27 years of Innovative, Creative Education Designed to meet the Needs of the 21st Century

In 1981 The Phoenix School, like the mythical bird, rose from the ashes of Proposition 2 ½ budget cuts that resulted in teacher cuts that made the operation of the Magnet School and the Gifted and Talented program no longer viable within the Salem Public Schools. Then principal of the Magnet School and coordinator of the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program Betsye Sargent and director of Title I reading and math Barbara McFall sat down over April vacation in 1981 and decided it was time to close the Magnet School and offer parents seeking a more open, creative approach to education, called in those days the ‘open classroom’ an alternative. With $300 from each, The Phoenix School, then the Phoenix Enrichment Center, was born.  Now in its 27th year The Phoenix School has remained true to its philosophy, one that is uniquely applicable to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Come visit us and see how we bring 27 years of experience to the education of students for a rapidly changing world.

The Phoenix School
Where a great education comes in a small package.