Best Public Schools in Zip Code 97218

The 97218 zip code area of Portland, Oregon is home to two elementary schools, Scott Elementary School and Rigler Elementary School, both part of the Portland School District 1J. These schools face significant challenges, with consistently low test scores, high chronic absenteeism rates, and serving a predominantly low-income student population.

Neither Scott Elementary nor Rigler Elementary stand out as exceptional performers, with both schools reporting proficiency rates below the district and state averages in core subjects like English Language Arts and Mathematics. The data reveals that these schools struggle to provide a high-quality education, with chronic absenteeism rates reaching as high as 34.3% in the 2023-2024 school year. Despite the high per-student spending, which is significantly above the state average, the academic outcomes at these schools remain poor.

The high free and reduced lunch rates, exceeding 64% at both schools, suggest that these institutions serve a predominantly low-income student population, which may contribute to the academic challenges they face. Addressing the underlying issues, such as low test scores, high poverty levels, and chronic absenteeism, will be crucial for improving the educational outcomes in this community and ensuring that all students have access to a quality education.