Business Details
23 Years
experience
PreK-12 Independent School in Bend, Oregon
Cascades Academy delivers a transformative educational experience rooted in experiential learning, social-emotional growth, and community engagement. Founded in 2003, we serve students from PreK through 12th grade, emphasizing small class sizes (18-20 students) to foster personalized connections between educators and learners. Our curriculum integrates hands-on projects, outdoor education, and interdisciplinary studies, cultivating critical thinking and lifelong curiosity. Teachers act as mentors, guiding students through academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits while nurturing individuality and ethical responsibility. With a 100% college acceptance rate, we prepare students for higher education and global citizenship through a mastery-based approach that prioritizes depth over breadth.Our commitment to inclusivity ensures a supportive environment where every student feels valued and challenged to excel. The schools 45-acre campus and partnerships with local and global communities extend learning beyond traditional classrooms, emphasizing real-world applications. Annual Traveling School programs immerse students in diverse cultures and environments, reinforcing our mission to inspire goodness and positive impact. Tuition assistance programs ensure accessibility, reflecting our belief that exceptional education should be available to all families. As a leader in innovative pedagogy, Cascades Academy empowers students to become compassionate, capable contributors to society.
Services
PreK-5th Grade Education
6th-8th Grade Middle School
9th-12th Grade Upper School
Outdoor Education Programs
Traveling School Expeditions
Tuition Assistance Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes (18-20 students) for personalized learning.
- Our curriculum integrates experiential learning and outdoor education.
- 100% college acceptance rate with mastery-based academic preparation.
- Dedicated teachers serve as mentors and role models for students.
- Robust tuition assistance ensures accessible, high-quality education for all families.
What people say
Personalized attention
Experiential learning
Supportive community
Outdoor programs
College readiness
Services
PreK-5th Grade Education
Our Lower School program (PreK-5th grade) emphasizes small class sizes, social-emotional learning, and hands-on projects. Students engage in literacy, math, STEM, and arts through the Storyline approach, fostering curiosity and foundational skills. Daily outdoor education and multi-age collaboration build community and leadership.
Middle School Programs
Middle School (6th-8th grade) focuses on transitional growth through competency-based academics, advisory programs, and experiential learning. Courses integrate STEM, humanities, and world languages, while Traveling School trips and IDEA Lab projects develop critical thinking and global awareness.
Upper School Education
Upper School (9th-12th grade) prepares students for college and life through mastery-based curricula, internships, and international expeditions. Courses span advanced sciences, humanities, and electives, culminating in a senior Legacy Project and a dynamic Mastery Transcript for college applications.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education immerses students in nature through Confluence orientation, ski/snowboard days, and Traveling School programs. Activities emphasize environmental stewardship, teamwork, and resilience, aligning with academic themes and social-emotional growth.
Tuition Assistance
Our tuition assistance program commits over $1M annually to ensure accessibility. Need-based aid and flexible payment plans support families, reflecting our mission to provide exceptional education regardless of financial circumstances.
Questions
What grades does Cascades Academy serve?
We serve students from PreK through 12th grade in a continuous PreK-12 program.
Is Cascades Academy accredited?
We are accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Oregon Independent Schools Association (OISA).
What is the student-teacher ratio?
Our average class size is 18-20 students with 61 faculty and staff serving 245 students.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we commit over $1 million annually to tuition assistance programs for qualifying families.
What outdoor programs are available?
Programs include Confluence orientation, ski/snowboard days, Traveling School expeditions, and environmental projects on our 45-acre campus.
How does the school prepare students for college?
Our mastery-based curriculum, 100% college acceptance rate, and four-year counseling program guide students through applications, essays, and career planning.
Reviews (4)
Bea
May 15, 2021
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Small classes are really helpful for everyones learning ability, whether you are a little bit ahead or a little bit behind, or are just looking for a school with great friends. I have had my best friend from first grade and the classes are so tightly knit, I feel like my classmates are family.
Kendra Boos
Nov 09, 2016
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Both of my children attended Cascades Academy and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school. From the teachers to the faculty to the engaged parents and happy children, we could not have asked for a better experience for our kids. Our son was able to pick from each of the 7 colleges he applied to as he was accepted at each one and he attributes his college success to his time spent at Cascades Academy. We love the school and would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging curriculum, experential learning and an amazing educational experience.
Danielle Nye
Aug 13, 2016
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When I think of the experience our children have had over the last 10 years or so I think of solid academics, learning beyond the classroom and a supportive community. The teachers are inspired and inspiring. The experiential component has made learning so much more than a traditional educational environment. Cascades Academy has given them a base that they will draw on for the rest of their lives.
Jenny Green
Aug 01, 2016
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We have been fortunate to send our daughters to Cascades Academy for lower, middle and high school. I simply cannot say enough about their program, their teachers and the community. It is a happy place that fosters a true love of learning.
