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Coordinates: 45°31′36″N 122°41′36″W / 45.52669°N 122.69332°W / 45.52669; -122.69332
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{{About|the school in Portland, Oregon|the school in Bloomfield, Connecticut|Metropolitan Learning Center (Bloomfield, Connecticut)}}
{{About|the school in Portland, Oregon|the school in Bloomfield, Connecticut|Metropolitan Learning Center (Bloomfield, Connecticut)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
| name = Metropolitan Learning Center
| name = Metropolitan Learning Center
| image = MLCYinYang.jpg
| image = Couch_School-1.jpg
| streetaddress = 2033 NW Glisan Street
| streetaddress = 2033 NW Glisan Street
| city = [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]
| city = [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]
Line 14: Line 15:
| opened = 1968<ref name="Guernsey 1968" />
| opened = 1968<ref name="Guernsey 1968" />
| district = [[Portland Public Schools (Oregon)|Portland Public Schools]]
| district = [[Portland Public Schools (Oregon)|Portland Public Schools]]
| principal = Mark VanHoomissen
| principal = Suezann Kitchens
| grades = K–12
| grades = K–12
| conference = [[OSAA]]
| conference = [[OSAA]]
Line 20: Line 21:
| rival =
| rival =
| newspaper =
| newspaper =
| picture = Couch_School-1.jpg
| picture =
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| campus =
| campus =
| students = 404 (2018 enrollment)
| students = 427 (2016–2017 enrollment)<ref name="pps-profile">{{cite web |title=School Profiles & Enrollment Data 2016-2017 |url=https://www.pps.net/cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/207/SchoolProfiles2016-17.pdf#page=253 |publisher=[[Portland Public Schools (Oregon)|Portland Public Schools]] |accessdate=December 1, 2017 |page=249}}</ref>
| mascot image =
| mascot image =
| homepage = [http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/mlc/ Official school website]
| homepage = [https://www.pps.net/mlc Official school website]
}}
}}


{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Couch School Building
| name = Couch School Building
| nrhp_type = cp | nocat = yes
| nrhp_type = cp
| nocat = yes
| partof = Alphabet Historic District
| partof = Alphabet Historic District
| partof_refnum = 00001293
| partof_refnum = 00001293
| image =
| image = MLC east entrance detail - Portland Oregon.jpg
| caption =
| caption =
| alt =
| alt =
| area =
⚫
| built = 1915
| area =
⚫
| architect = [[Floyd Naramore]]
⚫
| built = 1915
⚫
| architecture = [[Tudor Revival architecture|Tudor Revival]]
⚫
| architect = [[Floyd Naramore]]
⚫
| architecture = [[Tudor Revival architecture|Tudor Revival]]
}}
}}


The '''Metropolitan Learning Center''' (MLC) is an alternative public school serving K–12 students in [[Portland, Oregon]], [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jennifer Anderson |title=School leadership stumbles over race |url=http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/156799-school-leadership-stumbles-over-race |accessdate=December 1, 2017 |work=Portland Tribune |date=July 18, 2013 |quote=[MLC is] in a category of its own as Portland Public Schools’ only K-12 alternative school...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Learning Center: About Us |url=https://www.pps.net/domain/2293|publisher=Portland Public Schools |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903105211/https://www.pps.net/domain/2293 |archivedate=September 3, 2017 |url-status=live |quote=Metropolitan Learning Center is a K-12 alternative school in Portland, Oregon...}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Nicole Dungca |title=Portland schools superintendent criticizes Metropolitan Learning Center parents over complaints about principal |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/05/portland_schools_superintenden_5.html |work=OregonLive |date=May 7, 2014}}</ref>
The '''Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC)''' is an alternative public school serving K–12 students in [[Portland, Oregon]], [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jennifer Anderson |title=School leadership stumbles over race |url=http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/156799-school-leadership-stumbles-over-race |access-date=December 1, 2017 |work=Portland Tribune |date=July 18, 2013 |quote=[MLC is] in a category of its own as Portland Public Schools’ only K-12 alternative school...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Learning Center: About Us |url=https://www.pps.net/domain/2293|publisher=Portland Public Schools |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903105211/https://www.pps.net/domain/2293 |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |url-status=live |quote=Metropolitan Learning Center is a K-12 alternative school in Portland, Oregon...}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Nicole Dungca |title=Portland schools superintendent criticizes Metropolitan Learning Center parents over complaints about principal |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/05/portland_schools_superintenden_5.html |work=OregonLive |date=May 7, 2014}}</ref>

The school is located adjacent to [[Couch Park]]. The playground at Couch Park doubles as the playground for the school.


