The 30 Best School Districts in Oregon: Rankings and Academic Performance
Oregon’s education system includes 182 school districts serving students across diverse communities, from metropolitan areas to rural regions.
Selecting the right school district for your family involves understanding various factors such as academic performance, test scores, available programs, and community resources.
This guide examines 30 of Oregon’s top-performing school districts to help you make informed decisions about your child’s education.
The districts featured represent a range of geographic locations and serve different community sizes throughout the state. Each district brings unique strengths and approaches to student achievement.
You will find detailed information about districts in major cities like Portland, Eugene, and Salem, as well as smaller communities that consistently demonstrate strong educational outcomes.
The guide also covers the key metrics used to evaluate school districts and explains how ratings systems work in Oregon.
Here are the 30 best school districts in Oregon:
1. Lake Oswego School District
Lake Oswego School District 7J consistently ranks as the top school district in Oregon. In October 2025, Niche recognized it as the #1 school district in the state for 2026, maintaining its position among the nation’s best-performing districts.
The district operates 12 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Your children will benefit from the district’s annual budget of approximately $75 million, which translates to about $10,927 spent per student.
Lake Oswego High School stands out as one of the highest-rated public schools in Oregon. The district also earned recognition as the #1 Best Place to Teach in Oregon, which helps attract and retain quality educators.
If you’re looking for strong academic performance and comprehensive educational resources, Lake Oswego School District delivers consistent results across all grade levels.
2. Riverdale School District
Riverdale School District 51J serves approximately 564 students across two schools in Portland’s Dunthorpe neighborhood, located seven miles south of downtown. The district consistently ranks among Oregon’s top performers, with both Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School earning 5-star ratings from SchoolDigger.
The district’s average testing ranking places it in the top 1% of public schools statewide. You’ll find that Riverdale has been recognized as the #2 school district in Oregon according to recent rankings.
Located in a residential, wooded area, the district serves more than 600 families in the Riverdale community. Strong parental involvement supports both major events and daily activities throughout the schools. The district’s proximity to Lake Oswego adds to its appeal for families seeking high-quality education options in the Portland metropolitan area.
3. West Linn-Wilsonville School District
West Linn-Wilsonville School District serves over 9,000 students across 17 public schools in the Portland metro area. The district consistently ranks among Oregon’s top performers, holding a position at number 6 out of 140 districts statewide with a 5-star rating.
You’ll find the district’s academic performance particularly strong, with an average testing ranking of 10/10, placing it in the top 5% of Oregon public schools. The district serves students from elementary through high school across West Linn and Wilsonville communities.
If you’re considering schools in this district, you’ll have access to 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Several schools stand out as top performers, including Stafford Primary School and Cedaroak Park. The district maintains a 26% minority enrollment rate, with 13% of students classified as economically disadvantaged.
4. Ashland School District
Ashland School District 5 ranks third out of 140 districts in Oregon and holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The district serves the city of Ashland with seven schools, including five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Students in Ashland consistently perform well on statewide assessments. In the 2024-25 academic tests, the district achieved the highest scores in Southern Oregon and placed in the top 10 statewide.
The district emphasizes high academic achievement while offering broad learning options and a strong commitment to the arts. You’ll find that Ashland schools focus on empowering students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. The district maintains strong connections with families and serves as a central hub for the community.
5. Sherwood School District
Sherwood School District ranks among Oregon’s top school districts, placing third out of 185 districts statewide. The district serves approximately 4,900 students across seven schools, which include five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
You’ll find that the district’s academic performance stands out, with strong test scores in both math and reading proficiency. The schools consistently rank among the highest performers in the state.
The district’s student population includes 30% minority enrollment, and about 12% of students are economically disadvantaged. Located in Washington County, Sherwood School District 88J operates schools that benefit from a community-focused approach to education.
If you’re considering schools in the Portland metropolitan area, this district offers a track record of academic excellence that places it in the top 5% of all Oregon school districts.
