Why Catlin Gabel?

A group of students, dressed in colorful athletic wear, seated on a rocky outcrop in France overlooking a lush, forested landscape with text overlay at catlin gabel students take the lead
The image shows beginning school students performing a student led play in the lower school ilbrary wearing student made props and costumes, with the text overlay %22AT CATLIN GABEL COURAGE IS CULTIVATED%22
math teacher rick white and upper school student are standing in front of a whiteboard with mathematical equations written on it. The text overlay %22AT CATLIN GABEL CURIOSITY IS REWARDED%22
A group of upper school volleyball players in blue uniforms are gathered together, embracing and celebrating, text overylay %22AT CATLIN GABEL STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD%22.
upper school students standing together outdoors in upper schoool quad. college counselor joanna fradey in background.  One of the individuals is holding a microphone and speaking, while the others are listening attentively. text overlay in white at catlin gabel courage is cultivated
beginning school students in the woodshop working on projects with beginning school woodshop teacher steve davee and teaching assistant in background text overlay at catlin gabel curiosity is rewarded
A group upper school varsity boys soccer team players wearing blue jerseys with the text %22Catlin Gabel%22 on them, standing together in camaraderie before homecoming game. white text overlay at catlin gabel students take the lead is centered at the bottom of the image.
middle school student engaged in the challenge course obstacle in the forested area of campus text overlay at catlin gabel courage is cultivated
group of students in media arts class setting up a studio shoot with toys and lighting equipment with text overlay %22AT CATLIN GABEL CURIOSITY IS REWARDED%22

Catlin Gabel offers the best education in Oregon. As a private, independent day school, we support students across their entire educational journey—from preschool through 12th grade and beyond—through an experience defined by purposeful challenge, curiosity, and hands-on learning. We are a community of scholars, athletes, artists, scientists, and changemakers—students who are often all of the above.

What We Do Best

An Excellent Education

Hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that sparks curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking.

See Learning in Action

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Extraordinary experiences on and off campus shape courageous, respectful citizens of the world.

Explore Student Experiences

Exceptional Student Outcomes

Students of all backgrounds belong, thrive, and succeed long after Catlin Gabel.

Discover Student Success

What Sets Catlin Gabel Apart

Explore the programs, people, and experiences that define our school.

3rd graders in a purple sweater and 3rd grade teacher kye ginger in a mustard-colored sweater, are smiling and interacting in a classroom

Progressive Education

A student-centered approach to education that sparks curiosity and builds lifelong, engaged learners.

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Math teacher and upper school student are working on a math problem on a whiteboard.

Challenging Academics

A strong academic foundation that challenges students to think deeply, solve problems, and excel.

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A group of preschoolers are engaged in various activities, such as playing with play doh and interacting with each other in their classroom

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning through experiments, research, travel, service, and outdoor exploration.

Beginning & Lower School
Middle School
Upper School

A drone photo taken of catlin gabel campus highlighting the scenic path to schauff circle with brown administrative building toad hall and blue vertical banners on light poles in the background.

Inclusive Community

A diverse, welcoming community where students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a strong sense of belonging.

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A group of upper school students and Director of Engineering Education, are looking down examining a robotics part in robotics workshop surrounded by various shelves and storage containers.

Robotics & Engineering

Hands-on robotics and engineering with opportunities to compete at regional, national, and global levels.

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upper school production of robin hood, three upper school students wearing costumes standing or kneeling on a stage against a dark purple background

Sustained Arts Programming

Robust arts education in music, theater, visual arts, and woodshop across all grades.

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A group of upper school athletes in blue uniforms celebrating together during a volleyball match

Competitive and Inclusive Athletics

A championship-caliber program where all students build skills, confidence, and a love of the game.

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upper school students and college counselor blythe butler are sitting on wooden benches in the upper school quad with pine trees and greenery in the background.

Robust College Counseling

Personalized college guidance with a proven track record of strong outcomes.

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upper school students are standing on a wooden platform overlooking a lush, green mountainous landscape in Japan during a global education trip

Global and Outdoor Education

Students discover the world—and themselves—through immersive travel and outdoor adventure.

Global Eduation
Outdoor Education

upper school students walking along the paths in the upper school quad surrounded by foliage grass and academic buildings

Secular Learning

As Portland’s only secular independent PS–12 school, we welcome diverse perspectives and foster critical thinking.

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drone photo of catlin gabel campus taken during spring time with verdant trees and foliage and academic buildings

67-Acre Campus

Forests, fields, playgrounds, laboratories, theaters, and studios where students learn, explore, and grow.

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Eagle Voices

At Catlin Gabel, we prepare and inspire our students to lead authentic, purposeful lives. Hear what our students, alumni, and faculty have to say about Catlin Gabel in their own words.

Ian W. ’28

Going All-In on Co-Curriculars

Niah S. ’23

Becoming a Bold Learner

Hayley S. ’26

Student First, Athlete Always

Hridhaan G. ’29

Becoming a Student Leader

Derek Kanerek
Head of Upper School

Supporting New Students

Nick Zosel-Johnson
Head of Beginning & Lower School

Becoming a Bold Learner

Lindsay Babbitt
Director of Outdoor Education

Creating a Space for Everyone

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Discover everything you need to know about our application process.

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