==History==
==History==
Line 54: Line 58:
|publisher = University of Oregon Libraries
|publisher = University of Oregon Libraries
|url = http://boundless.uoregon.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/archpnw&CISOPTR=20839&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
|url = http://boundless.uoregon.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/archpnw&CISOPTR=20839&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
|accessdate = January 22, 2014
|access-date = January 22, 2014
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140201171428/http://boundless.uoregon.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Farchpnw&CISOPTR=20839&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140201171428/http://boundless.uoregon.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Farchpnw&CISOPTR=20839&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
|archivedate = February 1, 2014
|archive-date = February 1, 2014
|url-status = dead
|url-status = dead
}}</ref> would be torn down, and a new Couch School would be built in 1914 at a cost of $177,000.<ref>{{cite web
}}</ref> would be torn down, and a new Couch School would be built in 1914 at a cost of $177,000.<ref>{{cite web
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| publisher = Oregon State Historic Preservation Office; Portland Public Schools
| publisher = Oregon State Historic Preservation Office; Portland Public Schools
| url = http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/schoolmodernization/Metropolitan_Learning_Center_ILS.pdf
| url = http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/schoolmodernization/Metropolitan_Learning_Center_ILS.pdf
| accessdate = January 22, 2014
| access-date = January 22, 2014
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924080805/http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/schoolmodernization/Metropolitan_Learning_Center_ILS.pdf
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924080805/http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/schoolmodernization/Metropolitan_Learning_Center_ILS.pdf
|archivedate = September 24, 2015
|archive-date = September 24, 2015
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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===Metropolitan Learning Center===
===Metropolitan Learning Center===
In 1968, Portland Public Schools began an experimental study environment at Couch School designated the Metropolitan Learning Center. Starting with 150 students from Couch School and other sites, the center encouraged students to create their own instructional environment—students were free to pursue subjects that interested them rather than following a strict curriculum set by teachers. Moreover, students were not grouped by age and did not receive grades. The center worked with [[Portland State University|Portland State College]], later Portland State University, and [[Reed College]] to offer student teachers a central role in classroom instruction.<ref name="Guernsey 1968">{{cite news |last=Guernsey |first=John |title=Children Come And Go As They Please, Work At Own Pace, Receive No Grades |work=The Oregonian |page=41 |date=October 8, 1968}}</ref>
In 1968, Portland Public Schools began an experimental study environment at Couch School designated the Metropolitan Learning Center. Starting with 150 students from Couch School and other sites, the center encouraged students to create their own instructional environment—students were free to pursue subjects that interested them rather than following a strict curriculum set by teachers. Moreover, students were not grouped by age and did not receive grades. The center worked with [[Portland State University|Portland State College]], later Portland State University, and [[Reed College]] to offer student teachers a central role in classroom instruction.<ref name="Guernsey 1968">{{cite news |last=Guernsey |first=John |title=Children Come And Go As They Please, Work At Own Pace, Receive No Grades |work=The Oregonian |page=41 |date=October 8, 1968}}</ref>


