Overview

Our school is the beating heart of PHAME, and it is where our students—adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—come together to learn artistic skills, take creative risks, and make friends in a community that values all people.

Our classes are taught by professional Teaching Artists who bring to PHAME their passion and expertise in their respective fields, and who receive training in differentiated instruction and disability education best practices through PHAME. Our campus is also supported by a team of “Campus Coordinators” who support student success between and during classes.

At PHAME, students are provided the tools with which to empower themselves through the arts. We provide the environment, but they are the ones taking their creativity to new heights.

How It Works

We offer three ten-week terms of arts-based classes each fall, winter, and spring, with a shorter session each summer. Classes are offered Monday-Thursday, and each class meets once a week for 1-1/4 to 2 hours depending on the topic.

In-person classes meet at our campus in NE Portland, a space we share with Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, and we also offer many online classes. Select classes are offered “hybrid”, meaning students can choose to attend in person or online.

Our class offerings are informed by students’ expressed interests, and we introduce new classes each year, while also continuing to offer longtime favorites like Choir, Drumming, Improv, and Kick It Up Dance. Students are welcome to sign up for the same classes term after term, or to try new classes every term. While some students choose to take just one class per term, others take as many as ten or more, attending multiple classes every day PHAME is in session.

Class Offerings

We offer 30+ classes each term in a wide range of artistic disciplines that includes music, theatre, dance, visual art, digital art, and more. Our curriculum is structured into four main categories to accommodate varying levels of experience and commitment:

• Exploratory Classes: These classes introduce students to the fundamentals of different art forms, allowing them to explore new interests without the pressure of extensive outside assignments. They are ideal for those looking to try something new or expand their artistic horizons.​

• Technique Classes: Building upon foundational skills, these classes delve deeper into specific topics, offering students the opportunity to refine their craft while gaining new skills and knowledge. Some classes may require prerequisite courses, instructor approval, and/or outside assignments.​

• Labs & Ensembles: Designed for students with more experience, these classes focus on advanced concepts and performance skills within a specific discipline. They involve significant outside work and participate in public performances or exhibitions.​

• Workshops: Meeting just once for one to two hours, workshops are an opportunity for students to learn about a specific topic or try out an art form that is new to them.

In addition to teaching artistic skills, our Teaching Artists also incorporate skill-building in four key areas: striving for excellence, teamwork and communication, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. This supports students in the classroom and also carries over into their lives outside of PHAME.

Paying for Classes

Classes are priced at $195-$220 for the term. Tuition Assistance is available for students for whom that price is a barrier to participation, and can offset up to 80% of the class price.

Events & Gatherings

PHAME students also have access to events and gatherings. Our school year kicks off with Back to School Night each September, and we host dances, happy hours, online hangouts, cabarets, and guest artist events where students can connect socially and meet new people—all of which are offered at low or no cost to current students. In addition to school events, we also host large public events like our Winter Concert, Get PHAMEous Open House, and Disability Pride Celebration.

Join Us!