Free Preschool · Portland Oregon
Where Every Child
Belongs & Thrives
Cairo Academy offers free, high-quality bilingual preschool for 3 & 4 year olds — rooted in culture, built on inclusion, and focused on kindergarten readiness.
Culturally Affirming · Bilingual
A Strong Start Rooted in Heritage
Our bilingual and bicultural educators create welcoming spaces where African children and families see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated every day.
7 Locations · Multnomah & Washington County
Free Quality Preschool Near You
Serving families across SE Portland, NE Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Troutdale through Preschool For All and Preschool Promise.
OUR PROGRAM
Culturally Responsive Early Education
Cairo Academy Preschool is a culturally specific, nonprofit early learning program of the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO). Launched in 2016, we address gaps in Early Childhood Education for African children and families in the Portland area — empowering children from all backgrounds to build strong social skills, early literacy, and school readiness.
Creative Curriculum
Play-based learning with Creative Curriculum and Second Step SEL tools, following children’s interests to spark lifelong curiosity.
Inclusive Classroom
Every child is fully included regardless of abilities — with tailored curriculum and thoughtful assessment for equitable access.
Built on Equity, Inclusion & Community
We believe early childhood education should be equitable, inclusive, and rooted in strong relationships. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, capable, and seen.
100% Free for Qualifying Families
Fully funded by Preschool For All (Multnomah County) and Preschool Promise (Washington County) — high-quality preschool at no cost to you.
Credentialed, Multilingual Staff
Our educators hold Child Development Associate (CDA), Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees in Early Childhood Education — with ongoing professional development.
Safe & Inclusive Environment
We do not suspend or expel children. Every child is welcomed, supported, and included alongside their peers — regardless of background or ability.
7 Convenient Locations
Serving SE & NE Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Troutdale — find a site close to your home or workplace.
Culturally Rooted Learning
Our classrooms reflect the cultures, identities, and families of the children we serve — ensuring every child sees themselves represented and valued.
Year-Round Options
Our Early Learning Center in SE Portland runs year-round with extended 10-hour days. School-year programs run late August through mid-June at all other sites.
About Us
Our Mission & Philosophy
CAIRO Academy is a program of the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), rooted in the mission to advance equity and social justice for African refugee and immigrant communities. Since 2016, we have provided culturally affirming, high-quality early education to children across Multnomah and Washington Counties.
“At CAIRO Academy Preschool, we believe that early childhood education should be equitable, inclusive, and rooted in strong relationships. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, capable, and seen.”
We partner closely with families, recognizing them as children’s first and most important teachers. We are committed to creating environments where children from all backgrounds thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while developing confidence in who they are.
Our Locations
Find a Site Near You
Cairo Academy Early Learning Center
Beaverton School District
- Hours: M–F 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Year-Round)
- 13908 SE 139th Ave, Portland, OR 97233
-
Classroom 1: 503-407-9451
Classroom 2: 971-334-4968
CAIRO at Vestal
Portland Public School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 161 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220
-
Classroom 1: 503-348-0927
Classroom 2: 503-348-0507
CAIRO at Woodmere
Portland Public School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 7900 SE Duke St, Portland, OR 97206
- 971-413-9148
CAIRO at Errol Hassell
Beaverton School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 18100 SW Bany Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007
- 971-279-9641
CAIRO at Imlay
Hillsboro School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 5900 SE Lois St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
- 971-221-8773
CAIRO at Davis
Reynolds School District · Gresham
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 19501 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97230
- 503-716-7929
Cairo Academy Early Learning Center
Beaverton School District
- Hours: M–F 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Year-Round)
- 13908 SE 139th Ave, Portland, OR 97233
-
Classroom 1: 503-407-9451
Classroom 2: 971-334-4968
CAIRO at Vestal
Portland Public School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 161 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220
-
Classroom 1: 503-348-0927
Classroom 2: 503-348-0507
CAIRO at Woodmere
Portland Public School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 7900 SE Duke St, Portland, OR 97206
- 971-413-9148
CAIRO at Davis
Reynolds School District · Gresham
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 19501 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97230
- 503-716-7929
CAIRO at Errol Hassell
Beaverton School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 18100 SW Bany Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007
- 971-279-9641
CAIRO at Imlay
Hillsboro School District
- Hours: M–F 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
- 5900 SE Lois St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
- 971-221-8773
Trusted by Portland Families
The CAIRO Academy Preschool has transformed my child’s early learning experience. The cultural integration and supportive environment are incredible — my child comes home singing in two languages every day.
Aisha Mohamed
Parent · SE Portland
The Inclusive Classroom at CAIRO ensures my child feels valued and supported. The tailored curriculum meets my child exactly where they are. We have seen so much growth in just one year.
Fatima Ali
Parent · Beaverton
The Creative Curriculum at CAIRO is amazing — my child loves the play-based approach and is growing so much every day. The teachers genuinely care about every single child.
Jamal Carter
Parent · NE Portland
Our Team
Meet Our Educators
Kelly Purcell
Early Learning Director
Kristina Hebert
Preschool Manager
Chanel Bodden
Preschool Manager
Sadia Anshur
Family Engagement & Enrollment Coordinator
Give Your Child the Best Start
Free, high-quality preschool is available to qualifying families across Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, and Troutdale. Apply today — spots are limited each school year.
1
Check Eligibility
Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1
2
Choose a Location
Find the site closest to your home or workplace
3
Submit Application
Contact our Enrollment Coordinator for support