Couch School and MLC shared the same principal, Amasa Gilman. According to Gilman, the plan resulted in fewer discipline problems and higher attendance than at the conventional Couch School.<ref name="Guernsey 1968"/> Gilman continued as principal of MLC until 1975, when Portland Public Schools transferred him to a new location. His removal sparked protests among MLC students and staff.<ref>{{cite news |author=Danny Moran |title=Amasa Gilman, 90, an eccentric educator and artist was founding principal of Metropolitan Learning Center |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/02/amasa_gilman_90.html |accessdate=September 4, 2018 |work=OregonLive |date=February 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Casey Parks |title=Metropolitan Learning Center controversy reflects administrators' 'incredible lack of understanding' about school's roots, Rep. Lew Frederick says |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/05/metropolitan_learning_center_c_3.html |accessdate=September 4, 2018 |work=OregonLive |date=May 9, 2014}}</ref>
Couch School and MLC shared the same principal, Amasa Gilman. According to Gilman, the plan resulted in fewer discipline problems and higher attendance than at the conventional Couch School.<ref name="Guernsey 1968"/> Gilman continued as principal of MLC until 1975, when Portland Public Schools transferred him to a new location. His removal sparked protests among MLC students and staff.<ref>{{cite news |author=Danny Moran |title=Amasa Gilman, 90, an eccentric educator and artist was founding principal of Metropolitan Learning Center |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/02/amasa_gilman_90.html |access-date=September 4, 2018 |work=OregonLive |date=February 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Casey Parks |title=Metropolitan Learning Center controversy reflects administrators' 'incredible lack of understanding' about school's roots, Rep. Lew Frederick says |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/05/metropolitan_learning_center_c_3.html |access-date=September 4, 2018 |work=OregonLive |date=May 9, 2014}}</ref>


Eventually, the distinction between the conventional Couch School and the experimental learning center it was hosting was dropped, and the entire school came to be known as the Metropolitan Learning Center.{{when?|date=September 2018}}
A couple years after 1968, the distinction between the conventional Couch School and the experimental learning center it was hosting was dropped, and the entire school came to be known as the Metropolitan Learning Center.

In 2016, the [[2016 Portland gas explosion|Northwest District gas explosion]] occurred two and a half blocks away from MLC while many 10th grade students were taking their [[PSAT/NMSQT]] tests. Students were evacuated to the school district headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Portland firm says subcontractor hit gas line in NW Portland gas blast|url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/portland-firm-says-subcontractor-hit-gas-line-in-nw-portland-gas-blast/283-338404014|access-date=2020-07-08|website=kgw.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 15, 2018, MLC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a celebration attended by current and former students, faculty, and community members. The event featured various exhibits on the school and neighborhood's history as well as a panel discussion and Q&A with [[Oregon State Senate|Oregon State Senator]] [[Lew Frederick]] as well as a few former students and the children of the school's founders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sparling |first=Zane |date=2018-09-16 |title=MLC relives 50 years of offbeat education in Portland |url=https://www.portlandtribune.com/news/mlc-relives-50-years-of-offbeat-education-in-portland/article_9c1c92ce-c1b8-5388-a8c5-db11bbfcf389.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=PortlandTribune.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, the playground at the adjacent [[Couch Park]], which is used as the school's playground, was re-designed and replaced with an inclusive playground. The playground was designed in part by MLC students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Couch Park {{!}} Portland.gov |url=https://www.portland.gov/parks/couch-park |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.portland.gov |language=en}}</ref>


==Student profile==
==Student profile==
In 2016, 91% of the school's seniors received their [[high school diploma]]. Of 35 students, 33 graduated and 2 dropped out.<ref name="schools guide">[http://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/ "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide"]. The Oregonian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20171201184247/https://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/ Archived] from the original on December 1, 2017.</ref> The student population during the same year was 79.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, 1.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 7% mixed race.<ref name="pps-profile" /> As of 2017, less than five percent of MLC students are learning English as a second language.<ref>[https://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/#schoolstats "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide"]. The Oregonian. Retrieved December 1, 2017.</ref>
In 2016, 91% of the school's seniors received their [[high school diploma]]. Of 35 students, 33 graduated and 2 dropped out.<ref name="schools guide">[http://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/ "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide"]. The Oregonian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20171201184247/https://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/ Archived] from the original on December 1, 2017.</ref> The student population during the same year was 79.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, 1.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 7% mixed race.<ref name="pps-profile">{{cite web |title=School Profiles & Enrollment Data 2016-2017 |url=https://www.pps.net/cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/207/SchoolProfiles2016-17.pdf#page=253 |publisher=[[Portland Public Schools (Oregon)|Portland Public Schools]] |access-date=December 1, 2017 |page=249}}</ref> As of 2017, less than five percent of MLC students are learning English as a second language.<ref>[https://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/#schoolstats "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide"]. The Oregonian. Retrieved December 1, 2017.</ref>

