Metropolitan Learning Center (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metropolitan Learning Center |
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2033 NW Glisan Street
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United States
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| Coordinates | 45°31′36″N 122°41′36″W / 45.52669°N 122.69332°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Opened | 1968 |
| School district | Portland Public Schools |
| Principal | Mark VanHoomissen |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Number of students | 396 (2017 enrollment) |
| Athletics conference | OSAA |
| Website | Official school website: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/mlc/ |
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Couch School Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Built | 1915 |
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| Architect | Floyd Naramore |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| Part of | Alphabet Historic District (ID00001293) |
The Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) is a special public school in Portland, Oregon, United States. It serves students from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
The school is right next to Couch Park. The park's playground is also used by the school's students.
Contents
School History
The First Couch School
In 1913, people in Portland voted on a plan to build new, modern schools. The old "Couch School" building was very old. It was built in 1883 and had even closed once because of a smallpox outbreak.
The plan was to tear down this old building. A new Couch School would be built in 1914. It cost $177,000 to build.
Building the New Couch School
Floyd Naramore was the architect for the new school. He was new to Portland Public Schools. Naramore designed many schools in Portland. These included Benson Polytechnic High School and Shattuck School. The new Couch School was built in the Tudor Revival style. This style was very popular and modern at the time.
Both the old and new Couch Schools were named after John H. Couch. He was an early settler in the area. His land became known as the Couch Addition. This is now part of Northwest Portland.
The Metropolitan Learning Center Begins
In 1968, Portland Public Schools started an experiment at Couch School. They called it the Metropolitan Learning Center. It began with 150 students from Couch School and other places.
This new center let students choose what they wanted to learn. They did not have a strict set of subjects. Students were also not grouped by age. They did not get letter grades either. The center worked with Portland State College (now Portland State University) and Reed College. Student teachers played a big role in teaching classes.
Amasa Gilman was the principal for both Couch School and MLC. He said that this new way of learning led to fewer problems. Students also attended school more often. Gilman was MLC's principal until 1975. Then, Portland Public Schools moved him to a new job. Students and staff at MLC protested this decision.
Over time, the experimental learning center became the main school. The whole school became known as the Metropolitan Learning Center.
In 2016, a gas explosion happened near MLC. Many 10th graders were taking a test at the time. Students were safely moved to the school district's main office.
Student Life
In 2016, almost all MLC seniors earned their high school diploma. Out of 35 students, 33 graduated. The students at MLC come from many different backgrounds. A small number of students are also learning English.
In 2019, 17 out of 21 students graduated from MLC.
Learning at MLC
MLC's school profile from 2017–2018 explains its unique approach. The school believes that strong relationships between staff and students are very important. MLC does not give out letter grades like A, B, C. Instead, they use a four-level rating system. These ratings are "Exceeds," "Proficient," "Developing," or "Does Not Meet." Each rating shows how well a student is doing.
Sports and Clubs
MLC once had a high school basketball team called the Underdogs. Younger students often play sports through Portland Parks & Recreation.
Elementary and middle school students choose special classes called electives. These classes happen a few times a week in the afternoon. New electives are offered each term. Teachers, parents, older students, and volunteers teach these classes. They cover many different subjects.
The high school has several clubs. One popular club is the yearbook club.
Famous People from MLC
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Max Records, Actor
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Rebecca Skloot, Science writer and author
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Tanya Barfield, playwright
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Lew Frederick, Oregon State Senator
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Images for kids
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A hallway in the basement
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The Outside of the Library
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The door to the Main Office
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"Couch School" engraving
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"C. E. S." engraving
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