The Living Wisdom School of Portland provides a safe and loving environment where children can discover and practice universal principles that bring happiness, for example, kindness, generosity, courage, and optimism. The philosophy the school is based on is called Education for Life. It is an approach that balances mind and heart, body and spirit. It is not dogmatic, but expansive and focused on students' own inner joy and peace. In an Education for Life classroom, students learn to develop their will power and to value feeling, as well as to develop intellectually. The roots of the Education for Life system lie in the philosophy of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda emphasized the unity of all religions and their common purpose in helping people experience joy, love, and peace.

Listen to an interview with school director, Susan Usha Dermond. (Alternate podcast)

At the Portland Ananda Living Wisdom School, you will find:

Joy in learning
Academic excellence without stress
Small classes
Individualized approach
Self-understanding
Balance of body, mind, and heart
Harmony with others and Nature
Expansive spirit
Positive attitudes

Small classes (maximum twelve students) provide opportunities for individual attention and field trips and enrichment outside the classroom walls. An emphasis on service in the older grades expands children's reality to others. For the past three years led by our older grades, Living Wisdom School has won the Washington County Food Bank first place per capita award three times for the success of our food drive.



The school is located two blocks from the Beaverton City Library (PDF Map) next to the Ananda mandir where we also have classrooms. Our graduates attend a variety of schools, including public middle school, a private Catholic high school, the Beaverton School for Arts and Communication, and public high schools.