In 2022, 20 out of 21 students graduated, and 1 dropped out.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metropolitan Learning Center :: Schools Guide - The Oregonian|url=https://schools.oregonlive.com/school/Portland/Metropolitan-Learning-Center/|access-date=2023-06-06|website=The Oregonian - OregonLive.com|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Academics==
==Academics==
According to MLC's 2017–2018 school profile, the school began "as a challenge to the notion that educational rewards must be
According to MLC's 2017–2018 school profile, the school began "as a challenge to the notion that educational rewards must be
extrinsic and maintains the belief that personal relationships between staff and students are
extrinsic and maintains the belief that personal relationships between staff and students are
paramount."<ref name="MLC profile">{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Learning Center 2017-2018 School Profile |url=https://www.pps.net//cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/2293/2017-2018%20Metropolitan_Learning_Center_PROFILE.pdf |publisher=Portland Public Schools |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202235208/https://www.pps.net//cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/2293/2017-2018%20Metropolitan_Learning_Center_PROFILE.pdf |archivedate=December 2, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Accordingly, MLC does not issue letter grades, instead using a four category rating system ("Exceeds", "Proficient", "Developing", or "Does Not Meet") to evaluate students. Each category is assigned a grade point average range to show how the ratings can be translated onto a 4.0 scale.<ref name="MLC profile" />
paramount."<ref name="MLC profile">{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Learning Center 2017-2018 School Profile |url=https://www.pps.net//cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/2293/2017-2018%20Metropolitan_Learning_Center_PROFILE.pdf |publisher=Portland Public Schools |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202235208/https://www.pps.net//cms/lib/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/2293/2017-2018%20Metropolitan_Learning_Center_PROFILE.pdf |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Accordingly, MLC does not issue letter grades, instead using a four category rating system ("Exceeds", "Proficient", "Developing", or "Does Not Meet") to evaluate students. Each category is assigned a grade point average range to show how the ratings can be translated onto a 4.0 scale.<ref name="MLC profile" />


== Athletics and Extra-curriculars ==
== Athletics and Extra-curriculars ==
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Elementary and Middle school students sign up for electives which take place two or three times a week in the afternoon. Each term brings new elective choices which are taught by teachers, parents, older students, and other volunteers on a variety of subjects.
Elementary and Middle school students sign up for electives which take place two or three times a week in the afternoon. Each term brings new elective choices which are taught by teachers, parents, older students, and other volunteers on a variety of subjects.


The High School has multiple clubs including a yearbook club. The now defunct Portland Chapter of the [[National Youth Rights Association]], known as the Portland Student Rights Association, was based at MLC.
The High School has multiple clubs including a yearbook club.


== In Popular Culture ==
⚫
==Notable alumni==
The beginning of the 1993 made-for-TV short film Without Warning: Terror in the Towers with [[James Avery]], [[George Clooney]], and [[Andre Braugher]] was filmed on the blacktop of MLC.

In [[Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey]], MLC is used as the interior of Jamie's school.

A scene in [[Drugstore Cowboy]] showed the characters escaping and passing MLC.

Some interior shots of [[Mr. Holland's Opus]] starring [[Richard Dreyfuss]] were filmed at MLC.

⚫
==Notable alumni and faculty==

=== Alumni ===

* [[Max Records]], actor
* [[Rebecca Skloot]], writer
* [[Tanya Barfield]], playwright

=== Faculty ===

* [[Lew Frederick]], member of the [[Oregon House of Representatives]] and [[Oregon State Senate|Oregon State Senator]]

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:MLC Hallway.jpg|A hallway in the basement
File:MaxRecordsCCJuly09.jpg|[[Max Records]], Actor
File:MLC Library.jpg|The Outside of the Library
File:Rebecca skloot 2010.jpg|[[Rebecca Skloot]], Science writer and author
File:Tanya Barfield.jpg|[[Tanya Barfield]], playwright
File:MLC Office.jpg|The door to the Main Office
File:Couch School in March.jpg|"Couch School" engraving
File:Lew Frederick 2012 (cropped).jpg|[[Lew Frederick]] (teacher), [[Oregon State Senate|Oregon State Senator]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]-[[Oregon's 22nd House district|22]])
File:MLC south entrance detail - Portland Oregon.jpg|"C. E. S." engraving
File:Northwest Doors at Couch School.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{Northwest District, Portland, Oregon}}
{{Northwest District, Portland, Oregon}}
{{Portland Public Schools}}
{{Portland Public Schools}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:1915 establishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:1915 establishments in Oregon]]
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[[Category:Historic district contributing properties in Oregon]]
[[Category:Historic district contributing properties in Oregon]]
[[Category:Tudor Revival architecture in Oregon]]
[[Category:Tudor Revival architecture in Oregon]]
⚫
[[Category:Northwest District, Portland, Oregon]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Portland, Oregon]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Portland, Oregon]]
[[Category:School buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Oregon]]
[[Category:School buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Oregon]]
⚫
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Northwest District, Portland, Oregon]]

