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The Right to Return Program
èßäÊÓƵ has partnered with nearby èßäÊÓƵ districts to launch Right to Return, an enrollment opportunity for èßäÊÓƵ whose families have been displaced by the practices of gentrification and urban renewal.
Such practices have disproportionately impacted èßäÊÓƵ of color in North and Northeast Portland. Right to Return is an effort on the part of PPS and its partners – and at the behest of Black city leaders – to allow èßäÊÓƵ to return to the èßäÊÓƵs where they feel most supported and at-home. It is a necessary step toward addressing historic wrongs and fulfilling PPS’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 èßäÊÓƵ 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 èßäÊÓƵ 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 èßäÊÓƵ?
Students who live within the David Douglas, Parkrose or Reynolds èßäÊÓƵ 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 PPS 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 èßäÊÓƵ have automatic placement at the middle or high èßäÊÓƵs that serve the neighborhood of the èßäÊÓƵ they currently attend.
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Once a student is enrolled in PPS, can they switch to a different PPS èßäÊÓƵ?
Students have a right to request different èßäÊÓƵ following the standard resident transfer procedures. èßäÊÓƵ reserves the right to offer a different èßäÊÓƵ 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 èßäÊÓƵ?
Students have a right to re-enroll in their resident district èßäÊÓƵ 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 èßäÊÓƵ is the responsibility of each family. High School èßäÊÓƵ 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 èßäÊÓƵ are approved through 12th grade, subject to the same enrollment and discipline procedures as other PPS èßäÊÓƵ.
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