History
Open School began in 1971 as Open Meadow, a downtown Portland drop-in center for youth experiencing houselessness.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve evolved into an educational nonprofit dedicated to reinventing education for students who have been historically underserved and overlooked by traditional public education.
Today, we provide vital wraparound services and rigorous, relationship-based education that ensures students who struggle in traditional settings have a place to thrive personally and academically, build confidence in identity-affirming spaces, and develop the skills to become self-determined adults.
Our Timeline
1967
Jon Dickenson plants the early seeds of Open School by inviting houseless youth in downtown Portland into a local theater for food, and a space to make art and play.1971
Open Meadow Learning Center was founded as a program of Portland Youth Advocates, providing food, shelter, and support to houseless youth in downtown Portland.Mid-1970s
Open Meadow moved to a rented space in North Portland. The program is collectively managed by five teaching staff and serves 35 middle and high school students from North and Northeast Portland.1979
Open Meadow officially incorporated as an independent nonprofit with a budget of less than $100,000.1980s–1990s
The organization purchased its first building, continuing to expand educational access, and serving middle and high school students who had disengaged from traditional schools.Mid-1990s:
At the request of Portland Public Schools, new programs were added, including youth employment initiatives and mentorship models, helping students gain academic and career skills.2003
Step Up launched in response to increasing student disengagement in public high schools, providing in-school mentorship and academic support. Today, it serves students at Roosevelt, McDaniel, and Franklin High Schools.2014
Recognizing a gap in culturally responsive, relationship-driven alternative education, Open School founded Open School East in East Multnomah County. The program provides full-day, wraparound academic and social-emotional support to students who need an individualized learning experience to thrive.2015
Open Meadow changed its name to Open School to reflect a new strategic focus on in-school success.2016–Present
As Oregon’s education landscape has continued to shift, Open School has strengthened its focus on policy and advocacy, ensuring students and families have a voice in shaping the systems that impact them. Today, Open School is both a direct-service provider and a leader in shaping what equitable education should look like across the state.