Oregon has a reputation for attracting families from all over the country. Known for its charming beauty and pulsating culture, Beaver State has much to offer its residents.
Oregon's education system is among its greatest attractions, consistently ranked among the country’s best. The state is home to over 1,200 public K-12 institutions under 197 school districts.
With a focus on high-quality teaching and innovative learning, the Oregon Department of Education has some outstandingly massive facilities in terms of population.
In this article, you’ll learn about the 13 largest schools in the state and what makes the facilities stand out in a state that boasts the highest quality education for its students.
Heritage Elementary
440 Parr Rd, Woodburn, OR 97071
Heritage Elementary is a diverse public school in Woodburn, a mid-size city. The facility boasts a history of growth and academic excellence since its opening in 1997 and is among the largest in the state.
Heritage Elementary serves over 620 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. These students benefit from the school's multilingual learning environment. Therefore, most of them learn at least two languages daily. This enlightened and culturally diverse student population comprises 48% female and 52% male students, with 78% being from minority backgrounds.
Heritage Elementary School's vast populace depends on 41 instructors and two counselors, resulting in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:16, better than the district average.
Heritage Elementary ranks 470-627th among the state's elementary schools. Furthermore, 29% of students achieved the proficient level for math, and 27% passed or exceeded the reading-proficient mark.
Oregon Virtual Academy
400 Virginia Ave Ste 210, North Bend, OR 97459
Oregon Virtual Academy is also among the largest elementary schools in Oregon. This unique online public charter school in North Bend prides itself on offering a safe, inclusive environment that encourages comprehensive learning and full growth. Thus, the faculty members strive to work with families to keep their love of learning alive at home.
Oregon Virtual Academy serves K-12 to a population of 3,215 scholars. The gender distribution is 51% schoolgirls and 49% schoolboys, and the school has a minority student enrollment of 30%. In addition, the academy has 101 equivalent teachers and two counselors, creating an educator-student ratio of 1:32.
Oregon Virtual Academy ranks 470-627th in the state and 2nd-3rd among its North Bend School District peers. The school also ranks 24th-32nd in the state's charter elementary school category. In addition, 19% of scholars passed math proficiency, and 47% attained the same for reading.
Laurelhurst Elementary School
840 Ne 41St Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Laurelhurst School serves Portland's historic Laurelhurst neighborhood. The facility boasts one of the city's most beautiful school buildings and boasts one of the largest populations. In addition, students study in a welcoming and caring learning environment, which encourages parent participation.
Laurelhurst Elementary School's population of 687 comprised 48% girls and 52% boys. The school's minority community comprises 21%.
Furthermore, Laurelhurst Elementary School hires 36 educators and two counselors, so its teacher-student ratio is lower than the district's average at 1:19. These dedicated and experienced tutors prioritize academic excellence and focus on each individual student's strengths and needs.
Laurelhurst Elementary School performs exceptionally in statewide examinations and student preparedness for advanced studies. The institution ranks 25th in the state and is the seventh best in the Portland Public Schools District. In addition, 70% of learners achieved the math proficient level, and 82% achieved the proficiency level for reading.
Sato Elementary School
7775 Nw Kaiser Rd., Portland, OR 97229
Sato Elementary School is a massive public school in the rural fringe setting of Portland. The school was named after a Japanese family who suffered internment and lost a son to war. Since opening its doors, the school has constantly provided active and meaningful educational experiences that cultivate innovative global citizens inside and outside the classroom.
Sato Elementary School's population is 667, serving young and dedicated students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students from minority communities form 72%. Furthermore, the school hires 36 full-time educators and a school counselor. Therefore, the teacher-student ratio is the same as that of the district, at 1:19.
Besides its reputation as one of the largest schools in the district and state, Sato Elementary School also performs exceptionally every year. The facility ranks in position 15 among the state's Elementary Schools and is the fifth best in the Beaverton School District. Moreover, 81% and 80% of learners attained or exceeded the proficient levels for math and reading.
Stoller Middle School
14141 Nw Laidlaw Rd, Portland, OR 97229
Stoller Middle School is a public school in a large suburb of Portland. The massive institution provides a safe and supportive learning community that encourages high academic achievement and lifelong learning. In addition, the facility ranks among the largest in the state and country at its level.
Stoller Middle School serves a student body of 1,409 between sixth and eighth grades. The facility has a nearly equal gender distribution of 48% schoolgirls and 52% schoolboys, with a minority enrollment of 70%.
