As more families move to Sisters Country, more opportunities arise to meet the need for high quality education.
Local Public Schools
Sisters School District (SSD) provides unique opportunities in music, outdoor learning, sports, and science—often in partnership with an enthusiastic local community. Songwriting is taught via the Americana program, initiated by Sisters Folk Festival; luthier classes allow students to build their own ukuleles and guitars. Outdoor education is available for some students via the rigorous interdisciplinary IEE program (Integrated Environmental Expedition) at Sisters High School. There’s even an aviation program. Sisters Elementary School will soon relocate to its new building on the west end of town.
Black Butte School (BBS) is a small K–8 school based in Camp Sherman, the only school in its district. Outdoor learning is frequent, including field studies on the nearby Metolius River and learning on the slopes at Hoodoo Ski Bowl. A strong community and performing arts showcases round out the experience.
Students living in either district may apply for transfer to the other; busing is usually provided.
Charter Schools
Regional public charter schools bring a wider range of education options. A welcome choice for advanced/TAG youth is Redmond Proficiency Academy (grades 6–12), with a ride on the local CET bus. For global focus and Spanish language, there’s Bend International School (K–8). Some learners thrive at Westside Village Magnet School in Bend (K–12), celebrating equity and inclusivity.
Camps & Programs
Music, arts, sports, science, and outdoor programs blossom in the area, from the sliding-scale creativity camps of SFF Presents (formerly Sisters Folk Festival) in downtown Sisters, to the nature, theater, and imagination offerings of Starshine on the shores of Suttle Lake. Local nonprofit Seed to Table provides food and farm education on-site and in partnership with school districts. Sisters Parks and Recreation District (SPRD) hosts sports, outdoor, and daycare options including survival and fishing camps. Underserved kids find meaningful mentorship and activities through Circle of Friends.
Preschools
Pine Siskin is a Waldorf-based program (pre–1st grade); Mountain Montessori teaches children aged 2–6. Wellspring Church hosts Wellspring Preschool, and SPRD offers part-time and full-time for ages 3–6 with some public funding. Waitlists are common and may be eased soon by a potential new preschool.
Religious Education
Local churches offer an Episcopal Sunday School and a Christian nondenominational Youth Ministry, among others. Jewish families typically drive to Bend for community and instruction.
More Options
Online and homeschooling have been big in Sisters Country since long before the pandemic. Kids can still participate in SSD sports and arts offerings. Baker Web Academy, popular locally, is a public charter with many years’ experience teaching online.
Homeschool families gather for socializing and support via groups like Central Oregon Open Learners (COOL) and Central Oregon Homeschoolers of Redmond (COHR). Families supplement with programs such as the Bible-focused Commonplace Homeschool Cooperative in Sisters or Wildheart Nature School classes, which take place on mountains, rivers, and farms around Bend and Tumalo.
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