Summary:
The Pendleton School District 16 in Oregon is home to 4 elementary schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. While the district faces some common challenges, one school stands out as a high-performing standout.
McKay Creek Elementary School is the clear academic leader in the district, earning a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger and significantly outperforming the district and state averages on standardized tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. For example, in 2024-2025, 67.4% of 5th graders at McKay Creek were proficient or better in ELA, compared to just 47.5% for the district and 46.7% statewide. The school's strong academic performance sets it apart from the other 3 elementary schools in the district, which lag behind state averages.
However, the district as a whole faces some concerning challenges. All 4 elementary schools have extremely high chronic absenteeism rates, exceeding 34% in 2023-2024, well above the state average. Additionally, the schools serve student populations with high percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 64.47% at Washington Elementary to 85.96% at Pendleton Early Learning Center. Addressing these socioeconomic challenges and improving attendance should be key priorities for the district.
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