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Foundation Tier

Cascade Valley School

Portland, OR

Where sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s the curriculum. A public school in the Pacific Northwest that teaches students to think globally by acting locally.

School Type
Public
Location
Portland, OR
Living Style
Host Family
Tuition Tier
$10,000/yr
Programs
J-1 Exchange
Best For
Environmentally conscious students

Why Cascade Valley School

Where sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s the curriculum.

Environmental Science

An award-winning environmental science program. Students study watershed ecology, sustainable agriculture, and climate science through hands-on field work in Oregon’s forests and rivers.

Progressive Community

Portland is one of America’s most welcoming cities. The school culture is inclusive, creative, and deeply connected to environmental and social responsibility.

Outdoor Classroom

Learning doesn’t stop at the school walls. Weekly field trips to farms, forests, and conservation sites make science tangible and unforgettable.

What GLA Places Students Into

Cascade Valley works with Global Link Advisors through ICESUSA’s exchange program infrastructure.

J-1 Exchange Year

Full academic year with a vetted host family in Portland. Students join regular classes and have full access to the school’s environmental science programs.

Semester Exchange

A one-semester option for students who want Pacific Northwest immersion without a full-year commitment.

Sustainability Capstone

Senior exchange students can participate in the school’s capstone sustainability project — a real community impact initiative.

Academics & Curriculum

A solid public school education with sustainability woven into every subject.

Average Class Size
24 Students
AP Courses
5 Available
IB Program
No
STEM Focus
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Graduation Rate
90%
College Placement
75%

Strong Programs

Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Sustainable Agriculture, Creative Writing, Social Studies

Foreign Languages

Spanish

ESL Support

District ESL support, host family immersion, environmental science vocabulary program, and peer language exchange

Admissions Requirements

What international students need to apply to Cascade Valley School through Global Link Advisors.

English Test Required
Basic English proficiency
GPA Requirement
2.0+ (on 4.0 scale)
Admissions Status
Open via J-1 Sponsor
Application Deadline
April 1 (fall semester)
Age Range
15–18 (Grades 10–12)
Graduation Eligible
No — Certificate of Attendance

Student Life & Extracurriculars

Beyond the classroom, Cascade Valley offers a creative, eco-conscious community where everyone gets involved.

Clubs & Organizations

Environmental Action Club, Garden Committee, Bike Co-op, Film Society, Poetry Slam, Volunteer Network

Arts & Performance

Community murals, ceramics, printmaking, open mic nights, and student documentary festival

Sports

Soccer, cross country, track & field, ultimate frisbee, and cycling. Access to hiking, kayaking, and skiing nearby.

Location & Travel

Getting to Cascade Valley School and what to expect when you arrive.

City
Portland, OR
Region
Pacific Northwest
Nearest Airport
PDX — Portland International
Airport Distance
~20 minutes
Climate
Mild, rainy winters and warm summers
Campus Setting
Urban — Eco-Friendly Campus

Interested in Cascade Valley School?

Tell us about your student. We’ll let you know if Cascade Valley is a fit — and if not, we’ll suggest the school that is.

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