About Us

Beverly Cleary School, located in Northeast Portland, has a long and historically significant presence in the community. The school originally opened in 1911 under the name Fernwood, built during an era when Portland required new schools to use fireproof construction—a reflection of early 20th-century safety concerns. Over its history, Fernwood served various grade configurations, at different times operating as a K–5 school, a middle school, and now a K–8 school.

For many years, the school operated across two campuses: Hollyrood campus (3560 NE Hollyrood Ct) served grades K–2, and the Fernwood campus (1915 NE 33rd Ave) served grades 3–8.

In 2007, the two campuses were consolidated at the Fernwood site, bringing all K–8 students together on a single property.

In 2008, the school was renamed Beverly Cleary School in honor of the acclaimed children’s author Beverly Cleary, a Portland native and former Fernwood student. Many of Cleary’s well-known books are set in the surrounding neighborhoods, and the school’s name reflects and honors this deep literary connection.

Today, Beverly Cleary School continues to serve students in kindergarten through 8th grade on the historic Fernwood campus.  

Beverly Cleary School feeds in Grant High School.