The top reported proficiency rate is 53% in English language arts. The lowest is 38% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Clear Lake Elementary School
Clear Lake Elementary School sits in Keizer, a primarily residential suburb of Salem within Marion County. This is a regular public elementary school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and it is one of seven elementary schools in Keizer under the Salem-Keizer School District. With an enrollment that is relatively modest for its grade band, the school draws from a surrounding community that is less urban than Salem itself. Keizer lacks a traditional downtown; its civic and commercial life runs along major arterial roads, and the school is one of several standalone campuses spread across the city. The community grew rapidly during the 1990s and retains a small-town feel, with a strong volunteer Little League presence and annual festivals rooted in the area’s iris-growing history.
Academically, Clear Lake shows a mixed picture that nonetheless places it among the stronger performers in the county. On state assessments in mathematics, proficiency rates vary across the grades that are tested, with some grades showing a notably higher share of students meeting the standard than others. In English language arts, the school’s results also show variation but land above half proficient in two of the three tested grades. Science, tested only in fifth grade, is the weakest area. When combined across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index falls in the top quartile relative to other school districts in Marion County, a clear strength given the countywide context. Only one year of assessment data was available, so no trend can be reported.
The student body is majority White, with a substantial Hispanic share and smaller representation from other racial and ethnic groups. Data on free or reduced-price meal eligibility, special education, and English learner status were not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the extent of socioeconomic and academic support programs. Because this is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data was also missing.
Keizer’s housing market is somewhat more affordable than the statewide median, which may be relevant for families considering the area. Rents have been rising, but the cost of buying a home remains below the Oregon average, making this a relatively accessible entry point into the Willamette Valley. Unemployment nationally is moderate, and mortgage rates have been in a typical range; no local employment figures were available for Keizer specifically, but many residents commute to Salem or Portland.
The Salem-Keizer district has been through several recent changes that affect the experience at Clear Lake. Voters approved a large construction bond in 2022 that funds safety and security upgrades, classroom improvements, and other projects across all schools in the district. At the same time, the district has faced budget shortfalls and closed several elementary schools in 2023 and 2024, which shifted attendance boundaries and commutes for some families. In 2025, the district adopted a new three-year strategic plan emphasizing academic excellence, a sense of belonging, and workforce readiness. These district-level decisions shape the resources and focus that flow down to Clear Lake.
For a family considering Clear Lake, the school offers a solid academic profile that stands out within Marion County, especially in the context of a large district that is investing in facilities while also making hard budget choices. The school’s size is manageable, and the community around it is suburban with a distinct local identity. The lack of detailed data on student support programs and income levels means that families should seek that information directly from the school to get a full picture. This is not a school that serves high school grades, so there is no information here about postsecondary pathways, but for an elementary setting focused on foundational academics in a middle-market suburb, Clear Lake appears to be a reasonably strong option.
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