PPS The Right to Return You Really Can Go Home Again. Image of three students in graduation gowns.

The Right to Return Program

Portland Public Schools has partnered with nearby school districts to launch Right to Return, an enrollment opportunity for students whose families have been displaced by the practices of gentrification and urban renewal.

Such practices have disproportionately impacted students of color in North and Northeast Portland. Right to Return is an effort on the part of PPS and its partners – and at the behest of Black city leaders – to allow students to return to the schools where they feel most supported and at-home. It is a necessary step toward addressing historic wrongs and fulfilling PPS’s commitment to racial equity and social justice.

Learn more about Understanding Oregon's history of racism and discrimination.

How Does Right to Return Work?

Parents and guardians who live in any of the following districts can begin the Right to Return transfer process by filling out this application on or before September 15th of the upcoming school year:

To be eligible for a Right to Return transfer, a student or family member must have lived at an address that is within the North/Northeast Portland Housing Preference Zone (see map). Applicants may be asked to provide verification of their former address.

Learn more about the City of Portland’s North/Northeast Housing Preference Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Right to Return connected to housing opportunities?

The City of Portland’s North/Northeast Housing Policy aims to address the harmful impacts of urban renewal by giving preference to housing applicants with generational ties to North/Northeast Portland. Right to Return transfers are available for students who have historic addresses in the Housing preference zone. Participation in the housing program is not required for Right to Return applicants, but families are encouraged to learn about the housing policy and sign up for rental assistance and other opportunities.