A Community for Mindful Learning
Based on the Buddhist qualities of mindfulness, respect, kindness and the interconnection of all life, Frog Song offers an education that encourages children to explore, create and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The Montessori approach is uniquely suited to bring these qualities to life in the classroom. In such a supportive atmosphere, children are free to be themselves and grow as unique individuals.
The Montessori method is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative work. In a carefully prepared environment, children experience freedom within limits and are free to follow their own interests. This approach values the development of the whole child (physical, social, emotional and cognitive) and recognizes the child as a spiritual being.
Frog Song, a program offered by Dharma Rain Zen Center, is based on values shared by Buddhism and Montessori, but is not religious in nature. It is open to families of all beliefs.
We support children in becoming the fullest version of themselves, and in becoming people of their place and time. That is possible when our school community reflects a diversity of racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, religious and non-religious, socioeconomic experiences, and includes a broad array of family constellations.
We commit to addressing our structural inequities as an institution, and to celebrating our differences while harmonizing the one and the many.
Dharma Rain Zen Center
Dharma Rain Zen Center is a Zen Buddhist community dedicated to helping people cultivate Zen Buddhism in their everyday lives. Dharma Rain, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist groups in the Pacific Northwest, operates a daily schedule of morning and evening meditation, classes and workshops, as well as residential and monastic training.
Dharma Rain has run a nationally recognized children’s program and summer camp for over 30 years. Gyokuko Carlson, Abbot Emeritus of Dharma Rain, has long envisioned a preschool as part of the children’s programs. That vision is now being realized.
Dharma Rain Zen Center’s Equity Statement
Dharma Rain acknowledges that suffering is a human condition made worse by bias and prejudice toward people based on race, ethnicity, income, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and other traditionally marginalized identities.
We acknowledge the individual and collective impact of privilege, bias, and prejudice in our own sangha and within American Zen.
We commit to address our structural inequities as an institution.
We welcome and affirm all who come here to seek the Way and celebrate our differences while harmonizing the one and the many.
Living With Nature on Siskiyou Square
Frog Song is located on Dharma Rain’s property- 14 acres between 82nd Ave NE and Rocky Butte- which is being transformed into a space for spiritual practice, community connection and native habitat. The property includes a pond, seasonal waterfall and streams, (yes, there are lots of frogs!), ravine, orchard, vegetable beds and areas offering natural habitat for a multitude of creatures.
The site functions as a living campus for area schools to study conservation and ecology and to conduct field research. This natural environment allows children to develop a personal relationship with the natural world, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, real-life lessons in taking care of our earth.
