The top reported proficiency rate is 66% in English language arts. The lowest is 45% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Lewis Elementary School
Lewis Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Portland’s east side, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest district, which has experienced declining enrollment over recent years and has undertaken a school consolidation process along with a large capital bond measure. Lewis itself is a mid-sized elementary for its grade band, with an enrollment that places it in a manageable range for a neighborhood school. The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of students identifying as two or more races and Hispanic, and trace representation of Asian and Black students. About one in four students qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a moderately resourced community context.
Academically, Lewis Elementary stands out relative to other districts in Multnomah County. Its overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sits in the top quartile when measured against county districts. This is a clear strength. Looking within the school, the state assessment results from the most recent testing year show that third graders performed well in both reading and math, with a strong share meeting proficiency. Fourth-grade results were more moderate, particularly in math, and fifth-grade numbers in both subjects fell further, with math proficiency notably weaker. Science results, tested only in fifth grade, were also moderate. A parent may want to talk with the school about the pattern of declining proficiency by grade level, especially in math, to understand how the curriculum and supports build across the elementary years. The school offers only one year of test data in the available record, so it is not possible to see whether this is a long-term trend or a single-year snapshot. State testing data for earlier years was not included in what we reviewed.
The school environment data is thin. There is no information on chronic absenteeism, discipline rates, staffing ratios, or special education and English learner populations. Because this is a regular elementary school, the absence of a graduation rate is expected — elementary schools do not produce one. A parent may wish to ask the school directly about student support services, class sizes, and how the school serves students with disabilities or language needs, as those details are not available here.
The surrounding community of Portland is Oregon’s largest city, a dense metropolitan center with a walkable downtown, extensive public transit, and a well-known emphasis on sustainability. The economy is driven by technology, health care, athletic and outdoor brands, and shipping. Home values in the school’s area have seen a slight decline over the past year, while rents have risen. Housing costs remain high relative to the national median, and affordability is a challenge for many families. Portland’s population has declined modestly since 2020, but the metro area continues to grow. The city manages growth through an urban growth boundary, which has contributed to rising housing costs and gentrification pressures, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods in North and Northeast Portland. Lewis Elementary sits in an east-side residential area with commercial corridors, offering a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit housing.
The district context matters here. Portland Public Schools has experienced a significant enrollment drop from pre-pandemic levels, leading to a Long-Range Facility Plan and proposals to close or merge schools. The district also placed a historically large capital construction bond on the ballot. These developments could affect school assignment boundaries, facility conditions, and the stability of individual schools. Lewis Elementary’s position in the district’s east-side portfolio may be relevant for families considering long-term enrollment, though we do not have specific information about whether Lewis is affected by proposed closures.
Overall, Lewis Elementary is performing at a strong academic level compared to other districts in the county, with early grades showing particular strength. The decline in proficiency as students move through the grades is a point worth exploring with the school. The school serves a predominantly white student body with moderate economic diversity in a high-cost urban setting. For a family looking for a neighborhood elementary with solid early-grade outcomes and proximity to Portland’s east-side amenities, Lewis fits that description. The broader district’s enrollment and facilities transition is something to stay informed about, as it may shape the school’s future.
See more original research from School Decision →