Latest revision as of 03:43, 13 June 2024

This article is about the school in Portland, Oregon. For the school in Bloomfield, Connecticut, see Metropolitan Learning Center (Bloomfield, Connecticut).

Metropolitan Learning Center
Address
Map
2033 NW Glisan Street

Portland
,
Multnomah County
,
Oregon
97209

United States
Coordinates45°31′36″N 122°41′36″W / 45.52669°N 122.69332°W / 45.52669; -122.69332
Information
TypePublic
Opened1968[1]
School districtPortland Public Schools
PrincipalSuezann Kitchens
GradesK–12
Number of students404 (2018 enrollment)
Athletics conferenceOSAA
WebsiteOfficial school website
Couch School Building
Built1915
ArchitectFloyd Naramore
Architectural styleTudor Revival
Part ofAlphabet Historic District (ID00001293)

The Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) is an alternative public school serving K–12 students in Portland, Oregon, United States.[2][3][4]

The school is located adjacent to Couch Park. The playground at Couch Park doubles as the playground for the school.

History

[edit]

Couch School

[edit]

In 1913 Portland voters were asked to consider a school budget that included new construction to modernize Portland schools. The dilapidated "Couch School", an 1883 structure that had recently closed to contain an outbreak of smallpox,[5][6] would be torn down, and a new Couch School would be built in 1914 at a cost of $177,000.[7]

The architect for the new school was Floyd Naramore, newly employed as architect and superintendent for Portland Public Schools. Naramore was responsible for many Portland school designs including Benson Polytechnic High School and Shattuck School.[8] Reflecting modern standards of the day, Tudor Revival was chosen as the style for Couch School.

Both the 1883 school and the 1914 school were named for Captain John Heard Couch, an early settler whose land became known as the Couch Addition when Northwest Portland was platted.

Metropolitan Learning Center

[edit]

In 1968, Portland Public Schools began an experimental study environment at Couch School designated the Metropolitan Learning Center. Starting with 150 students from Couch School and other sites, the center encouraged students to create their own instructional environment—students were free to pursue subjects that interested them rather than following a strict curriculum set by teachers. Moreover, students were not grouped by age and did not receive grades. The center worked with Portland State College, later Portland State University, and Reed College to offer student teachers a central role in classroom instruction.[1]

Couch School and MLC shared the same principal, Amasa Gilman. According to Gilman, the plan resulted in fewer discipline problems and higher attendance than at the conventional Couch School.[1] Gilman continued as principal of MLC until 1975, when Portland Public Schools transferred him to a new location. His removal sparked protests among MLC students and staff.[9][10]

A couple years after 1968, the distinction between the conventional Couch School and the experimental learning center it was hosting was dropped, and the entire school came to be known as the Metropolitan Learning Center.

In 2016, the Northwest District gas explosion occurred two and a half blocks away from MLC while many 10th grade students were taking their PSAT/NMSQT tests. Students were evacuated to the school district headquarters.[11]

On September 15, 2018, MLC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a celebration attended by current and former students, faculty, and community members. The event featured various exhibits on the school and neighborhood's history as well as a panel discussion and Q&A with Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick as well as a few former students and the children of the school's founders.[12]

In 2019, the playground at the adjacent Couch Park, which is used as the school's playground, was re-designed and replaced with an inclusive playground. The playground was designed in part by MLC students.[13]

Student profile

[edit]

In 2016, 91% of the school's seniors received their high school diploma. Of 35 students, 33 graduated and 2 dropped out.[14] The student population during the same year was 79.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, 1.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 7% mixed race.[15] As of 2017, less than five percent of MLC students are learning English as a second language.[16]

