The top reported proficiency rate is 24% in English language arts. The lowest is 13% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Highland Elementary School
Highland Elementary School is a regular public school in Salem, Oregon, serving kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Salem-Keizer School District 24J. It is one of the district's many elementary schools spread across residential neighborhoods of the state’s capital city. Salem blends state government operations, agricultural food processing, and a university presence. The neighborhood around Highland is typical of older Salem residential areas, with housing that has seen a modest dip in values recently while rents have risen, though overall costs remain moderate relative to the state.
The student body is diverse. Slightly more than half of the students are Hispanic, with a substantial white population and smaller shares of students who identify as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, two or more races, Black, or Asian. Most of the students come from low-income households, as reflected in a high rate of eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. This economic context matters for understanding the school’s academic results, as schools with high concentrations of poverty often face greater challenges.
State test results from the most recent school year show that overall proficiency rates across math, English language arts, and science place Highland Elementary in the bottom quarter when compared with districts across Marion County. In math, proficiency is lower than in English language arts across all grade levels. Science results for fifth grade, the only grade tested in that subject, are also low. Because only one year of data is available, it is not possible to see a trend. A parent considering Highland may want to ask the school about the specific learning supports and interventions in place for students who are not yet meeting grade-level standards. The school’s status as a regular elementary means it follows the standard district curriculum and state assessments.
The district itself has been through significant changes. Voters approved a large construction bond in 2022 that funds safety upgrades, classroom improvements, and building projects across all schools, including Highland. That bond increased property taxes, a factor for families moving into the district. More recently, the school board voted to close several elementary schools to address budget shortfalls, which has shifted attendance boundaries and commute patterns. In 2025, the board approved a new three-year strategic plan focused on academic excellence, belonging, and workforce readiness, which will guide district priorities through 2028.
Data on discipline, chronic absenteeism, staffing, and course access were not available for Highland, so these dimensions of school life cannot be assessed here. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report.
For a family choosing a school, Highland Elementary offers a setting with a diverse student population and a high level of economic need. The academic performance data indicates substantial room for growth in core subjects. The school is part of a large district that has recently committed to a new strategic direction and is investing in facilities, though it has also faced financial pressure leading to school closures. Families who value a school that serves a broad cross-section of Salem’s population and who are prepared to engage actively with the school around academic support may find Highland a place to explore further.
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