6. Portland School District
Portland School District serves as one of Oregon’s largest educational systems, operating 85 schools across the metro area. The district includes 59 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, 10 high schools, and 1 alternative school.
You’ll find Portland School District 1J ranked 12th out of 185 school districts statewide based on combined math and reading proficiency scores from the 2022-2023 school year. The district holds a 4 out of 5 star rating from SchoolDigger, placing it in the top 13% of Oregon districts.
Your children will have access to diverse educational programs across the district’s extensive network of schools. The district’s performance metrics show consistent results in standardized testing, with various schools receiving top ratings for their academic programs and student outcomes.
7. Parkrose School District
Parkrose School District operates in Portland, serving students across six schools that include four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district stands out as one of the most diverse in Oregon, ranking in the top 1% for diversity.
You’ll find that Parkrose currently ranks 149 out of 185 school districts statewide based on combined math and reading proficiency data from the 2022-2023 school year. This places it in the bottom 50% of Oregon districts academically.
The district holds a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, reflecting areas where student outcomes need improvement. Your children would experience a multicultural environment, though academic performance metrics lag behind many other Oregon districts.
If diversity is your priority, Parkrose offers significant value. However, you should carefully consider the academic rankings when evaluating this district for your family.
8. Eugene School District 4J
Eugene School District serves over 16,000 students across 36 public schools in the Eugene area. The district maintains a strong academic reputation, with an average testing ranking in the top 30% of Oregon public schools.
You’ll find a comprehensive range of educational options here, including 30 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 9 high schools. The district also operates an alternative school to meet diverse student needs.
When you combine Eugene School District 4J with Bethel School District 52, the Eugene area educates nearly 22,000 public school students. About 88% of all K-12 students in Eugene attend public schools, which is slightly below Oregon’s state average of 90%.
The district’s commitment to providing varied educational pathways makes it a solid choice for families seeking quality public education in the Willamette Valley region.
9. Beaverton School District
Beaverton School District 48J serves nearly 37,500 students across a comprehensive network of schools. The district operates 34 elementary schools, nine middle schools, six high schools, five option schools, and two charter schools. You’ll also find 33 Career Technical Education programs available throughout the district.
The district ranks 16th or 17th out of approximately 140 school districts in Oregon and holds a 4-star rating. Students in Beaverton schools demonstrate a math proficiency score of 37%, which exceeds the state average of 31%. Reading proficiency stands at 48%, compared to Oregon’s 44% average.
Your children will have access to diverse educational opportunities, from core academic subjects to specialized programs in robotics and engineering. The district employs around 5,000 staff members who support student achievement across all grade levels.
10. Hillsboro School District
The Hillsboro School District serves students across Oregon’s fifth-largest city with 30 schools, including 19 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. This comprehensive district provides educational options for diverse student populations throughout the community.
Schools in Hillsboro demonstrate solid performance with an average ranking of 6/10, placing them in the top 50% of Oregon public schools. Your children will find math proficiency rates around 30% and reading proficiency at 41%, which align closely with state averages.
The district emphasizes modern facilities and safe learning environments while offering varied curricular and extracurricular programs. You’ll discover opportunities for students to develop their talents across multiple academic and activity-based programs throughout their educational journey.
11. Tigard-Tualatin School District
Tigard-Tualatin School District 23J serves the communities of Tigard and Tualatin with 19 public schools educating approximately 11,502 students for the 2025-26 school year. The district has shown notable improvement in recent statewide rankings, moving up 12 positions.
You’ll find the district performs better than 82.1% of districts in Oregon. The average testing ranking sits at 8/10, placing it in the top 30% of public schools across the state.
The district includes 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school. This structure provides you with educational options at each level.
Located at 9550 SW Murdock St in Tigard, the district maintains a commitment to serving its diverse student population while upholding non-discrimination policies across all protected categories.
12. North Clackamas School District
North Clackamas School District serves nearly 17,000 students across 31 schools, making it Oregon’s fifth largest district out of nearly 200. The district spans 40 square miles, covering Milwaukie, Oak Grove, Johnson City, Clackamas, and Happy Valley.
