The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 25% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Scott Elementary School
Scott Elementary School is a regular public elementary school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Portland, Oregon, part of Portland Public Schools. Located in the northeast section of the city, it draws from a diverse residential neighborhood within a major metropolitan area. For a family looking at this school, the question is how its academic profile, student body, and setting fit their priorities.
Academically, Scott Elementary’s state assessment results for the most recent year show variation across grades and subjects. Fourth-grade students posted the strongest proficiency, while fifth-grade results were softer in both math and science, and third-grade proficiency fell between those marks. English language arts followed a similar pattern, with fourth graders again the strongest. When all tested subjects and grades are averaged together, the school’s overall proficiency index ranks in the top quartile among Multnomah County districts—a notable strength relative to its peers. Because these scores represent only a single year, there is no trend data yet to show whether performance is improving or declining. Families may want to ask the school about its approach to supporting students in grades and subjects where results are lower, particularly in fifth-grade science and math.
The student body is racially and ethnically diverse. White students and Hispanic students each make up roughly a third of the enrollment, with Black students, students of two or more races, and Asian students also represented in smaller shares. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a significant level of economic need within the school community. Enrollment sits at a size typical for a Portland elementary school, with class sections across the grade levels.
Because Scott Elementary serves only elementary grades, there are no graduation rate, college readiness, or career pathway metrics to evaluate. The school does not offer advanced coursework such as AP or dual credit, which is expected for a K‑5 institution. State testing data is available for the grades that are tested—third through fifth for math and ELA, and fifth for science—so nothing is missing in that regard. However, data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, and staffing were not available in the provided materials, so those aspects of the school environment are not part of this account.
The school sits within Portland Public Schools, a district that has seen notable developments. A large capital construction bond measure was placed on the November 2024 ballot—the largest school bond in Oregon history—to fund facility improvements, seismic retrofits, and safety upgrades across the district. Separately, the district has experienced a significant enrollment decline from pre-pandemic levels and, in response, has undertaken a Long‑Range Facility Plan that includes proposed school closures or mergers. These district-level changes could affect school assignment patterns and neighborhood school availability in the years ahead, so families should stay informed about consolidation plans.
Portland itself is Oregon’s largest city, a metropolitan center with a walkable downtown, extensive public transit, and a strong identity around sustainability and urban planning. The economy is driven by technology, athletic and outdoor brands, healthcare, and shipping. The city has seen rising housing costs and gentrification pressures since the 1990s, and home values in the area where Scott Elementary is located are above the national median. Rents are typical for the metro area. The local cost of living has been increasing, which is part of the broader context for families considering the neighborhood.
In short, Scott Elementary offers a diverse, mid-sized elementary setting with academic results that place it favorably among county districts on average, though with noticeable variation by grade and subject. Its status within a large district undergoing enrollment and facility changes adds a layer of uncertainty that families should weigh alongside the school’s own performance and community characteristics.
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