Bend’s Newest High School Focuses on Business and Career Tech Education
Published 10:30 am Thursday, October 1, 2026
Deschutes River High, which just opened last month, is positioning itself as the magnet high school for Bend-La Pine Schools. Located on the former Bend Tech Academy campus on NE 5th Street, the school emerged after the district opted not to renew the lease for the Realms Middle and High buildings due to cost considerations.
Students from Realms High, Bend Technical Academy, and other interested pupils have come together to form the inaugural class at Deschutes River High. The school welcomes students from all across the district, emphasizing career technical education.
Scott Maben, a district spokesperson, stated, “Deschutes River High School is a completely new school with a new purpose and direction. We reimagined what our choice option high school could be.”
Principal LaKisha Clark, in her fourth year, noted that creating a distinct identity for Deschutes River High while honoring its predecessors was key to the school’s approach. “We can love our time at either of those two schools and be really excited about forging and loving this time here,” she remarked.
Students participated in a choice option lottery to join Deschutes River High, resulting in a diverse student body.
Fresh Perspective
Many students feel the school experience remains familiar, albeit with a larger community. Senior Bennett Dorsey shared, “It’s prepared me for college,” despite taking a seemingly lighter course load, which includes mock trial and leadership roles.
Fellow senior Daniel Jansen took initiative by creating school apparel for students eager to represent their new school. He aspires to study marketing and sales next year and is involved in networking and delegating tasks within the school’s student production program for apparel.
Jansen has also shown interest in revitalizing clubs, aiming to introduce new student-led initiatives. “Students dictate what they want to do,” he said, adding, “I want to be a senior who younger students look up to.”
The school is currently selecting a mascot, and Jansen hopes it will be the Deschutes River Dragonflies.
New Purpose
With a current enrollment of around 200, the campus can accommodate more students, bolstered by remodeling of modular buildings to create additional classroom spaces.
Deschutes River High focuses on service and technical education, connecting classroom learning to the community through service and partnerships with local businesses. Clark emphasized the importance of student input in shaping the school’s traditions and community spirit.
Looking ahead, she expressed hopes for future growth and a more vibrant school culture, acknowledging the unique programming that option schools offer.
