Columbia County Schools & Education
Columbia County, Oregon
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,431
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,886
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 41/100
State School Rank
#25
of 36 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Columbia County, Oregon
Community-Driven School Infrastructure
Columbia County is home to 23 public schools and five districts, serving a total of 6,809 students. The system is balanced with 11 elementary schools and six high schools situated throughout the county's towns.
Meeting State Academic Standards
The county's 82.2% graduation rate matches the Oregon state average almost exactly. Spending per pupil sits at $7,431, helping the county maintain a solid composite school score of 50.4.
St Helens and Scappoose Lead
St Helens SD 502 is the largest district, enrolling 2,757 students across eight schools. Scappoose SD 1J follows closely, providing education to another 2,191 students in the southern part of the county.
Town-Based Learning with Small Classes
Most students attend one of the 14 schools located in town centers, while nine schools serve more rural areas. With an average enrollment of 296 students per school, Columbia offers an intimate learning experience compared to larger urban counties.
Find a Home in Columbia
For those seeking a smaller school feel within commuting distance of Portland, Columbia County is an ideal choice. Focus your home search in St Helens or Scappoose to access the county's largest and most diverse districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
23
in Columbia County
Total Enrollment
6,809
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
2
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Columbia County
St Helens SD 502
Scappoose SD 1J
Rainier SD 13
Clatskanie SD 6J
Vernonia SD 47J
23 Public Schools in Columbia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Helens High School | St Helens SD 502 | 9–12 | High | 782 |
| Scappoose High School | Scappoose SD 1J | 9–12 | High | 656 |
| St Helens Middle School | St Helens SD 502 | 6–8 | Middle | 607 |
| McBride Elementary School | St Helens SD 502 | KG–5 | Primary | 437 |
| Hudson Park Elementary School | Rainier SD 13 | KG–6 | Primary | 434 |
| Otto Petersen Elementary School | Scappoose SD 1J | 4–6 | Middle | 412 |
| Clatskanie Elementary School | Clatskanie SD 6J | KG–6 | Primary | 397 |
| Rainier Jr/Sr High School | Rainier SD 13 | 7–12 | High | 385 |
| Lewis & Clark Elementary School | St Helens SD 502 | KG–5 | Primary | 381 |
| Grant Watts Elementary School | Scappoose SD 1J | KG–3 | Primary | 346 |
| Scappoose Middle School | Scappoose SD 1J | 7–8 | Middle | 313 |
| Clatskanie Middle/High School | Clatskanie SD 6J | 7–12 | High | 291 |
| Vernonia Elementary School | Vernonia SD 47J | KG–5 | Primary | 228 |
| Columbia City School | St Helens SD 502 | KG–5 | Primary | 195 |
| Vernonia High School | Vernonia SD 47J | 9–12 | High | 184 |
| St Helens Arthur Academy | St Helens SD 502 | KG–6 | Charter | 162 |
| Warren Elementary School | Scappoose SD 1J | KG–3 | Primary | 158 |
| Vernonia Middle School | Vernonia SD 47J | 6–8 | Middle | 123 |
| St. Helens Virtual Academy | St Helens SD 502 | KG–12 | Other | 108 |
| Plymouth High School | St Helens SD 502 | 9–12 | Alternative | 85 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,431
State avg $7,886
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Columbia County, Oregon — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Columbia County, Oregon?
Columbia County is home to 23 public schools and five districts, serving a total of 6,809 students. The system is balanced with 11 elementary schools and six high schools situated throughout the county's towns.
How do schools in Columbia County perform academically?
The county's 82.2% graduation rate matches the Oregon state average almost exactly. Spending per pupil sits at $7,431, helping the county maintain a solid composite school score of 50.4.
What are the major school districts in Columbia County, Oregon?
St Helens SD 502 is the largest district, enrolling 2,757 students across eight schools. Scappoose SD 1J follows closely, providing education to another 2,191 students in the southern part of the county.
What is the school experience like in Columbia County?
Most students attend one of the 14 schools located in town centers, while nine schools serve more rural areas. With an average enrollment of 296 students per school, Columbia offers an intimate learning experience compared to larger urban counties.
How can I find homes near good schools in Columbia County, Oregon?
For those seeking a smaller school feel within commuting distance of Portland, Columbia County is an ideal choice. Focus your home search in St Helens or Scappoose to access the county's largest and most diverse districts.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.