Best Public Schools in Heppner, OR

The city of Heppner, Oregon is home to two schools: Heppner Elementary School and Heppner Junior/Senior High School, both part of the Morrow School District 1. While both schools face challenges, the data suggests that Heppner Junior/Senior High School is a standout performer in the region.

Heppner Junior/Senior High School has consistently ranked among the top high schools in Oregon, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger in the last two school years and an impressive 5-star rating in 2022-2023. The school boasts strong test scores, with 67.9% of 11th-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 35.7% proficient or better in Mathematics in 2024-2025. Additionally, the school maintains a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 81.8% for the 2023-2024 school year.

In contrast, while Heppner Elementary School is still performing better than the district and state averages in many areas, it does not stand out as strongly as the high school. The elementary school's SchoolDigger ratings have fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars in recent years. Both schools face challenges, such as high chronic absenteeism rates of 34.3% in 2023-2024, and a significant percentage of students (over 67%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating socioeconomic challenges in the community. The district should focus on addressing these issues to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.