In 2022, 20 out of 21 students graduated, and 1 dropped out.[17]

Academics

[edit]

According to MLC's 2017–2018 school profile, the school began "as a challenge to the notion that educational rewards must be extrinsic and maintains the belief that personal relationships between staff and students are paramount."[18] Accordingly, MLC does not issue letter grades, instead using a four category rating system ("Exceeds", "Proficient", "Developing", or "Does Not Meet") to evaluate students. Each category is assigned a grade point average range to show how the ratings can be translated onto a 4.0 scale.[18]

Athletics and Extra-curriculars

[edit]

MLC had a short-lived high school basketball team called the Underdogs. Elementary and Middle schoolers often have their own rec sports teams through Portland Parks & Recreation.

Elementary and Middle school students sign up for electives which take place two or three times a week in the afternoon. Each term brings new elective choices which are taught by teachers, parents, older students, and other volunteers on a variety of subjects.

The High School has multiple clubs including a yearbook club.

[edit]

The beginning of the 1993 made-for-TV short film Without Warning: Terror in the Towers with James Avery, George Clooney, and Andre Braugher was filmed on the blacktop of MLC.

In Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, MLC is used as the interior of Jamie's school.

A scene in Drugstore Cowboy showed the characters escaping and passing MLC.

Some interior shots of Mr. Holland's Opus starring Richard Dreyfuss were filmed at MLC.

Notable alumni and faculty

[edit]

Alumni

[edit]

Faculty

[edit]
[edit]
  • A hallway in the basement
    A hallway in the basement
  • The Outside of the Library
    The Outside of the Library
  • The door to the Main Office
    The door to the Main Office
  • "Couch School" engraving
    "Couch School" engraving
  • "C. E. S." engraving
    "C. E. S." engraving

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Guernsey, John (October 8, 1968). "Children Come And Go As They Please, Work At Own Pace, Receive No Grades". The Oregonian. p. 41.
  2. ^ Jennifer Anderson (July 18, 2013). "School leadership stumbles over race". Portland Tribune. Retrieved December 1, 2017. [MLC is] in a category of its own as Portland Public Schools' only K-12 alternative school...
  3. ^ "Metropolitan Learning Center: About Us". Portland Public Schools. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. Metropolitan Learning Center is a K-12 alternative school in Portland, Oregon...
  4. ^ Nicole Dungca (May 7, 2014). "Portland schools superintendent criticizes Metropolitan Learning Center parents over complaints about principal". OregonLive.
  5. ^ "Taxpayers to Decide Tonight". The Oregonian. November 25, 1913. p. 10.
  6. ^ "Couch School House (Portland, Oregon)". University of Oregon Libraries. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  7. ^ "Oregon Historic Site Form: Metropolitan Learning Center" (PDF). Oregon State Historic Preservation Office; Portland Public Schools. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  8. ^ Ritz, Richard Ellison (March 2003). Architects of Oregon. Portland, Oregon: Lair Hill Publishing. p. 293. ISBN 0-9726200-2-8.
  9. ^ Danny Moran (February 1, 2013). "Amasa Gilman, 90, an eccentric educator and artist was founding principal of Metropolitan Learning Center". OregonLive. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  10. ^ Casey Parks (May 9, 2014). "Metropolitan Learning Center controversy reflects administrators' 'incredible lack of understanding' about school's roots, Rep. Lew Frederick says". OregonLive. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  11. ^ "Portland firm says subcontractor hit gas line in NW Portland gas blast". kgw.com. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  12. ^ Sparling, Zane (September 16, 2018). "MLC relives 50 years of offbeat education in Portland". PortlandTribune.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  13. ^ "Couch Park | Portland.gov". www.portland.gov. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  14. ^ "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017.
  15. ^ "School Profiles & Enrollment Data 2016-2017" (PDF). Portland Public Schools. p. 249. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  16. ^ "Metropolitan Learning Center: Schools Guide". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  17. ^ "Metropolitan Learning Center :: Schools Guide - The Oregonian". The Oregonian - OregonLive.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Metropolitan Learning Center 2017-2018 School Profile" (PDF). Portland Public Schools. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2017.
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