Your children will find 19 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 1 alternative school within the district. The testing ranking sits at 7 out of 10, placing it in the top 50% of Oregon public schools.
The district performs better than 61.4% of other districts statewide. You’ll encounter a range of academic performance levels across schools, from high-achieving institutions to those needing improvement.
North Clackamas maintains a strategic partnership with the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, expanding opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
13. Corvallis School District
Corvallis School District 509J serves the city of Corvallis with 13 schools, including 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools. The district consistently ranks among Oregon’s top-performing systems and holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Your children would benefit from the district’s strong academic performance, which exceeds state-wide averages in graduation rates. All schools within the district rank in the top 140 districts statewide.
When you’re considering Corvallis, you’ll find a variety of public and private educational options across the area. The district releases annual report cards each fall through the Oregon Department of Education, providing detailed information about academic performance and achievement highlights.
Schools like Bessie Coleman Elementary, Franklin School, and Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary consistently receive top rankings for their educational quality.
14. Gladstone School District
Gladstone School District serves 1,594 students across four public schools for the 2025-26 school year. The district ranks in the top 50% of Oregon public schools with an average testing ranking of 7/10.
You’ll find that Gladstone has earned recognition in multiple categories. The district ranked #22 among the best 30 districts in Oregon and placed #18 of 162 for safest school districts in the state. These ratings consider academic testing, teacher quality, health and safety measures, and available resources.
The district demonstrates fiscal responsibility as well. Gladstone received a Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International, making it one of only five Oregon districts recognized for budget quality in 2023-24.
The student body shows diversity with 28% minority enrollment. Half of the students are economically disadvantaged, and the district operates a food pantry at Kraxberger Middle School.
15. Salem-Keizer School District
Salem-Keizer School District serves as Oregon’s second-largest district, educating over 38,000 students across 65 schools in Salem and Keizer. You’ll find the district operates with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1.
The district’s academic performance shows room for growth, with 21% of students demonstrating proficiency in math and 34% in reading based on state assessments. Salem-Keizer currently ranks #145 out of 185 districts statewide.
Your children will have access to diverse programs and educational resources throughout the district’s extensive network of schools. The district emphasizes community support and serves families across both Salem and Keizer areas.
If you’re considering this district, you should research individual schools within the system, as performance can vary significantly across its 65 campuses.
16. Canby School District
Canby School District 86 serves approximately 4,175 students across 8 public schools in the 2025-26 school year. The district has shown improvement in recent rankings, moving up 8 positions and now performing better than 56.4% of districts in Oregon.
The district’s average testing ranking stands at 5 out of 10, placing it in the bottom half of public schools statewide. Canby High School ranks #5,012 nationally according to U.S. News, with rankings based on state test performance, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics.
If you’re considering schools in the Canby area, you’ll find the district offers comprehensive educational programs. The district maintains a commitment to nondiscrimination and provides an inclusive environment for all students regardless of background or ability.
17. Forest Grove School District
Forest Grove School District 15 serves students in Forest Grove, Oregon, providing a range of educational options from elementary through high school. The district includes several well-regarded schools that have earned recognition for their academic performance.
Dilley Elementary School and Harvey Clarke Elementary School rank among the top-performing schools in the area. Forest Grove Community School, a public charter option, stands out with a 4-star rating and ranks in the top 30% of Oregon elementary schools.
When evaluating Forest Grove schools, you’ll find they perform competitively in most academic areas compared to state averages. The district offers both traditional public schools and charter school alternatives, giving you choices based on your family’s educational priorities.
If you’re considering moving to Forest Grove, you can access detailed school ratings and test scores through various ranking platforms to help inform your decision.
18. Newberg School District
Newberg School District 29J serves the city of Newberg and operates 10 schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The district enrolled approximately 4,051 students during the 2024 school year.
