Oregon - A Land of Opportunity & Inspiration
If you are looking for an Oregon boarding school, you probably already know that Oregon is a state offers many things that boarding schools in other states might not offer: experiential and recreational activities that can enhance your child’s education through direct experience. The wilderness of Oregon is particularly helpful when it comes to science education, and the independent and progressive spirit of Oregon can motivate and inspire teens.
A place of pristine beauty and rugged magnificence, Oregon has been viewed as a land of opportunity and inspiration by generations of Americans. From the stunning vistas of the Pacific seacoast to the unique majesty of the high desert, the nation's 33rd state offers a wide variety of attractions and opportunities for domestic and international travelers, as well as for the men, women, and children who live, work, and study there.
If you've never given Oregon a second thought, there are two words you need to hear: Think again.
A place of pristine beauty and rugged magnificence, Oregon has been viewed as a land of opportunity and inspiration by generations of Americans. From the stunning vistas of the Pacific seacoast to the unique majesty of the high desert, the nation's 33rd state offers a wide variety of attractions and opportunities for domestic and international travelers, as well as for the men, women, and children who live, work, and study there.
History & Culture
Anthropologists have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Pacific Northwest dating back at least 15 centuries. Within the past 500 years, the land that is now Oregon was home to several Native American communities, and was explored by groups including those headed by the legendary James Cook and Lewis & Clark. (The state currently maintains formalized relationships with the federally recognized governments of nine Native American tribes.)
Lured by the opportunity to establish homesteads and stake their claim to a piece of the then nascent "American Dream," droves of settlers began to relocate to the area in the early 1840s. After enduring a six-month journey across the 2,000-mile-long Oregon Trail, many of the families that arrived in the territory participated in the establishment of a provisional government that brought a semblance of order to the area until it was annexed by the U.S. government.
Once the subject of a heated disagreement between the federal governments of the United States and Great Britain (both of whom wished to claim the land as their own), Oregon has over the ensuing centuries remained a place where people of conviction do not shy away from standing strong in the name of their beliefs. The state is home to individuals with a wide range of political and social viewpoints, and retains its historic reputation as a place where hard work and dedication can be rewarded with virtually endless opportunities.
Oregonians of note include track star Steve Prefontaine, dancer Ginger Rogers, cartoonist Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons), writer Ursula K. Leguin, Native American explorer Sacagawea, and filmmaker Gus Van Sant.
Arts & Recreation
Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and bikers be forewarned: Visiting Oregon may irrevocably alter your opinion of what an outdoor experience should be. Home to some of the nation's most majestic mountains, pristine waters, and invigorating trails and slopes, Oregon offers a wealth of opportunities to challenge your skills and reconnect you with the wonders of the natural world.
The state boasts hundreds of bike trails, more than 300 scenic camping locations, and some of the best fishing anywhere in the world - and that's just an initial glimpse into what's available. If your idea of a good day includes cruising down the slopes, snowmobiling, rock climbing, windsurfing, backpacking, kayaking, rafting, golfing, surfing, bird-watching, or just lying in a beautiful open field and staring up at more stars than you've ever seen in your life, then this may just be the place for you.
For those who prefer less adrenaline-infused recreational opportunities, Oregon should still be on your destination list. Portland is home to a symphony orchestra, opera association, and art museum; Ashland (in the southern part of the state) is home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival; and regional arts associations support an amazing assortment of actors, writers, painters, photographers, and others who draw their inspiration from this stunning state.
Climate & Geography
Located north of California and south of Washington, Oregon includes many of the most resplendent aspects of the Pacific Northwest. The ninth-largest U.S. state, Oregon features landscape that ranges from coastal rainforest to virtually barren desert.
Rising from sea level along the coast to more than 11,000 feet of elevation atop majestic Mount Hood, the state features a mostly moderate climate with ample regional variety to entice skiers, hikers, artists, environmentalists, and others who are attracted by the opportunity to experience the true wonders of nature without completely abandoning the benefits of modern American society.
The high desert area of Central Oregon boasts 300 days of sunshine every year, and has been described as an idyllic playground for sports lovers, a vacation paradise, and "the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing spot to unwind."
More than worth a second thought, Oregon will reward your first glance with memories that will last a lifetime - and enough enticements to keep you coming back again and again.
