About Us
Welcome to Portland Elementary, a school rich in history! Portland is the oldest school house in Jefferson County and is situated near Louisville's opening of Ohio River traffic to the west.
The staff at Portland works diligently to provide a strong academic curriculum. Each day, we look toward new horizons through Environmental Studies. Our goal is to help our students prepare for the twenty-first-century economy and lifestyle. We provide engaging instruction that connects students with the world around them through exploration and inquiry. Students participate in field studies connected to the Louisville Zoo, Mammoth Cave, Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Oxmoor Farm and the Food Literacy Project, and the numerous parks and nature centers in Kentucky, in addition to our own schoolyard. By expanding the walls of the classroom and moving instruction outdoors, students gain a richer understanding of science concepts and their applications to the real world. Through Environmental Studies, our students become critical thinkers and problem solvers by learning to ask questions, observe closely, collect data, transfer knowledge, build vocabulary, develop science process skills, and apply concepts.
Portland students take great pride in learning about the rich history of their community. Portland fosters students' desire to be lifelong learners and provides academic opportunities that involve high expectations, in-depth thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Family Resource Center (FRC), and School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council help parents stay actively involved in school.
Vision
Portland is a fully personalized environment where learners receive experiences that are tailored to their specific emotional, cultural and academic needs
Extracurricular Activities
- Basketball Team
- Cheerleading
- Dance Club
- Louisville Visual Arts Club
- Chess Club
- Piano
- Comic Book Club
- Field to Fork
- Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP
Our History
Portland began as a four-room schoolhouse in 1853 in the historic Portland area in Louisville. Its previous address was 34th and High Streets. The building was enlarged and remodeled many times throughout its history. A second story was added in 1900. A new wrap-around addition constructed in 1967 and 1968 enclosed the old structure. The red brick current structure resembles a steamship. Portland is now the oldest school building in continuous use in Kentucky.
Portland Elementary School in 1952
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