The School of Success programs began in Milwaukie in 1992 as a middle school alternative program with Oregon Department of Education registration.

The program grew rapidly and in 1994 an opportunity was presented by having access to the Oregon City National Guard Armory of 14,000 square feet.

Our programs grew even more rapidly and referred students joined us from Oregon City, Estacada, Canby, and several other local school districts. Soon the grade levels were expanded to the upper grades and the program covered grades 7 through 12.

Working with the upper grades was extremely frustrating because it was realized that a high percentage of these students had crossed the line and were well on their way to education failure and dropping out. Also, the two grade levels were not productively compatible.

Hence, a new school program evolved, Western States–School of Success. This school will offer education programming with a major effort spent on grades 7 through 9. The objective is to create an early intervention for youth in transition from childhood to early adulthood. This program will be highly structured for the mastery of Reading – Writing – and Arithmetic. The program will have a secondary application for Leadership and Self Awareness through optional electives, including the U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps and Occupation-Vocational hands-on courses.

Dr. John Dewey’s pragmatic approach had real merit in the 1930’s, however, today is not too far distanced from the 2030’s. “It is time” for an upgrading, to rethink and bring about new models and methods.