The top reported proficiency rate is 56% in English language arts. The lowest is 34% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Applegate Elementary School
Applegate Elementary School is a small rural public school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade in the Applegate Valley of southern Oregon. It sits along a two-lane highway in an unincorporated community where vineyards, farms, and scattered residences define the landscape. The school is part of the Three Rivers/Josephine County School District, and its enrollment is small enough that a parent or resident would quickly know the staff and other families.
The student body is predominantly white, with a notable Hispanic share and a smaller percentage of students who identify as two or more races. A substantial share of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a population with significant economic need. The school is a regular public school and is not a charter or magnet school.
On state assessments, the results show a mixed picture that a parent would want to examine closely. In English language arts, overall proficiency across tested grades lands around a level that is above the midpoint among districts in Jackson County. Fifth and sixth graders turned in stronger results, while the fourth-grade score was lower. Math results across the school were lower than ELA, and the school's overall proficiency index, which combines subjects and grades, places in the top quartile among its county peers. That top-quartile position is notable given the school's demographics and size. The science results for fifth and eighth graders were modest. Some grade-level results were suppressed, likely because the tested group was too small to report, which is a common situation in a school this size. A parent interested in the school's academic profile should discuss how the school addresses the gap between its stronger ELA performance and its math and science scores, and how it supports students who are not yet meeting benchmarks.
Because the school ends at eighth grade, there is no high school graduation rate to report, and the data did not include information on chronic absenteeism or discipline. The data also did not provide a breakdown of students receiving special education services or English learner support, so a parent with a child who might need those services should ask the school directly about how they are staffed and delivered.
The surrounding community shapes the school's context. Applegate is a low-density, car-dependent rural area with no downtown. The local economy rests on small wineries, farms, and tourism, with larger employment centers in Medford and Grants Pass reachable by a drive along the winding highway. Housing values in the zip code are above the national median. The area's recreational anchors include Applegate Lake, historic McKee Bridge, and newer trail access, but there is no public library or transit in the community itself. Growth has been gradual and centered on agricultural tourism rather than residential subdivisions. A family considering this school should be comfortable with the isolation and the commute patterns of rural life.
The school had no program offerings reported, so there is no public record of specific electives, music, art, or other enrichment opportunities beyond the core academic program. A parent with older children heading into middle school grades may want to confirm what options exist in the upper grades, especially given the school's small size.
For a family that values a very small, rural K-8 setting where their child will be well-known, and is willing to engage directly with the school to understand its academic support and enrichment offerings, Applegate Elementary is worth a serious look. The top-quartile county proficiency standing against a background of high economic need is an encouraging signal. The school's modest numbers in math and science, the lack of information on special programs and support services, and the remote location are all factors that a parent should verify through a visit and conversation with the principal before making a decision.
See more original research from School Decision →