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The Right to Return Program
½ûÂþÌìÌà has partnered with nearby school districts to launch Right to Return, an enrollment opportunity for students whose families have been displaced by the practices of gentrification and urban renewal.
Such practices have disproportionately impacted students of color in North and Northeast Portland. Right to Return is an effort on the part of ½ûÂþÌìÌà and its partners – and at the behest of Black city leaders – to allow students to return to the schools where they feel most supported and at-home. It is a necessary step toward addressing historic wrongs and fulfilling ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ’s commitment to racial equity and social justice.
Learn more about Understanding Oregon's history of racism and discrimination.
How Does Right to Return Work?
Parents and guardians who live in any of the following districts can begin the Right to Return transfer process by filling out this application on or before September 15th of the upcoming school year:
To be eligible for a Right to Return transfer, a student or family member must have lived at an address that is within the North/Northeast Portland Housing Preference Zone (see map). Applicants may be asked to provide verification of their former address.
Learn more about the .
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Right to Return connected to housing opportunities?
The City of Portland’s aims to address the harmful impacts of urban renewal by giving preference to housing applicants with generational ties to North/Northeast Portland. Right to Return transfers are available for students who have historic addresses in the Housing preference zone. Participation in the housing program is not required for Right to Return applicants, but families are encouraged to learn about the housing policy and sign up for rental assistance and other opportunities.
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Does my student need permission from their current district to transfer to a participating Right to Return school?
Students who live within the David Douglas, Parkrose or Reynolds school districts do not need to ask their home districts for permission to transfer.
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What if I live in a district that is not part of Right to Return?
Two approvals are necessary: complete the standard ½ûÂþÌìÌà application and request transfer from your home district.
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If my student¡¯s application is approved, will I need to reapply for the program at any point?
No. Once a student is approved for the program, the transfer agreement is in effect through the twelfth grade. At the end of fifth and eighth grade, Right to Return transfer students have automatic placement at the middle or high schools that serve the neighborhood of the school they currently attend.
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Once a student is enrolled in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, can they switch to a different ½ûÂþÌìÌà school?
Students have a right to request different ½ûÂþÌìÌà following the standard resident transfer procedures. ½ûÂþÌìÌà reserves the right to offer a different school of assignment in the event of an emergency, to relieve severe overcrowding, or to provide a free and appropriate education.
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What if my student changes their mind and wants to go back to their previous school?
Students have a right to re-enroll in their resident district school at any time.
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If my student is approved for Right to Return, can they ride the bus?
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of each family. High School students will be eligible for a Tri-Met pass, subject to program rules.
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Can a student be removed from the program for any reason?
Right to Return students are approved through 12th grade, subject to the same enrollment and discipline procedures as other ½ûÂþÌìÌà students.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
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Space is limited. Apply early for the best chance of approval.
High Schools:
- Jefferson
- McDaniel
- Roosevelt
Middle Schools:
- George
- Harriet Tubman
- Ockley Green
K-5/K-8:
- Astor K-8
- Beach
- Boise/Eliot-Humboldt
- Cesar Chavez K-8
- Chief Joseph
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
- Faubion K-8
- Irvington
- Peninsula
- Rosa Parks
- Sabin
- Vernon K-8
- Woodlawn