The top reported proficiency rate is 17% in Math. The lowest is 8% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Heritage Elementary
Heritage Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Woodburn, Oregon, part of the Woodburn School District. The school sits along Parr Road in a city that blends residential neighborhoods, commercial strips, and agricultural land. Woodburn lies along Interstate 5 between Portland and Salem in the northern Willamette Valley, and its character reflects a strong agricultural heritage, a significant Hispanic community, and rapid population growth. The city is one of the faster-growing in the Salem metro area, with available industrial and commercial land ready for development, and it draws commuters and businesses alike.
The student body is large for an elementary school, with enrollment around that size for its grade band. The great majority of students are Hispanic or Latino, with white students making up about a fifth of the population, and small numbers of students from other racial and ethnic groups. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high concentration of lower-income households. The school’s data did not include the share of students who are English learners or who receive special education services, so a parent may want to ask the school about those supports directly.
On state assessments administered in the 2024-2025 school year, Heritage Elementary’s proficiency rates were low across all tested subjects and grades. In English language arts, proficiency rates in third, fourth, and fifth grades were each in the low to middle teens or below. In math, rates were similar, with fifth grade slightly lower than third and fourth. In science, the fifth-grade proficiency rate was the lowest of all. The school’s overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quartile among districts in Marion County. Because only one year of data was available, there is no trend to compare against. These results suggest that the school serves a student population with high academic needs, and families considering Heritage should expect that the school is working to address significant achievement gaps.
The Woodburn district did not report major recent changes in publicly available sources, so the school’s programming and approach appear to be stable. No information was available on course offerings, extracurricular programs, or special academic pathways, which is typical for an elementary school of this type. The civil rights and discipline data were also absent, so a parent may want to inquire directly about school climate and student support structures.
Housing in Woodburn is moderately priced relative to the state, with home values below the Oregon median and rents somewhat lower than the national average. The city’s median household income is below the national figure, and a notable share of residents live in poverty. The area’s rapid growth means new housing developments are common, and the mix of agricultural and commercial employment provides a range of economic contexts.
Heritage Elementary presents a clear picture of a school serving a high-poverty, largely Hispanic community in a growing city, with state test results that are low compared to other districts in Marion County. Families who value a diverse, inclusive environment and are committed to being actively involved in their child’s academic progress will find a school that is probably working hard with limited resources. Those who prioritize strong test scores or a wide range of enrichment programs may find that the school does not currently demonstrate those outcomes, and they should investigate further with the school and district to understand what supports are in place.
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