PAA student athletes are well into their spring seasons, competing, growing, and supporting one another along the way. Students on Girls Varsity Softball, Boys JV and Varsity Volleyball, and JV and Varsity Golf  are actively practicing and competing as they continue to develop their skills and teamwork. Whether playing in warm sunshine or cold, rainy conditions, these student athletes show resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to give their best each day. Through both c

This week, while freshmen through juniors explored course options and made plans for the upcoming school year at PAA, seniors participated in two meaningful experiences focused on life beyond high school. They recently returned from Walla Walla University Days , where they had the opportunity to visit campus, experience college life, and begin envisioning their future. They also completed career shadowing  across a variety of professions, gaining real world insight and hands-

We are incredibly proud of this year’s student course evaluation results, which reflect the strength of our school’s culture, community, and commitment to meaningful learning. Each student at Portland Adventist Academy completes a survey for every class they take , providing comprehensive and thoughtful feedback across all courses. The detailed results are attached. Across all measured areas, average scores ranged from 8.2 to 9.3 , indicating consistently high levels of stude

PAA students, staff, and parents, collectively Sus Manos, under the leadership of Profe Rita Barrett, recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve at Las Palmas, a children’s village, partnering in 12 days of meaningful connection, learning, and hands-on support. Rooted in a desire to reflect and receive the love of Jesus, the team approached each day with purpose, humility, and open hearts. Throughout the week, students stepped into classrooms across primary grades,

Fifteen students from Portland Adventist Academy recently traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, alongside Pastor Fernando and Yarely, to serve with The SMILES Foundation in a week filled with purpose, connection, and joy. Each day, students led a Christian day camp for local children ranging from preschool through middle school. Through crafts, games, music, and storytelling, they created a space where children felt seen, valued, and loved. Centered on the fruit of the Spirit, the camp

Six PAA students, along with Pastor Steve Lemke, spent two full days serving the Portland community, stepping into hands-on opportunities to make a real difference through five different service projects. Their willingness to serve, learn, and engage made a meaningful impact across the city. On the first day, students began at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, building wheelbarrows, sorting supplies, and preparing materials for reuse. In the afternoon, they partnered with SMART R

Spirit Week was a huge success and one of the most engaging weeks of the year at our school. From Monday through Friday, students showed incredible enthusiasm by dressing up, participating, and fully embracing each day’s theme. The creativity and school spirit on display made the entire campus feel energized and fun. Monday kicked things off with Mathletes vs. Athletes, where students showed up in everything from jerseys and workout gear to suspenders, glasses, and calculator

On Tuesday morning, all 61 members of the PAA choir stepped onto the stage to represent their school at the Oregon Small Schools Choir Invitational. It was the first time in many years that PAA has participated in OSAA state choir events, and our students rose to the moment with focus, confidence, and heart. Dressed in full concert attire, the choir performed four pieces with excellence, pouring their energy and preparation into every note. Noemi and Makayla shared beautiful

This week at PAA has been our Student Week of Worship, the second of three Weeks of Worship we hold each year, and our students in Campus Ministries have led it with incredible heart and vision. Wanting something a little different this year, students not only organized praise bands and speakers, but also created 22 small groups led by fellow students. Each day, these groups meet to reflect on the message, talk together, and personally apply what they are learning. The result

Last week, 28 PAA students traveled to Walla Walla University to participate in their bi-annual Choir and Orchestra Festival, joining student musicians from 19 high schools across the United States for an inspiring and intensive musical experience. Throughout their time, students worked diligently in clinician led rehearsals, refining their technique, strengthening ensemble skills, and stretching themselves musically. Under the direction of Dr. Kraig Scott and Brandon Beck, t

During each sports season, the final regular season home game is always extra special as senior athletes are honored during Senior Night, and basketball this week was no exception. The gym was packed with a full house of spectators who cheered loudly, making plenty of noise in support of Cougar basketball, creating an electric atmosphere, especially for the seniors. Many fans joined the celebration by wearing white as part of a spirited white out, showing strong unity and sch

PAA students once again had the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month by participating in Walla Walla University’s annual Gospel Choir Festival. For many years, this has been a meaningful tradition for PAA students, and this year was no exception. Under the leadership of Mrs. Tina Cooper and Dr. Carter, students traveled to WWU to participate in music workshops, learn from talented clinicians, and collaborate with other musicians. Throughout the festiv

Last Friday’s lunch turned into a stage as PAA drama students entertained their peers and staff with a series of creative and hilarious skits centered on the theme, “It’s not you, it’s me.” Freshmen through seniors took part in the performance, showcasing their acting skills, comedic timing, and storytelling talents in front of a lively audience. Many of the skits were student written and explored a wide range of breakup scenarios. With Valentine’s Day approaching, the perfor

This past Tuesday, our chapel space became a place of listening, learning, and gratitude as a panel of Black students shared their voices in honor of Black History Month. This gathering marked the first of three chapels where Black history will be intentionally remembered and celebrated in our community.  Rather than a lecture, the chapel felt like a conversation, one marked by honesty, courage, and deep personal reflection. Students on the panel spoke about why Black History

Each January, the Friendship Tournament at Walla Walla University brings together schools from across the Northwest for a weekend where competition and community go hand in hand. This year, our Cougars varsity boys and girls basketball teams stepped into this staple tournament ready to compete and represent our school with pride. On the court, both teams rose to the challenge. The girls played with poise and determination, leaning on teamwork and resilience in every matchup,

It started as just a locker on campus with a simple invitation. Our Campus Ministries team wanted to make space. Not for noise or answers, but for honesty. The prayer locker has become a place where students can pause for a moment and write down what they are carrying. Some slips of paper hold heavy worries, family situations, anxiety, big decisions. Others are short and simple, scribbled quickly between classes. Names aren’t required. Explanations aren’t either. Just the fre

Step into a World History classroom at PAA and you might think you’ve wandered into a newsroom instead. Students are grouped into teams and handed a moment from history, one that once shaped the world and still echoes today. Their first task is to dig deep, researching the people, places, and consequences behind the story.  Once the facts are clear, creativity takes over. Students transform their research into a polished news script, carefully written to inform, engage, and t

Last Friday night, our campus slowed down in a rare and meaningful way. As Sabbath was beginning, students gathered for vespers, some tired, some laughing, all bringing their own stories into the room. Pastor Lydia from Crosswalk PDX spoke about How to Say Goodbye , not the hurried or awkward kind, but the kind that honors what has been.   She talked about endings that don’t erase meaning, about gratitude that can exist alongside sadness, and about letting go without pretendi

For more than 20 years, PAA students have been pushing themselves to new heights through Rock Climbing Club. Each week beginning in late fall, students head to Movement Gym one to two evenings a week to boulder and climb, building skills, strength, and confidence with every attempt. Students learn far more than climbing techniques. Many earn lead climber certifications, while all develop stamina, perseverance, and trust as they encourage one another to try hard things, and ke

This week, PAA Ski & Snowboard Club students launched their season with the first of five trips to Mt. Hood Meadows, and they couldn’t have asked for a better start. More than 48 students, alongside their sponsors, spent a stunning, sunny day on the mountain, soaking in fresh air, blue skies, and groomed runs. From first-timers strapping on skis or boards for the very first time to experienced riders carving confidently down the slopes, every student found their place on the