The district ranks 21 out of 140 school districts in Oregon and holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. You’ll find that 31% of enrolled students represent minority populations, while 37% are economically disadvantaged.
Newberg Senior High School serves as the sole high school within the district. The district spans three counties: Clackamas, Washington, and Yamhill.
Notable elementary schools in the district include Ewing Young Elementary, Antonia Crater Elementary, and Mabel Rush Elementary. Your children will have access to consistent educational standards throughout the district’s various campuses in the Newberg area.
19. Medford School District
Medford School District 549C serves approximately 14,000 students across 361 square miles in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. The district operates 14 elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, and four charter schools.
You’ll find that South Medford High School offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside competitive athletics. The district ranks better than 52.1% of Oregon school districts based on current performance metrics.
Notable schools within the district include Hoover Elementary School and Lone Pine Elementary School, which consistently receive positive ratings. The Valley School of Southern Oregon provides an alternative educational option for families in the area.
The district serves the city of Medford and surrounding communities, offering diverse educational programs to meet varying student needs. Your children will have access to traditional public schools, charter options, and specialized programs throughout their K-12 education.
20. Hermiston School District
Hermiston School District is the largest school district in eastern Oregon, serving over 5,300 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 9 schools total, including 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school.
The district maintains a focus on academic excellence, equity, and community partnership. You’ll find a diverse student population here, with Hispanic students representing the largest demographic group across its schools.
Academic performance varies among the district’s schools, though consistent per-student spending exists throughout. The district serves a predominantly economically disadvantaged population, with high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch.
Hermiston School District emphasizes rigorous and engaging program choices for all students. The district operates with a mission centered on mutual respect and high expectations for student achievement.
21. Grants Pass School District
Grants Pass School District 7 serves as the third-largest school district in Southern Oregon, operating 12 schools across the region. The district includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools that educate approximately 5,400 students.
The district ranks #66 out of 185 school districts in Oregon based on combined math and reading proficiency scores from the 2022-2023 school year. You’ll find that 80% of the teaching staff hold master’s degrees or higher, with an average of 14.4 years of teaching experience.
Your children will be part of a diverse community where 27% of students are students of color and 15% receive special education services. The district employs 853 staff members, including 338 certified teachers and 460 classified staff.
22. Northwest Regional Education Service District
Northwest Regional Education Service District serves 20 school districts across Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties in northwestern Oregon. The district provides programs and services to nearly 600,000 students throughout the state.
You’ll find that NWRESD focuses on delivering cost-effective solutions in special education, technology support, professional development, and school improvement initiatives. The district operates a 9th grade success network connecting 31 high schools across the region, which strengthens collaboration among educators and helps keep students on track for graduation.
NWRESD offers your family access to comprehensive educational services spanning from birth to age 21. The district’s professional staff works to empower educators through continued learning opportunities and regional cooperatives. You can review detailed performance data through the Oregon Schools Data Dashboard, which tracks metrics including attendance, test scores, and graduation rates.
23. Roseburg School District
Roseburg Public Schools serves students in the Roseburg metro area with a comprehensive education system. The district operates 14 schools total, including 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
You’ll find that some of the district’s top-performing schools include Melrose Elementary School, Hucrest Elementary School, and John C Fremont Middle School. The district maintains its commitment to providing care, support, and instruction designed to help all students graduate from high school with plans for their futures.
The district has earned recognition from the Oregon Department of Education for its educational programs. Your children will have access to various educational options throughout their academic journey, from preschool through 12th grade.
24. McMinnville School District
McMinnville School District 40 serves 6,419 students across 9 public schools in the Willamette Valley. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school.
The district ranks 33rd out of 140 school districts in Oregon and holds a 4 out of 5 star rating. Its average testing ranking places it in the top 20% of public schools statewide, with a 9 out of 10 performance score.
You’ll find well-regarded schools like Memorial Elementary School, Duniway Middle School, and Grandhaven Elementary School within this district. The system provides comprehensive education options for families throughout the McMinnville area.
