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Our Mission

Ensuring more teachers, classes and experiences for all Lake Oswego students. With your help we can make a difference. Learn more and get involved.


Our Mission: We fund teaching positions.

All Gifts Help Support Our Schools!

Your contributions go a long way. Foundation support is a big reason why Lake Oswego schools have consistently ranked number one in the state, and among the top in the nation. With your gifts the Foundation provides to each and every student in the Lake Oswego School District:

  • More teachers and educational experience than what state and local taxes can provide
  • Teachers for music, reading, art, science and technology
  • Music instruction for every elementary student K-5
  • Additional reading support for students with greater needs in K-2
  • Greater exposure in in grades 6-12 to electives such as Robotics, Architecture, Oceanography, Performing Arts, to name just a few!

We need your support to continue to provide our kids the incredible education Lake Oswego offers. Please consider a gift or pledge your support today. Thank you!


LOSD Rankings: 2026

In October 2025, Niche, an independent organization that evaluates schools and districts nationwide, once again recognized Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) as the #1 school district in Oregon.

Among other impressive highlights, LOSD’s rankings include:

  • #1 School District in the State and Top in the Nation

  • #1 Best Places To Teach in Oregon

  • #1 District with the Best Teachers in Oregon

All of LOSD’s elementary, middle, and high schools earned outstanding rankings, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to excellence in education.


Campaign Results: Lake Oswego Review

Learn more about the Foundation's 2024-25 results and how its making a real impact.

Lake Oswego Schools Foundation raises nearly $1.5 million for teaching positions

 

 

 

 

 

 


Colored pencils

Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    6,815

  • Volunteer Hours

    750

  • Dollars Raised

    $1,500,000

Top 10 Reasons to Consider Becoming a Tutor

Education is the key to success. You’ve probably heard a statement like this time and time again throughout your life. Focus on your education and lead a more successful life later on. However, school and systemic learning doesn’t always come easily to everyone.

One such way you can lead a more altruistic life is within the education system, by giving your time and resources to become a tutor. Tutors help students young and old to better their education, improve their skills and gain more success in a field of their choice. Why should you consider becoming a tutor? Today, we give the top 10 reasons.

 

1. Boost a student’s confidence.

Tutoring is a great way to help boost a student’s confidence. Whether that student is beginning elementary school or is an adult learner, there’s nothing more satisfying than watching the look of understanding pass across their face in a ginormous smile. 

 

2. Improve your own confidence.

Not only can tutoring help a student’s confidence, but it can help yours, too. First-time tutoring can be pretty nerve-wracking, so when you do see a student fully grasp a concept, self-confidence in your own skills improves as well.

 

3. Expand your knowledge.

We can’t all be experts on everything. When a student has a problem or question you don’t fully know the answer to, it gives you an opportunity to expand your own knowledge in various areas.

 

4. Gain experience teaching.

If you’re interested in teaching or working in a classroom, then tutoring is the perfect chance to gain more experience and see if it would be the right path for you. Plus, if you’re already on the path to become a teacher, then tutoring gives you that extra edge of experience for the future.

 

5. Add to your resume.

Whether you choose to volunteer as a tutor or work for money, tutoring still adds valuable content to your resume, making you more marketable for potential careers later on.

 

6. Enjoy flexible hours.

The best thing about tutoring is that it’s often one-on-one, which makes scheduling a breeze. If you’re looking for a job that can fit into your busy scheduling, tutoring provides flexible hours. 

 

7. Earn extra income.

While some tutoring is volunteer-based, others can also provide extra income. If you’re looking for a job to give a little more wiggle room in the monthly budget, tutoring is a great option.

 

8. Build valuable relationships.

Of course, tutoring also gives you the opportunity to build valuable relationships with your students. Make new friends, become a mentor figure and create a lasting impression in someone’s life through a tutoring relationship.

 

9. Give back to the community. 

If you want to help your community, then tutoring is an awesome way to do so. Support those around you by giving back through your time and resources.

 

10. Have fun!

Finally, tutoring is just plain fun. While school can be difficult, finding new and engaging ways to teach the material creates an enjoyable and personal environment for you and your students.

If you want to lead a more altruistic life, consider tutoring in your community. Not only are there great potential benefits for you, but you can feel confident in helping others around you, as well.

Teacher reading to students
  • Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego
    Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego

    I am proud to be part of making our schools great for kids through the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation.

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