Mission & Identity
Mission Statement: Why We Exist
Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
Identity: Who We Are
Our Oregon home matters: Perched on the Pacific Rim, nestled between the ocean and the mountains, bordered by natural wetlands and urban development, we nurture intrinsic curiosity about complex environments and foster connections between people of diverse backgrounds.
Our Episcopal tradition matters: Rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection, we educate toward a larger purpose— toward inclusion and respect, service and social justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.
Our School philosophy matters: Grounded in the belief that the advancement of knowledge flows from open and rigorous inquiry, we cultivate the life of the mind and the whole person by connecting questions with exploration and discovery, theories with scrutiny, expressions with art, and self with subject.
Our Commitment to Justice
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in the values of compassion for our human family, the strength of dialogue to promote understanding, and a commitment to inclusion. Our Episcopal roots further challenge us to create an environment—both within and beyond our school—that recognizes each person’s lived experiences and where everyone thrives and is valued.
We recognize that we must actively work to create and strengthen a community steeped in diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist actions. In order to grow our intentions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA) to actionable steps, click below to see our outline to our commitment to justice.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
OES is committed to educating our students about the environment and how to protect it, now and in the future. OES believes that preparing students to be well-rounded global citizens includes a deep-seated appreciation for the natural world.
Our commitment grows out of our Episcopal identity. This includes the call to care for creation protecting the natural resources that sustain all life, advocating for actions that reduce greenhouse emissions, promote sustainable energy, and supporting communities impacted by environmental racism and a lack of environmental stewardship.
Principles for Civil Discourse
As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to model civil discourse grounded in the values of our school. This requires curious and compassionate communication that seeks to bridge differences while honoring the dignity of each individual.
Developing engaged citizenship is fundamental to the school’s mission. It is also part of the guiding purpose for all schools, defined by vibrant and diverse intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue. Our students need the freedom to inquire or express their ideas, so that they can learn to respectfully engage with each other and with public life.