Schools in Zip Code 97540

ZIP code 97540 covers Talent, Oregon, and contains two public schools — one elementary and one middle school serving grades K–8, with no high school inside the ZIP — both part of Phoenix-Talent School District 4, with a combined enrollment of 834 students.

Talent Elementary School (K–5, 349 students) is the clear standout. It ranks 214 of 709 Oregon elementary schools in 2025–2026 — the 70th percentile, or 3 stars — after sitting at the 43rd percentile just two years earlier. Its all-grade scores beat both the district and the state in every core subject: 51.5% proficient in English language arts versus 43.8% statewide, 44.9% in math versus 32.9%, and 37.7% in science versus 30.6%. Fifth-grade ELA is a particular highlight at 62.3%, more than 15 points above the state. Chronic absenteeism is 22.0%, well below the district's 35.8% and the state's 33.5%.

Talent Middle School (6–8, 485 students) is the concern. It ranks 292 of 371 Oregon middle schools — the 21st percentile, 1 star. It has improved from the 10th percentile in 2023–2024, but still trails the district and state in all-grade ELA (29.0% vs. 43.8% statewide), math (18.2% vs. 32.9%), and science (21.7% vs. 30.6%). Chronic absenteeism is 33.0%, roughly at the state average. Both schools report essentially universal high need (free/reduced lunch reported as 100% at the elementary and 102.27% at the middle — the latter is a reporting artifact, not a literal rate). Notably, Talent Elementary achieves above-state results in that same high-poverty context, while spending somewhat more per student ($26,000 vs. $23,201) with a slightly smaller student-teacher ratio (17.6 vs. 18.3). Families should note that high school students in this ZIP attend school elsewhere.