Embracing the spirit... Challenging the mind

Chiquitos School is one of the most unique private schools of excellence located in the Pacific Northwest. Situated in Portland Oregon, the ages of focus are from toddler age to third grade.

Chiquitos is the only language immersion school that has launched its own educational approach. The curriculum is the result of intense research of educational philosophies from both the US and around the world. These philosophies include, but are not limited to: Reggio Emilia, Piaget, Montessori, Gardner, Charlotte Mason, and Waldorf. Combined with the founders' experience, knowledge, and vision, the school shattered the barriers of traditional learning and has continued to offer some of the most logical, progressive and advanced programs since 1996.

There are a number of distinctive characteristics that distinguish Chiquitos School as a non-traditional and unique place for children and families to flourish.

Our Philosophy:  Our philosophy, helping children to succeed while discovering the world through all of their senses (listening, touching, tasting, smelling, and looking) is based on what we believe are the essential strategies for the optimal development and growth of the child. Childhood is a time for exploring, creating, discovering, meeting the world, and learning how to learn, which can only be accomplished with the involvement of the five senses.

Open Environment: The daily educational activities are carried out within a setting that has open working areas, instead of in an enclosed classroom. These open working areas help to create an environment that gives children space to explore, and discover, the world through all their senses. Furthermore, it allows the students to be part of the whole school community and to feel a sense of inclusiveness. Integration of these spaces help overcome the message of isolation that in many cases the classroom setting can transmit. Considering that children spend an average of eight hours away from their parents during the school day, Chiquitos is designed to offer an extended home environment incorporating home elements in our campus.

Method of instruction: Chiquitos is a total Spanish immersion school because we believe immersion is the most natural way to learn a language. Furthermore, we have developed dynamic instructional strategies that combine a variety of child appropriate developmental activities that help make language-learning a success. Our highly experienced native speaking teachers, and a rich visual environment, complement the process of learning the language, 100% stress free.

Grouping:  Children are not separated by grade levels at the school. Instead, groups of 4-14 children are formed based on their ability, rather than age, and are designed to meet the needs of every child. This non-traditional approach to schooling provides numerous outlets for the child to be a successful student, and enables the teacher to determine the best steps for optimal emotional and intellectual growth. This approach also allows the educator to know the student as an individual, and allows the accommodation of differences and abilities. Students who are ready for more challenging activities can be moved to the next level if appropriate, whereas others needing more review get the attention they need. The instruction is set to the level and pace needed by each child, thus keeping them engaged and challenged.

We embrace each child in their essence of being children by loving them unconditionally, nurturing, guiding, and setting boundaries.

We challenge each child's mind by inspiring a love for learning. We know that what they learn and how they learn it will not only transform their lives, but the lives of everyone around them.