the SMART Reading Program here.
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Additionally, our Parent Advisory Council plays a vital role in guiding school improvements, strengthening family connections, and shaping the direction of our program.
