Discover your Potential at Catlin Gabel
Welcome to Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon
Catlin Gabel is a nationally recognized progressive private day school, offering an exceptional education for preschool through 12th grade. We nurture each student’s curiosity and individuality in an inclusive community that values creativity, character, and a lifelong love of learning. Students are empowered to think critically, explore boldly, and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Catlin Gabel News
![Aline Garcia Rubio smiles in the Vollum Courtyard on Catlin Gabel's campus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787694703/catlingabel/xkdjcz4sryojnltcnjju/Aline_Volum_1275x675.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787694703/catlingabel/xkdjcz4sryojnltcnjju/Aline_Volum_1275x675.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787694703/catlingabel/xkdjcz4sryojnltcnjju/Aline_Volum_1275x675.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1787694703/catlingabel/xkdjcz4sryojnltcnjju/Aline_Volum_1275x675.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787694703/catlingabel/xkdjcz4sryojnltcnjju/Aline_Volum_1275x675.jpg","width":1275}])
As the 2026 school year begins, a longtime Catlin Gabel educator and innovator steps into the school’s top leadership role after two decades shaping the Catlin Gabel experience
![Upper school social studies student raises hand in class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784574575/catlingabel/vrz4klkz5mud4wza5jar/9thgradedemocracy.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784574575/catlingabel/vrz4klkz5mud4wza5jar/9thgradedemocracy.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784574575/catlingabel/vrz4klkz5mud4wza5jar/9thgradedemocracy.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784574575/catlingabel/vrz4klkz5mud4wza5jar/9thgradedemocracy.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784574575/catlingabel/vrz4klkz5mud4wza5jar/9thgradedemocracy.png","width":1275}])
In May, Helena Gougeon and Amanda Williams brought Portland's Clean Energy Fund into their 9th grade social studies classroom and asked 80 students to deliberate on the city program as citizens.
![Group of upper school students hiking through woods]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784145677/catlingabel/mwzjfreg7kkfbleobjse/leadershipoutdoors.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784145677/catlingabel/mwzjfreg7kkfbleobjse/leadershipoutdoors.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784145677/catlingabel/mwzjfreg7kkfbleobjse/leadershipoutdoors.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784145677/catlingabel/mwzjfreg7kkfbleobjse/leadershipoutdoors.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784145677/catlingabel/mwzjfreg7kkfbleobjse/leadershipoutdoors.jpg","width":1275}])
For two weeks each spring, Catlin Gabel's Applied Leadership in the Outdoors (ALO) Immersive sends Upper School students into the backcountry to learn what leadership, growth, and community look like outside the classroom.
![Seniors parade around campus with a Catlin Gabel flag]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781298011/catlingabel/utv0xdihvdsru0ykvxu6/HBL-Senior-Parade-May-2026-61.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781298011/catlingabel/utv0xdihvdsru0ykvxu6/HBL-Senior-Parade-May-2026-61.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781298011/catlingabel/utv0xdihvdsru0ykvxu6/HBL-Senior-Parade-May-2026-61.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781298011/catlingabel/utv0xdihvdsru0ykvxu6/HBL-Senior-Parade-May-2026-61.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781298011/catlingabel/utv0xdihvdsru0ykvxu6/HBL-Senior-Parade-May-2026-61.jpg","width":1275}])
Here are a few highlighted awards, achievements, and interesting facts from the Class of 2026.
![A female volleyball player bumps the ball over the net]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780944253/catlingabel/c2udgtue9n868tctngme/AL-US-Varsity-Volleyball-18SEP25-69_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780944253/catlingabel/c2udgtue9n868tctngme/AL-US-Varsity-Volleyball-18SEP25-69_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780944253/catlingabel/c2udgtue9n868tctngme/AL-US-Varsity-Volleyball-18SEP25-69_2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780944253/catlingabel/c2udgtue9n868tctngme/AL-US-Varsity-Volleyball-18SEP25-69_2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780944253/catlingabel/c2udgtue9n868tctngme/AL-US-Varsity-Volleyball-18SEP25-69_2.jpg","width":1275}])
From middle school milestones to state-level success, student-athletes delivered a year of resilience, record-breaking performances, and standout achievements.
![(R to L) Robin Janssen with her family: Eli and Adair Janssen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779997726/catlingabel/rxb8vwylyfp1ygvmzfct/894x712-Robin-Janssen.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779997726/catlingabel/rxb8vwylyfp1ygvmzfct/894x712-Robin-Janssen.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779997726/catlingabel/rxb8vwylyfp1ygvmzfct/894x712-Robin-Janssen.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779997726/catlingabel/rxb8vwylyfp1ygvmzfct/894x712-Robin-Janssen.jpg","width":894}])
The school’s highest honor for volunteering recognizes outstanding contributions to the Catlin Gabel community.
