Center for Advanced Learning

The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) is a tuition-free public charter school located in Gresham, Oregon, designed specifically for students in grades 9 through 12. Unlike traditional high schools, CAL focuses on a career-technical education (CTE) model, offering specialized programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields. By partnering with local businesses and industries, the school provides students with professional-grade training and early exposure to potential career paths, often resulting in industry-recognized certifications and college credit opportunities.

The school is structured to complement, rather than replace, a student’s home high school experience; students typically attend their home school for core graduation requirements while traveling to the CAL campus for their specialized elective coursework. Programs cover a wide array of technical and creative disciplines, including areas such as digital media, engineering, health sciences, and information technology. This unique "school-within-a-school" model aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and the professional workforce, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for either direct entry into a career or advanced post-secondary studies.