There are 61 teachers and four full-time counselors in Stoller Middle School. This population results in a teacher-student ratio of 23:1, similar to the district's.
Stoller Middle School ranks seventh best among the middle schools in Oregon and second best in the Beaverton School District. Furthermore, 74% and 81% of students achieved desired math and reading proficiency levels.
Waldo Middle School
2805 Lansing Ave Ne, Salem, OR 97301
Waldo Middle School, located in a mid-sized city setting in Salem, also stands out with its massive student population. In addition, the public school offers bilingual services. The school's mascot is the Mustang, serving students in grades 6-8.
Waldo Middle School boasts a total enrollment of 1,230 students; the school has a gender distribution of 47% females and 53% males. In addition, the school's minority student population is among the largest at 84%, highlighting the community's commitment to diversity.
Waldo Middle School employs 55 teachers and three counselors. Therefore, the teacher-student ratio is higher than that of the district at 1:23.
Regardless, Waldo Middle School is a top-performing facility, ranking 208-277th in statewide rankings and 10-13th among the high schools in Salem-Keizer School District. Moreover, 17% of students recorded a score above the math proficiency level, while 37% attained the same for reading.
Stephens Middle School
4962 Haysville Drive Ne, Salem, OR 97305
Stephens Middle School is in Salem, Oregon. The reputable public school is famous for fostering a community of courage, care, and connection, where scholars, staff, and their families work together toward lifelong success. In addition, it's among the largest middle schools in Oregon.
Stephens Middle School serves 6-8th graders, with a student population of 1,104. The facility has a gender distribution of 51% females and 49% males; the minority student population forms 80%.
In addition, the school hires 44 full-time educators and three experienced counselors. So the teacher-student ratio is 1:25. All these teachers are nationally accredited, and 84.1% have taught for three or more years.
Stephens Middle School ranks in position 154 among the middle schools in Oregon and 9 in the Salem-Keizer School District 24J. In addition, 29% of students passed or exceeded the math-proficient level, and 40% attained or exceeded that threshold for reading.
Central Catholic High School
2401 Se Stark St Portland, OR 97214
Central Catholic High School is in Portland, Oregon. This Catholic college preparatory school aims to educate students from diverse backgrounds to become Christian witnesses in service to others. But besides its unique objectives and quality of education, the school is also reputable for being among the largest in the state.
Central Catholic High School serves 844 scholars, 36.0% from minority communities. In addition, The school has a teacher-student ratio of 15:1, thanks to its dedicated team of 55 classroom teachers.
The experienced teachers at Central Catholic High School offer a rigorous education that prioritizes Catholic values, collaboration, and equity. In addition, they provide robust educational opportunities in an inclusive and supportive community. As a result, the school develops critical thinkers prepared to impact their communities positively.
The school runs on four character virtues – compassion, humility, loyalty, and self-discipline. All these are part of the school's culture.
Reynolds High School
1698 Sw Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale, Oregon
Reynolds High School isn't your average college-prep institution. Rather, the school considers itself a connected community prioritizing equity and inclusivity. The facility provides quality education that empowers learners to succeed in today's interconnected world.
Besides the impressive culture, Reynolds High hosts one of the largest student populations. The facility has a total enrollment of 2,624 in grades 9-12, with a gender distribution of 45% females and 55% males. In addition, 70% of learners come from minority communities.
Reynolds High hires 115 accredited and experienced educators and teachers, resulting in a teacher-student ratio of 1:23. The certified tutors offer diverse programs of study that cater to different interests and skill sets. In addition, the staff members believe that every student deserves to pursue their passions and unlock their full potential. So, they offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares learners for success in all areas of life.
Reynolds High School performs above expectations in statewide standard examinations and at the national level. The school ranks 72nd among its peers in the Portland metro area, 169th in the state rankings, and 13,263rd nationally. In addition, the facility boasts a college readiness index of 12.8/100 and a graduation rate of 73%.
David Douglas High School
1001 Se 135th Ave, Portland, Oregon
In almost every review of the state's largest schools, David Douglas High School features. The facility boasts an enrollment of 2,807 students from grades 9-12, with a slightly higher male population at 51%. In addition, the school serves a diverse student population, with 68% being from minority groups. Additionally, 67% of students receive free or reduced lunch.
David Douglas High School has 149 teachers, so each tutor caters to 19 scholars. According to recent polls, 66% of students and parents believe that the teachers provide engaging lessons, while 79% acknowledge that the tutors genuinely care about them. Furthermore, 76% of students and parents believe that instructors effectively lead and manage the classroom.
