Elementary Schools in Jefferson County School District 509J

The Jefferson County School District 509J in Oregon is home to 6 elementary schools, serving students from kindergarten through 5th grade. The district faces significant challenges, with high rates of chronic absenteeism and students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch across its schools.

Among the elementary schools, Buff Elementary School stands out as the top performer, consistently ranking higher than the other schools in the district and the state on statewide assessments. Buff Elementary has significantly higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to the district and state averages. For example, in the 2024-2025 school year, 55.6% of 3rd graders at Buff Elementary were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 37.4% for the district and 40.3% for the state.

In contrast, the other elementary schools in the district, including Warm Springs K-8 Academy, Madras Elementary School, Metolius Elementary School, 509J On-Line, and Big Muddy Elementary, have generally lower academic performance, with most schools having less than 50% of students proficient in ELA and math. The district's high rates of chronic absenteeism and free/reduced lunch are likely contributing factors to these challenges.