Marion County Schools & Education
Marion County, Oregon
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
80.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,127
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,886
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
State avg 41/100
State School Rank
#19
of 36 counties (1 = best)
Explore Marion County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Marion County, Oregon
The Educational Core of Marion County
Marion County hosts a massive education infrastructure of 110 schools serving 54,559 students. This includes 66 elementary schools and 20 high schools across 11 districts.
Assessing Outcomes in the State Capital
The county's 80.6% graduation rate is slightly below the state average of 82.3%. Investment per pupil is $8,127, which is higher than the state average of $7,886 but remains below the national average.
Salem-Keizer and Specialized Charters
Salem-Keizer SD 24J is one of the state's largest districts, managing 65 schools and 39,201 students. The county also offers 10 charter schools, including the large-scale Oregon Charter Academy.
Large Campuses in Urban and Suburbia
The county features 40 city schools and 20 suburban schools, with an average school size of 501 students. Major campuses like McKay High School and South Salem High School each serve over 2,200 students.
Buying in Oregon's Largest School Districts
Marion County offers some of the most diverse schooling options in Oregon, from large urban high schools to specialized charters. For families buying in Salem or Keizer, school proximity remains a top priority for long-term home value.
School Overview
Total Schools
110
in Marion County
Total Enrollment
54,559
students
School Districts
11
districts
Charter Schools
10
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
11 School Districts in Marion County
Salem-Keizer SD 24J
Woodburn SD 103
Cascade SD 5
North Marion SD 15
Gervais SD 1
Oregon Department of Education
Jefferson SD 14J
Mt Angel SD 91
St Paul SD 45
ODE YCEP District
110 Public Schools in Marion County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKay High School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 9–12 | High | 2,311 |
| South Salem High School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 9–12 | High | 2,256 |
| North Salem High School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 9–12 | High | 2,239 |
| McNary High School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 9–12 | High | 2,081 |
| Oregon Charter Academy | Santiam Canyon SD 129J | KG–12 | Charter | 2,057 |
| Sprague High School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 9–12 | High | 1,779 |
| Woodburn High School | Woodburn SD 103 | 9–12 | High | 1,716 |
| Silverton High School | Silver Falls SD 4J | 9–12 | High | 1,238 |
| Waldo Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 1,166 |
| Stephens Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 1,024 |
| Houck Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 949 |
| Claggett Creek Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 829 |
| Judson Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 810 |
| Crossler Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 798 |
| Cascade Senior High School | Cascade SD 5 | 9–12 | High | 764 |
| Leslie Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 743 |
| Stayton High School | North Santiam SD 29J | 9–12 | High | 697 |
| Whiteaker Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 682 |
| Parrish Middle School | Salem-Keizer SD 24J | 6–8 | Middle | 670 |
| Cascade Junior High School | Cascade SD 5 | 6–8 | Middle | 632 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,127
State avg $7,886
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Marion County, Oregon — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Marion County, Oregon?
Marion County hosts a massive education infrastructure of 110 schools serving 54,559 students. This includes 66 elementary schools and 20 high schools across 11 districts.
How do schools in Marion County perform academically?
The county's 80.6% graduation rate is slightly below the state average of 82.3%. Investment per pupil is $8,127, which is higher than the state average of $7,886 but remains below the national average.
What are the major school districts in Marion County, Oregon?
Salem-Keizer SD 24J is one of the state's largest districts, managing 65 schools and 39,201 students. The county also offers 10 charter schools, including the large-scale Oregon Charter Academy.
What is the school experience like in Marion County?
The county features 40 city schools and 20 suburban schools, with an average school size of 501 students. Major campuses like McKay High School and South Salem High School each serve over 2,200 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Marion County, Oregon?
Marion County offers some of the most diverse schooling options in Oregon, from large urban high schools to specialized charters. For families buying in Salem or Keizer, school proximity remains a top priority for long-term home value.
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.