For the 2025 school year, there are 23 public schools serving 6,790 students in Columbia County, OR (there are 3 private schools, serving 204 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Columbia County, OR are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, OR are South Columbia Family School, Grant Watts Elementary School and Mist Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, OR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Oregon public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Oregon public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public school average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Columbia County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
South Columbia Family School
Charter School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
34555 Berg Rd
Scappoose, OR 97056
(503) 366-9009
Scappoose, OR 97056
(503) 366-9009
Grades: K-8
| 68 students
Rank: #22.
Grant Watts Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
52000 Se Third Pl
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8002
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8002
Grades: K-3
| 352 students
Rank: #33.
Mist Elementary School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
69163 Hwy 47
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 755-2486
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 755-2486
Grades: K-5
| 31 students
Rank: #44.
Scappoose Online Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
33589 High School Way
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8000
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8000
Grades: K-12
| 38 students
Rank: #55.
St. Helens Virtual Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
470 N 16th St
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7200
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7200
Grades: K-12
| 84 students
Rank: #66.
Clatskanie Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
815 S Nehalem St
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 728-2191
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 728-2191
Grades: K-6
| 382 students
Rank: #77.
Lewis & Clark Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
111 S 9th St
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7603
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7603
Grades: K-5
| 392 students
Rank: #88.
Scappoose Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
52265 Columbia River Hwy
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8004
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8004
Grades: 7-8
| 316 students
Rank: #99.
St. Helens Arthur Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
33035 Pittsburg Rd
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7030
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7030
Grades: K-5
| 150 students
Rank: #1010.
Plymouth High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 60-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
470 N 16th St
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7200
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7200
Grades: 9-12
| 99 students
Rank: #1111.
Otto Petersen Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
52050 Se 3rd St
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8003
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8003
Grades: 4-6
| 390 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Clatskanie Middle/high School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
471 Sw Bel Air Dr
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 728-2146
Clatskanie, OR 97016
(503) 728-2146
Grades: 7-12
| 279 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Rainier Jr/sr High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
28170 Old Rainier Rd
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-4215
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-4215
Grades: 7-12
| 379 students
Rank: #1414.
Vernonia High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Missouri Ave
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Grades: 9-12
| 176 students
Rank: #1515.
Mcbride Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2774 Columbia Blvd
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7700
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7700
Grades: K-5
| 467 students
Rank: #1616.
St. Helens Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
354 N 15th St
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7300
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 366-7300
Grades: 6-8
| 564 students
Rank: #1717.
Hudson Park Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
28176 Old Rainier Rd
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-0196
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-0196
Grades: K-6
| 410 students
Rank: #1818.
St. Helens High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2375 Gable Rd
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 397-1900
Saint Helens, OR 97051
(503) 397-1900
Grades: 9-12
| 813 students
Rank: #1919.
Vernonia Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Missouri Ave
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Grades: K-5
| 223 students
Rank: #2020.
Warren Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
34555 Berg Rd
Warren, OR 97053
(503) 397-2959
Warren, OR 97053
(503) 397-2959
Grades: K-3
| 168 students
Rank: #2121.
Columbia City School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2000 Second St
Columbia City, OR 97018
(503) 366-7550
Columbia City, OR 97018
(503) 366-7550
Grades: K-5
| 195 students
Rank: #2222.
Scappoose High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
33700 Se High School Way
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8005
Scappoose, OR 97056
(971) 200-8005
Grades: 9-12
| 681 students
Rank: #2323.
Vernonia Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Missouri Ave
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-1333
Grades: 6-8
| 133 students
Columbia County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1462 Bridge St
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-5711
Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-5711
Grades: K-3
| 124 students
28168 Old Rainier Rd
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-3777
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-3777
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Po Box 190
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-4218
Rainier, OR 97048
(503) 556-4218
Grades: 5-8
| 397 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia County, OR?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, OR include South Columbia Family School, Grant Watts Elementary School and Mist Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
23 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What percentage of students in Columbia County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Columbia County are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public schools average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Columbia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbia County include: Scappoose Middle School vs. St. Helens Middle School, Scappoose High School vs. St. Helens High School, Clatskanie Elementary School vs. Hudson Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