If you’re considering McMinnville, the district offers strong academic performance and a range of school choices for your children.
25. Central Point School District
Central Point School District 6 serves approximately 3,300 to 5,000 students in Jackson County’s Rogue River Valley. The district encompasses 8 to 11 schools, including multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools such as Crater High School.
Your children will experience a diverse educational environment, with students speaking 20 languages across the district. The schools reflect a wide range of cultural backgrounds and learning approaches.
The district currently holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranks 80 out of 140 school districts in Oregon. You’ll find the district located between the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southern Oregon.
Central Point offers various educational pathways and connections to higher education institutions like Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University. The community provides access to natural, cultural, and athletic opportunities throughout the region.
26. Ontario School District
Ontario School District serves the eastern Oregon community with five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district maintains a 90% graduation rate, demonstrating its commitment to student success through completion.
The student population reflects significant diversity, with 72% minority enrollment across the district. All students qualify as economically disadvantaged, which shapes the district’s approach to resource allocation and support services.
Ontario High School anchors the district as its sole secondary institution. The community offers educational options spanning from elementary through high school levels, providing continuity for families throughout their children’s academic journey.
Test scores and academic data are publicly available through the Oregon Department of Education, allowing you to review the district’s performance metrics. Ontario’s schools serve a community where educational accessibility remains a priority despite economic challenges.
27. Klamath County School District
Klamath County School District operates 22 to 24 schools serving over 6,800 students in Southern Oregon. The district is located in Klamath Falls and provides education across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The district ranks #88 out of 185 school districts in Oregon based on combined math and reading proficiency scores. This places it in the top 50% of districts statewide, though recent rankings show it has dropped six slots compared to previous years.
If you’re considering schools in this area, you’ll find options like Henley High School, Keno Elementary School, and Ferguson Elementary School among the top-ranked institutions. The district’s main office is located at 10501 Washburn Way in Klamath Falls, where you can access additional information about enrollment and programs.
28. Gresham-Barlow School District
Gresham-Barlow School District serves over 11,000 students across 21 public schools in the Damascus and Gresham areas. The district has built a solid reputation for delivering quality education to its community.
Students in this district consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests. You’ll find the district offers a range of academic programs designed to meet diverse student needs.
The district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools throughout its service area. Teachers and administrators are known for their commitment to student success and creating supportive learning environments.
While Gresham-Barlow ranks in the middle tier among Oregon districts, it continues working to improve educational outcomes. Your children will have access to various extracurricular activities and support services that complement classroom instruction.
29. Coos Bay School District
Coos Bay School District serves students in the coastal community of Coos Bay, Oregon. The district operates under a clear mission statement called the Coos Bay Promise, which emphasizes knowing every student by name, strength, and need.
When you examine the district’s performance, you’ll find it ranks in the lower portion compared to other Oregon school districts. Recent rankings show the district performing worse than approximately 69% of districts statewide.
The district offers various educational options including traditional public schools and charter alternatives like Resource Link Charter School and Lighthouse Charter School. Individual schools within the district receive varying ratings, with some achieving scores as high as 9 out of 10 from rating organizations.
Your student will graduate with an emphasis on having a concrete plan, whether that involves enrollment in further education, military enlistment, or employment.
30. Bend-La Pine School District
Bend-La Pine School District serves the cities of Bend and La Pine in Central Oregon, along with surrounding areas including Sunriver. As the fifth largest school district in Oregon, it operates 35 public schools serving over 17,000 students for the 2025-26 school year.
The district ranks in the top 10% of Oregon public schools with an average testing ranking of 10/10. Recent performance shows the district has improved its statewide position, now ranking better than 80% of districts across Oregon.
You’ll find approximately 40 public, private, and independent schools in the area, giving you diverse educational options for your children. The district has built a reputation for innovative programs and provides comprehensive K-12 education throughout Central Oregon.
Bend-La Pine Schools maintains a commitment to equal access and non-discrimination across all its programs and activities.
