Oregon Episcopal School Celebrates 150 Years of Opening Minds

Portland, OR. “It is rare for a school to be around for 150 years, especially in Oregon,” Head of School Mo Copeland said at OES’s 1869 Philanthropy Leadership Reception on October 23rd. “One reason we’re here celebrating this milestone is that we’re blessed with strong leadership. We have donors such as you to thank for their time, their generosity, and their continued support of our mission all these years.”

Known for excellence in preparing students for higher education and lifelong learning, Oregon Episcopal School in southwest Portland, celebrated its sesquicentennial at an annual reception for leadership donors. Parents Shubha Venkatesh, Sesha Varadarajan, Dr. Ralph Schweinfurth, and Dr. Leyan Fernandes-Schweinfurth, posed for a photo at the 1869 Philanthropy Leadership Reception.

Founded as St. Helen’s Hall, an independent day and boarding school for young women, the school opened its doors on September 6, 1869, at 4th and Jefferson (today the site of City Hall) with 50 students enrolled. Today, on its fourth campus with 880 students in grade PreK-12, OES remains one of the few independent, co-educational, day and boarding Episcopal schools in the country, and is the oldest school of its kind west of the Rockies.

Parents, alumni, faculty, and staff celebrated the school’s sesquicentennial at the annual reception, with student group Cø7 playing instrumental music in the background.

Board of Trustees Chair Dan Drinkward `95, noted that 2018-19 was a historic fundraising year for the school, with more than $10 million raised in annual giving and for a new athletic facility.

“Because of you, we’re able to make important investments for the classroom today, and the campus in the future,” he said. “Thank you for your leadership!”

From OES:

Among the woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife of the hills of Southwest Portland lies the unique educational experience that is Oregon Episcopal School. The school occupies a 59-acre campus where 870 students in Pre-K– Grade 12 share an excellent faculty, a college preparatory curriculum, and a strong sense of community.

Offering a true liberal arts curriculum, OES is dedicated to scholarship and an enriched academic environment of “learning by doing” that strives to help each individual reach his or her fullest potential. Small classes provide intimate learning environments that allow teachers to instill in each student a love for learning and the joy of discovery. Learn more about our Academic philosophy and Essential Competencies.

The oldest Episcopal school west of the Rockies, OES values developing the spirit as well as the mind. Though steeped in Episcopal heritage and tradition, the school welcomes students of all beliefs. We provide instruction about all major faiths, and encourage individuals to discover their own spiritual path. Learn more about our Episcopal tradition.