Beau Monde Academy

Beau Monde Academy is an independent, locally owned school that has been training students since 1960. It was founded by stylists, and it describes itself as the longest standing cosmetology school in the Portland area.

Training here is competency-based: students advance when they have demonstrated mastery of a skill, not after logging a fixed number of clock hours. Cosmetology, barbering and hair design students are taught with the Pivot Point International method, which treats hair design as an art form. The school holds Pivot Point Member School status and is described as the only one in the greater Portland metro area.

Estimated program lengths in the competency-based format are: Cosmetology about 1150 hours (around 33 weeks), Hair Design about 850 hours (around 25 weeks), Barbering about 675 hours (around 20 weeks), Esthetics 250 hours (around 8-10 weeks), and Nail Technology 300 hours (around 9 weeks). Combination programs include Hair Design and Esthetics, Hair Design and Nail Technology, and Esthetics and Nail Technology, with the high school program also available.

Clients can book services from the student salon by calling the campus. Admissions offers one-on-one tours that cover program information and labour market research. The academy is on one level and fully accessible by wheelchair, with an accessible restroom, and the building has accessible parking on every level and elevators to the third floor. Students with disabilities are asked to contact admissions about any accommodations they need to complete training.

According to the school, it is the only accredited competency-based cosmetology college in the United States that offers federal financial aid to eligible students. Career development coursework includes starting a business, resume writing, advertising, time management and salon success, and a Salon Success Program concentrates on building a client base and communication skills. Career Services staff assist students with job searches. Graduates of the cosmetology and barbering programs qualify for state licensure.

Students advance on demonstrated skill and mastery rather than clock hours, using the Pivot Point curriculum.