David Douglas High School ranks in position 5,852 nationally, 56 in Oregon State rankings, and 37 among the high schools in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. In addition, the school boasts a College Readiness Index of 14.9/100 and a graduation rate of 86%.
Oregon State University
104 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, OR, 97331
Oregon State University is a community of problem-solvers, innovators, and change-makers who actively seek out challenges to take on. As an inclusive university, the facility is reputable for welcoming students from all backgrounds and perspectives.
Considered the largest higher learning institution in the state, the student body at Oregon State University comprises 33,193 individuals, with a gender distribution of 51% male and 49% female.
Undergraduate enrollment includes 14,330 male and 13,234 female students, while graduate attendance comprises 2,599 male and 3,030 female students. Of the population, 22,273 study full-time, and 10,920 study part-time.
In addition to traditional on-campus programs, Oregon State University offers distance learning opportunities, with 10,888 students currently enrolled in the school's online degree programs.
Oregon State University ranks in position 151 in the National University ranking, 72nd in Top Public Schools, and 150 among the Best Value Schools.
Notable Alumni
Trevor Bardette – Actor
George Oppen – Pulitzer Prize winner
Sara Jean Underwood – Model and actress
Peggy Cherng – Co-founder of Panda Express
Don Robert – CEO of Experian
Leonard Shoen – Founder of U-Haul
John A. Young – Former President and CEO of Hewlitt-Packard
Edward Allworth – Medal of Honor recipient
Cecil Andrus – 26th and 28th governor of Idaho
Paul H. Emmett – Staff on the Manhattan Project
Portland State University
1825 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97201
Portland State University is more than just a public research university, but is somewhere where new ideas and projects come to life. This top facility's approach involves collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving for optimal impact. The facility offers over 200 degree programs and is the state's most innovative, diverse, and affordable research institution.
Portland State University serves 22,858 individual scholars, with a gender distribution of 41.99% male and 58.01% female. The facility's undergraduate school enrollment includes 7,784 men and 9,969 women, while graduate school attendance comprises 3,292 female and 1,813 male students. Of the total student population, 14,418 study full-time programs, and 8,440 are part-time students.
Portland State University ranks 285 among National Universities and 146 among the nation's Top Public Schools. The global renown facility also ranks in position 165 among its peers in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Notable Alumni
D. Scott Davis – Chairman and CEO of UPS
Judi Hofer – Executive CEO, the May Department Stores Company
Travis Knight – Animator and CEO
Mike Richardson – Founder of Dark Horse Comics
Deborah J. Ross – Science fiction and fantasy author
Larry Harvey – Co-founder of the Burning Man festival
Arthur Honeyman – Disability rights activist
Terence Knox – Actor
University of Oregon
1585 E 13th Ave. Eugene, OR 97403
The University of Oregon has enabled progressive change and innovation for over a century. This institution primarily focuses on the future and boasts an unwavering dedication to big ideas. The facility's learning programs and culture challenge conventional thinking, and students gain valuable knowledge and skills to impact their careers and lives. Students can choose from 315 degree and certificate programs to find something that fits their interests and career paths.
The University of Oregon serves 22,298 students, with a gender distribution of 44.61% men and 55.39% women. Undergraduate enrollment includes 8,270 males and 10,332 females, while graduate school attendance comprises 1,658 males and 1,997 female students. In addition, 20,574 students study full-time, and 1,683 are in part-time programs.
The higher learning facility is a proud Association of American Universities member. It's among the two institutions from the Pacific Northwest to be selected for membership, demonstrating the facility's instruction quality and its impact on the field of research.
Notable Alumni
Kaitlin Olsen – Actress
William P. Murphy – Nobel Prize-winning researcher
Chuck Palahniuk – Author
Phil Knight – Co-founder of Nike
James Ivory – Director and oldest Oscar winner
Paul Simon – Former U.S. Senator
Ron Wyden – U.S. Senator
Sam Adams – First openly gay mayor of Portland, Oregon
Transforming Students' Lives Through Quality Education
With the state's renowned education system and some of the country's largest schools, Oregon offers many opportunities for students to thrive academically and personally. The state also houses some of the country's best-performing and largest institutions.
With an emphasis on academic excellence and inclusivity, these schools provide high-quality education and hands-on learning experiences. Thus, the future looks bright for students attending these largest schools in Oregon. Whether you're looking for a great education for your child or employment, the above information can help you make the best decision for your future. With each school's unique features and offerings, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your academic ambitions.
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