Key Factors That Define Oregon’s Best School Districts
Oregon’s top school districts stand out through measurable academic outcomes, qualified teaching staff with appropriate class sizes, and comprehensive programs that extend beyond core curriculum to support student development.
Academic Performance
Academic performance serves as the primary indicator of district quality in Oregon. State test scores in mathematics and English proficiency provide standardized benchmarks for comparing districts across the state’s 182 school systems.
College readiness rates and graduation percentages reveal how well districts prepare students for post-secondary education. You’ll find that top-performing districts consistently show higher percentages of students meeting or exceeding state standards in core subjects.
Key metrics to evaluate include:
- State standardized test scores in math and English
- Four-year graduation rates
- College enrollment rates among graduates
- Advanced Placement (AP) course participation and pass rates
Districts with strong academic performance typically maintain these results over multiple years rather than showing sporadic improvements.
Teacher Qualifications and Ratios
Teacher quality directly impacts student learning outcomes in Oregon schools. The best districts employ educators with advanced degrees, relevant certifications, and ongoing professional development.
Student-to-teacher ratios affect the amount of individual attention your children receive. Lower ratios allow teachers to provide more personalized instruction and identify learning challenges earlier.
Experience levels matter because seasoned teachers bring proven classroom management skills and curriculum expertise. Districts that retain teachers long-term demonstrate better working conditions and often produce more consistent student outcomes.
Student Support and Enrichment Opportunities
Support services address diverse learning needs through special education programs, English language learning support, and counseling services. You should look for districts offering differentiated instruction and intervention programs for students who need additional academic help.
Enrichment opportunities expand learning beyond required coursework. Strong districts provide arts programs, music education, athletics, and extracurricular clubs that develop well-rounded students.
Advanced learners benefit from gifted and talented programs, honors courses, and dual enrollment options. Mental health support and social-emotional learning programs help students navigate challenges that affect academic performance.
Understanding School District Ratings in Oregon
Oregon school districts receive ratings based on academic performance metrics, resource allocation, and student outcomes. These ratings help you compare educational quality across the state’s 182 school districts.
Evaluation Metrics and Methodologies
School district ratings in Oregon rely primarily on standardized test scores in mathematics and English proficiency. The Oregon Department of Education produces yearly At-A-Glance School and District Profiles that compile this data alongside other performance indicators.
Rating organizations evaluate districts using several key metrics:
- Academic achievement through standardized test results
- Graduation rates and college readiness measures
- Student-teacher ratios and classroom sizes
- Student progress over time, not just snapshot performance
- Equity indicators showing how well districts serve all student populations
Different rating platforms use distinct methodologies. Some rank districts based on the percentage of schools placing in the top 5% statewide, while others compare actual test scores against projected scores. The Oregon Online Report Card provides state-verified data that rating agencies incorporate into their evaluations.
The Impact of Community and Funding
School district quality varies significantly across Oregon’s regions and communities. Districts with stronger local funding typically offer more resources, smaller class sizes, and additional academic programs.
Property tax revenues constitute a major funding source for Oregon school districts. Wealthier communities often generate higher tax revenues, creating disparities in per-student spending across districts. State funding formulas attempt to balance these inequities, but gaps persist.
Community involvement directly affects district performance. Districts with active parent participation, robust volunteer programs, and strong community partnerships typically show better student outcomes. Your local district’s relationship with its community influences everything from extracurricular offerings to facility maintenance.
How Parents Can Use District Rankings
District rankings provide a starting point for your school search, but you should examine multiple data sources. Compare ratings from platforms like Niche, SchoolDigger, and the Oregon Online Report Card to get a comprehensive view.
Focus on metrics that matter most to your family’s needs. If your child requires special education services, investigate those specific programs rather than relying solely on overall district rankings. Look at individual school performance within districts, since quality can vary significantly between schools in the same system.
Visit schools in person and ask specific questions about class sizes, curriculum offerings, and support services. Rankings don’t capture school culture, teaching quality, or how well a district might fit your child’s learning style.
