Creative Hands Preschool

Alberta Rider Elementary School takes its name from the Tigard woman who sold her land to the Tigard-Tualatin School District in 2001 and kept living in her cabin beside the school, where she often came to eat lunch with students, tell stories and play the piano. Today we are a public K-5 school in the district, home of Bolt the Bull. Every student takes music and physical education with specialist teachers, and our parent-volunteer Art Literacy program introduces students to artists, cultures and art mediums. Our support team includes a counselor, a speech-language pathologist, a school psychologist, an English language development teacher and a Family Partnership Advocate who connects families with food support through Packed with Pride and our Caring Closet. We also offer a Talented and Gifted program and No Place for Hate lessons in every grade. The YMCA runs state-licensed before and after school care on campus, with sports, games, art, nature, drama, homework time and snacks. After school, students can join groups such as Ukulele Club and Girls on the Run.

Learning Tree has been independently owned and operated since 1994, when we opened our first preschool, and our Tigard school is one of three locations we run with Tualatin and Canby. Our youngest students are 6-week-old infants and our oldest are 12, and we stay open all year, weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Each age group has its own room and ratio. Infants and toddlers up to 24 months learn with one teacher for every four children, our 2.5-year-old toddler class runs at 1:5, and preschool and Pre-K classes run at 1:10, using learning centers and hands-on projects to build early reading, math and science skills. School-age children join us at a 1:15 ratio before and after their school day for homework help, art and outdoor time. Monthly tuition includes lunch plus snacks in the morning and afternoon, built on USDA guidelines with fresh produce and organic options. We take school-age children to local schools on the public school bus or our own buses and vans, and in summer we offer full and part-time care with field trips. Children play in large outdoor areas and in indoor gyms on rainy days.

Charles F. Tigard Elementary School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for students, particularly those with diverse learning needs, including language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school's core mission revolves around ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to thrive academically and socially. With a focus on innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs, Charles F. Tigard Elementary emphasizes individualized learning approaches that cater to each child's unique strengths and challenges. The school employs a range of programs designed to enhance both educational and social skills, including collaborative activities that teach the importance of teamwork, as demonstrated by engaging events like the annual Field Day. Additionally, specialized classes such as dance provide opportunities for creative expression while fostering confidence among students. The low student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention, allowing educators to build strong relationships with students and their families. What sets Charles F. Tigard Elementary apart is its commitment to strong family partnerships and community involvement, creating a supportive network for students' growth. The recent passage of the district's bond proposal reflects the community's dedication to providing modern, safe learning environments that benefit all students. This collaborative spirit, combined with specialized facilities and unique community events, makes Charles F. Tigard Elementary a remarkable place for children to learn and grow.