The top reported proficiency rate is 35% in English language arts. The lowest is 20% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lewelling Elementary School
Lewelling Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Milwaukie, part of the North Clackamas School District. It serves kindergarten through fifth grade and has an enrollment that places it on the smaller side for an elementary. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need. The student body is majority white, with a significant Hispanic population and smaller shares of students who are Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, or of two or more races.
State testing data from the most recent year shows that reading and math proficiency rates among the grades tested are well below statewide averages. In math, the share of students meeting proficiency is modest across third, fourth, and fifth grades. In English language arts, rates are higher than in math but still below what many families would hope to see; the one brighter spot is fifth grade, where the proficiency rate rises notably. In science, tested at fifth grade, the rate is also low. When compared with other elementary schools in Clackamas County districts, Lewelling’s overall proficiency across subjects and grades falls in the bottom quartile. Because only one year of assessment data is available, it is not possible to see whether these results represent a trend or a single snapshot.
The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate or college readiness data to consider. Chronic absenteeism data was not available, though this is a metric that often helps clarify the learning environment at the elementary level. A parent may want to ask the school directly about attendance patterns.
The North Clackamas district has recently made several changes that affect all its schools. A new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading was adopted district-wide in 2023, which means Lewelling’s youngest students are now learning to read with a phonics-based approach. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, elementary school start times moved earlier, a shift that families should be aware of when planning morning routines. A large capital construction bond was defeated by voters in late 2024, leaving unmet facility needs across the district, including aging buildings.
Milwaukie is a Portland suburb with a distinct identity: a downtown core with a farmers market, First Fridays, and a riverfront park. The city is somewhat walkable, with a MAX light rail line connecting to Portland, and a notably high bikeability score. Major employers headquartered here include Dark Horse Comics and Bob’s Red Mill. The city’s population has been roughly flat in recent years. Housing costs in the area are above the national median but in line with the Portland metro, making it a moderate-cost option relative to the region.
This school is best understood as a high-need elementary in a district that has invested in curriculum reform and is navigating facility funding gaps. The test scores are a soft spot—parents moving to the area should be prepared to engage with the school to understand what academic supports are in place and how the new literacy curriculum is being implemented. The school’s small size, high share of students facing economic disadvantage, and location in a stable but not fast-growing suburb shape the experience. Families looking for a strong track record of high proficiency may want to look further, while those who prioritize community feel and are willing to partner closely with the school may find Lewelling a good fit.
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