The Hayu Alqi Uyxat project—named after the Chinook phrase meaning “Many Future Paths”—is a transformative educational facility designed for students who thrive in alternative learning environments. This new 85,000-SF building brings together several Portland Public Schools (PPS) programs under one roof, including Alliance High School, the Portland DART (Discovering and Rising Together) School, and teen parent services with integrated childcare. Previously dispersed across multiple locations, often in the basements of existing schools, these programs now have a purpose-built space that fully supports their unique educational missions.

A Vision Sparked by a Simple Question
The idea for a dedicated facility emerged during the master planning process for Benson Polytechnic High School, when a stakeholder asked a pivotal question: “Why not build it in the parking lot?” What began as a moment of curiosity became a catalyst for rethinking how PPS serves students in alternative education programs. The district recognized that these programs deserved more than leftover or repurposed spaces—they needed an environment intentionally designed to advance equity, dignity, and student success.

A New Standard for Equity in Alternative Education
Hayu Alqi Uyxat embodies bold thinking, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to giving every student a genuine opportunity to thrive. By bringing together diverse learning models, family support services, and flexible instructional spaces, the facility establishes a new benchmark for how alternative education can—and should—be supported. This new campus stands as a testament to PPS’s belief that all students deserve an environment designed for their success, regardless of how they learn.