![Students typing on a laptop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771461854/catlingabel/pntee6mdocwxccxaddkw/NASHCO-LS-Academic-Details-April21-5_crop.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771461854/catlingabel/pntee6mdocwxccxaddkw/NASHCO-LS-Academic-Details-April21-5_crop.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771461854/catlingabel/pntee6mdocwxccxaddkw/NASHCO-LS-Academic-Details-April21-5_crop.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771461854/catlingabel/pntee6mdocwxccxaddkw/NASHCO-LS-Academic-Details-April21-5_crop.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771461854/catlingabel/pntee6mdocwxccxaddkw/NASHCO-LS-Academic-Details-April21-5_crop.jpg","width":1275}])
As interest in AI grows, Catlin Gabel is taking a values-driven approach. Educators are exploring how thoughtfully designed AI tools can support teaching, learning, and evaluation — without losing the human touch.
![Aliyah Abodunrin ’29 on left Luna González González ’26 on right standing facing viewer smiling book shelves in background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770153556/catlingabel/jufqwe7k3u8necz0lnfk/1700x900-wings.jpg","width":1700}])
In the Wings mentorship program, seniors support freshmen as they transition into the Upper School, demystifying the experience and offering friendship and guidance.
![Using TED Talks to Teach Students About Ethics, Evidence, and Argumentation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772478492/catlingabel/wljdlbqhlwbiwblnxdth/1275x675_TEDTalks_TB.tiff","width":2200}])
In a cross-curricular Middle School project, students take a deep dive into the scientific method, data collection, and presentation skills.
![classroom with blue carpet two first graders seated in foreground knitting students standing and seated at round tables in background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770153709/catlingabel/x45zi3as1dbjfapxmoe0/1700x900-1st-grade-transitions.jpg","width":1700}])
During the transition to Lower School, students build on their experience and deepen their confidence as independent learners.
Key Facts
30% HIGHER SAT SCORES
compared with national average
51% of student population
identifies as people of color or multiracial
45+ HONORS CLASSES
available to Upper School students
$6.2M IN Financial ASSISTANCE
awarded to 27% of students in 2025-26
12 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
6 sports for Middle School and 8 for Upper School
120 colleges
send representatives annually to recruit student applicants
44 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
spoken by Catlin Gabel students
99% of graduates
attend 4-year college
STUDENT SUCCESS
From Catlin to College
Recent graduates return to campus to share insights into the college experience.
FROM THE CLASSROOM
Using TED Talks to Teach Students About Ethics, Evidence, and Argumentation
In a cross-curricular Middle School project, students take a deep dive into the scientific method, data collection, and presentation skills.
AMAZING EDUCATORS
Supporting Learners with Structure, Presence, and Care
A career educator with decades of classroom experience, our Middle School Academic Dean Megan Mathes is building bridges between students, families, and the school.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Continuity and Curiosity: Leadership in Transition
Outgoing Head of School Tim Bazemore interviews new head Dr. Aline Garcia-Rubio about the future of Catlin Gabel and the value of progressive education.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Parkways (Downtown)
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Join neighborhood families in a leisurely Sunday bike ride in downtown Portland. Stop by the Catlin Gabel tent to learn more about the programs we offer (and get some swag)! No registration required and free to attend!
Beginning & Lower School Playground Playdate
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Catlin Gabel School
Come play with us at Catlin Gabel! Our Saturday morning play dates are relaxed, joy-filled mornings intended for Beginning & Lower School families. Feel free to bring siblings!
Our playground play dates offer a chance to explore our new playground, connect with current parents, and let your little ones have some fun alongside future classmates.
Register in the Admission Portal!
Parent Coffee & Conversation
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Cornell Farm Cafe
Prospective parents interested in Catlin Gabel School are invited to meet with current parents over coffee and pastries. Learn more about what it is like to be a parent at Catlin Gabel and how joining the community has been for new families.
Register in the Admission Portal!
Portland Independent and Private School Fair
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OMSI
Explore private and independent school options at OMSI. Meet representatives from 25+ schools serving preschool through high school and learn more about curriculum, tuition, and financial aid. This event is free and open to all families, no registration required!
Visit the event page for more details.
Beginning & Lower School Playground Playdate
-
Catlin Gabel School
Come play with us at Catlin Gabel! Our Saturday morning play dates are relaxed, joy-filled mornings intended for Beginning & Lower School families. Feel free to bring siblings!
Our playground play dates offer a chance to explore our new playground, connect with current parents, and let your little ones have some fun alongside future classmates.
Register in the Admission Portal!