ACCESS Academy Alternative Program
6318 S Corbett Ave.
Portland
OR
97239
(503) 916-6482
Frequently Asked Questions
Please do not call our front office with questions. Read through the entire FAQ.
If your questions are unanswered, please attend one of our virtual information sessions.
ABOUT
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is an alternative school designed for highly accelerated students in grades 2-8. The program provides both advanced curriculum and social-emotional support to students in the Portland Public School District who have scored in the 99th percentile on a nationally-normed test. Find further eligibility requirements here.
Who are ACCESS students?
We believe in equitable access to ACCESS for students from all demographics. We acknowledge that historically, numerous groups of students have been underserved by TAG services nationwide, and we do not accept that this is the way it must be. We are explicit in our work to make sure that ACCESS is for BIPOC students, female and non-binary students, linguistically diverse students, differently-abled students, students without high socioeconomic privilege, and all other varieties of students. We know that there is no one way that highly gifted students look, sound, or behave, and we know that we are a stronger learning community because we have differences. We are committed to being the model program for highly gifted students in PPS and the state of Oregon, based on the pillars of a strong community of belonging and meeting the appropriate rates and levels of curriculum needs of our students in a way that is culturally responsive and differentiated.
ACCESS students come from diverse backgrounds and live in neighborhoods all over the district. ACCESS students may be accelerated in a single subject area or in many, and may have a high degree of asynchrony between subjects. Many ACCESS students have interests and strengths in art, music, leadership, dance, athletics, and other activities. As a community, we highly value meeting each child where they are, both academically and emotionally. Like other PPS schools, our counselors handle the 504 case load. We also have a Special Education Learning Center for those on IEPs.
How does ACCESS support the intellectual needs of accelerated students?
ACCESS teachers extend the District’s Core Curriculum by:
- Providing accelerated, deeper, and project-based learning opportunities;
- Grouping students for reading and writing workshops at their ability level;
- Placing all students in the math class at their ability level, rather than their grade level. Students are assessed frequently and moved as needed;
- Offering extra support for time management, organization, and other executive functions as needed.
How does ACCESS support the social-emotional needs of accelerated students?
ACCESS brings students together from across the district to create a robust accelerated peer group. Students and parents often speak of fitting in and feeling a strong sense of belonging at ACCESS. As a community, we highly value the emotional and academic growth of each child. Support includes:
- Opportunities for developing and deepening social emotional skills are integrated into the curriculum by teachers
- Optional clubs, after-school programs, a talent show, and other community-building activities
- A full-time counselor and a part-time counselor to provide weekly guidance classes, one-on-one support, social clubs, support for students with 504 plans, and other activities
- A Special Education Learning Center to support students with IEPs
APPLICATION & LOTTERY & TOURS
How can we decide if ACCESS might be a good fit for our qualified student? Can we schedule a tour to decide if ACCESS is right for my child?
The decision to change schools is not easy, especially for families with students for whom transitions are challenging. If your child has a qualifying score and you are considering enrolling at ACCESS, we highly recommend starting by attending one of our virtual information sessions. These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of our program, curriculum, and school community. We also have PTA volunteers who are happy to connect with prospective families and share their experiences.
To minimize disruption to classroom learning, we offer in-person tours only to families of students who have been offered a seat through the lottery. If your child is offered a spot, we will reach out with information about how to schedule an in-person visit. If you are still undecided after attending a virtual information session, we encourage you to submit an application. Applying is free, and you will not be asked to make a final decision without first having the opportunity to visit the school in person.
How do we apply to ACCESS?
Complete the lottery application through ParentVue DURING the application window. You will not be able to view the application prior to the opening of application window in February. More information can be found on our how to apply page.
How many open seats are there per grade level for the 2026-27 school year?
Every grade is anticipated to have empty slots to fill. Waitlists will be kept and candidates pulled as openings become available throughout the school year. Typically, the most spots are found in 2nd, 3rd and 6th grade. However, there are openings in all grades and families at every grade level are encouraged to apply. Lottery slots are updated at https://www.pps.net/Page/10354.
What are the odds of getting a spot at ACCESS?
