Best Public Schools in Springfield, OR

The city of Springfield, Oregon is home to 21 schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Springfield School District 19. While the district is ranked 86 out of 140 in the state and rated 2 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger, a few standout schools emerge that are worth highlighting for parents.

Thurston Middle School ranks 96 out of 368 Oregon middle schools and is rated 4 stars, with significantly higher test scores than the district and state averages, particularly in English Language Arts. Douglas Gardens Elementary School ranks 185 out of 706 Oregon elementary schools and is also rated 4 stars, with very high proficiency rates across English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. At the high school level, Academy of Arts and Academics ranks 77 out of 270 Oregon high schools and is rated 4 stars, with strong performance in English Language Arts and Science.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities in performance across the district, with the overall high school graduation rate at 81.8% and a concerning chronic absenteeism rate of 34.3% across all schools. While spending per student varies widely, from $8,892 at the charter schools to over $25,000 at some elementary schools, there does not appear to be a clear correlation between higher spending and better academic outcomes. This suggests that factors beyond just funding, such as resource allocation and school leadership, may play a crucial role in driving student success in the Springfield School District 19.