The top reported proficiency rate is 27% in Math. The lowest is 17% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Wilson Elementary School
Wilson Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Medford, Oregon. It is one of the elementary schools within Medford SD 549C, a district that covers the city and its surrounding area. Medford itself functions as the commercial, healthcare, and government hub of the Rogue Valley, with a downtown core along Bear Creek and extensive suburban-style development. The local economy is anchored by two major medical centers, Harry & David, and Lithia Motors, and the area has a notable retirement and agricultural sector.
Academically, Wilson Elementary’s state assessment results from the most recent testing year place its overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades below the midpoint among districts in Jackson County. In math, the share of students meeting the state standard declined across the grade levels tested, with the highest rate in third grade and a lower rate in fifth grade. In English language arts, the pattern was inconsistent: third and fifth graders had a higher share of proficient students than fourth graders. Science, assessed only in fifth grade, showed the lowest proficiency rate of any subject. Only one year of testing data is available for this school, so no trend can be assessed. Because Wilson serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report.
The student body is relatively small for a K‑5 school. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating an economically diverse community. Racially, the school is majority white, with a significant Hispanic population and small numbers of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the provided records.
Housing in the area around the school has a median value that is slightly below the Oregon statewide benchmark, and rents have been rising moderately. The cost of renting is somewhat lower than a monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home, which could be relevant for families deciding whether to buy or rent. The local unemployment rate has been steady, and median household income nationally has been around the low eighties in thousands of dollars, though that figure is a national context rather than a local one.
The district recently passed a voter-approved bond directed at safety and security upgrades, classroom additions, and technology improvements; the bond was structured to replace expiring levy debt so that the property tax rate remained steady. At the middle and high school level, the district has implemented a policy requiring phones to be kept in backpacks or lockers during the school day, including lunch, to reduce distractions. While that policy does not directly affect elementary students, it signals the district’s approach to student focus and discipline.
Wilson Elementary’s academic performance is a clear soft spot relative to other schools in the county. A parent exploring this school will want to understand what interventions and support structures are in place for students who are not yet meeting state benchmarks. The school’s size and the Medford community context offer a typical suburban elementary experience within a regional city that provides amenities such as the Bear Creek Greenway, a historic downtown, and an airport. The district’s recent investment in facilities may improve the learning environment. Families for whom a strong academic record is the top priority may find more competitive options elsewhere in the county. For others, the school’s setting and community connections could still be a good fit, especially if they are willing to be active participants in supporting their child’s learning alongside the school’s efforts.
See more original research from School Decision →