Portland is Oregon’s most densely inhabited city and, as such, boasts a diverse student population. The district serves approximately 46,000 pre-K through 12th grade students in 85 regular schools. Forty-four percent of these students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Portland also offers a number of alternative schools, charter schools, and education services to assist students with special needs.

The choice program in Portland began more than 20 years ago as part of a voluntary desegregation plan. At that time, students could attend magnet schools and other options within their neighborhood or use free transportation to attend one of nine cluster options defined by high school feeder patterns. Over the years additional options have been added such as charter schools and community-based alternative schools. In addition, with the depletion of desegregation funds, magnet schools have now become “special focus schools.”