Why your gift matters:

Neskowin Valley School relies on the generosity of families, alumni, grandparents, and friends to support individualized education and to foster a close, caring community experience for families on the Oregon Coast.

NVS’s tuition model is based on the philosophy that every child deserves the right to a joyful, meaningful, and affordable education. Throughout its 50+ year history, tuition at NVS has remained affordable. We aim to have our tuition cover up to 60-80% of what it takes to educate one student, which includes the operational cost.

This is why our loyal and major donors are vital to NVS’s success and why your gift matters.

Your gift to our annual fund will help us twofold.

One, it will provide students access to a multi-tiered approach to literacy, critical visual and performing arts education, hands-on science and engineering projects, resources for students with special needs, evidence-based professional development for teachers, pathways to connect with the community, and so much more.

Two, it will contribute to our playground, school garden, and landscape upgrades, building repairs and upkeep and additions to our facility that will enhance the learning environment of the students.

Because the students are why we are here doing what we do!

Below is a history of our beloved school. It is our commitment that we have another successful 50 years and beyond.

Neskowin Valley School History

Neskowin Valley School was founded in 1972 by George and Margot Thompson. Their vision of creating a natural, place-based education model led to the transformation of a 1940s dairy barn into a comfortable and purpose-built learning space. Originally founded as a Preschool/Kindergarten program to serve families of the Central Oregon Coast, Neskowin Valley School has grown to include elementary and middle school programs through Grade 8.

The building itself also continued to expand over the years, with the addition of a spacious art room and a multi-purpose room.

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Neskowin Valley School is set on five lush acres surrounded by meadows and woods, with a creek meandering through the property. This idyllic location inspires teachers to incorporate lessons of regeneration, abundance, diversity, and balance into their daily instruction. A school garden provides space for sustainability classes and a covered play area allows outdoor recess time regardless of the weather. There is truly a sense of wonder in this space, and countless visitors have exclaimed, “I wish I had gone to a school like this!”

Place-based education promotes learning that is rooted in the local environment--the unique history, culture, economy, ecology, literature, and art of a particular place.

Neskowin Valley School was thoughtfully designed to have spacious classrooms surrounding a two-story great room with a large, central fireplace. The great room quickly became the heart of the school and continues to be a welcoming gathering space for the NVS community. Following the early years' tradition, staff, students, and parents still come together weekly for Gather ‘Round to sing and share community news.

Contact Kelsey Leatherman to discuss your meaningful gift today. Thank you for your interest in donating to Neskowin Valley School.

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