Lottery data from prior years is available at https://www.pps.net/departments/enrollment-transfer/transfer-english/lottery/lottery-slots.
When will parents receive lottery results?
Results will be communicated in within 5-8 weeks after the application deadline.
What happens if a student is eligible but does not get in via the lottery?
Students will also be placed on a waitlist and notified if a spot opens for them at ACCESS at any time during the school year. Please feel free to contact the PPS TAG Department regarding TAG services at your neighborhood school.
Are waitlisted families given a waitlist number?
Yes, but the numbers may be delayed until after the first round of acceptances are due.
Is the lottery a random drawing or are there other factors that influence the selection process?
Income eligibility preference is applied before Co-enrolled Sibling preference. There is also a small weighted factory for gender. https://www.pps.net/departments/enrollment-transfer/transfer-english/lottery/lottery-logic
Is there any lottery preference for siblings if one is selected?
If one sibling is selected and accepts a spot, siblings will then have priority over general applicants and may move up the waitlist.
Do I have to apply to ACCESS every school year for a current ACCESS student?
No.
If a child does not get in via the lottery the first year, do their odds improve in subsequent years?
No, students are not given priority in subsequent lotteries for ACCESS.
TRANSPORTATION
Does Portland Public Schools offer transportation to ACCESS?
Yes. PPS provides free busing from all areas of the city to ensure the services ACCESS provides are available to students districtwide. Current bus routes can be found here.
Are there buses for after school enrichments?
No.
Are the PM buses the same for elementary and middle school students with the different release times?
All buses depart after the middle school students are released. Buses typically leave at 3:40pm.
Are the bus rides long?
Some of the stops have an hour-long ride. But with the morning and afternoon bus rides bookending the school day, some parents find they don't need aftercare. Also, many students enjoy the bus rides, having extra time with friends.
GENERAL SCHOOL INFO
What are the school day hours?
Grades 2-5: 8:45am - 3:15pm / Grades 6-8: 8:45am - 3:30pm
Is school lunch provided free for all kids?
Yes, PPS provides free breakfast and lunch for all students.
Can students return to their original school is ACCESS if not a good fit?
Yes, absolutely.
What is the average number of students per class?
Our elementary classrooms range from 20-25 students; middle school classrooms range from 20-30 students.
Do most kids return to their neighborhood school for high school?
Students have the option to attend their neighborhood high school. Students have also been allowed to opt to attend Grant High School. This option has historically been offered to allow ACCESS students to remain with their cohort. Every year ACCESS has to request permission from the district to allow ACCESS 8th graders a guaranteed transfer to Grant. Every year that has been granted. But it is not a guarantee.
Is there a before and aftercare program?
Not at ACCESS. We are partnered with KCLC at Metropolitan Learning Center. We have a bus route that picks students up and drops them off there.
ACADEMICS
What is the frequency of art, PE and library classes each week for elementary students?
PE twice a week, Art twice a week, Library once a week.
Is there a music program?
Currently, we do not have a music program during the school day. We currently offer an afterschool band with MUSE.
What Middle School classes are offered at ACCESS?
| 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
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* High School Credit Received
What other activities do ACCESS students participate in?
ACCESS students are encouraged to participate in a variety of optional activities throughout the year. Most of these activities are held during the school day so that all students who wish to participate can.
- Schoolwide Talent Show
- Schoolwide Read-A-Thon & Celebration of Books
- Haunted Hallway (leadership opportunity for 8th grade)
- Renaissance Faire (leadership opportunity for 7th grade)
- Girls Empowerment Group
- Games Club
- Sexuality and Gender Acceptance and Appreciation (SAGA)
- National Spelling Bee
- Oregon Battle of the Books
- Chess Club
- More lunchtime clubs!
What afterschool enrichments are offered?
Every year we offer different You can check out our current offerings at https://accesspta.membershiptoolkit.com/enrichments.
Where can I learn more about the needs and characteristics of highly accelerated learners?
- Davidson Institute www.davidsongifted.org
- Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page: www.hoagiesgifted.org
- NWGCA: Northwest Gifted Child Association: www.nwgca.org
- OATAG: The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted: www.oatag.org