Best Elementary Schools
in Portland, Oregon
We ranked all 147 elementary schools in Portland. The top 25 scored between 9.0 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Oregon education data
Portland's elementary school landscape spans 104 ranked schools, with an average composite score of 7.7 out of 10 — a baseline that reflects genuinely solid options across the metro. Creston Elementary leads the pack at 9.6, followed closely by Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School at 9.5 and three schools tied at 9.4: Rieke, Grout, and Irvington. The range between the top performers and the metro average is narrower than many comparable cities, which means families don't necessarily have to chase the highest-ranked school to find quality. Seventy-one schools — 68% of the total — score 7 or above, giving Portland parents a wide field of strong candidates to evaluate. Use the table below to sort by score, neighborhood, or school type and identify the options that fit your priorities. Scores reflect composite data; clicking into individual profiles surfaces the underlying metrics behind each rating.
Creston Elementary School
Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School
Rieke Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Portland's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Oregon so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Oregon education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Oregon. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Portland
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Portland's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Portland
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Portland's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Oregon, with 147 schools spanning 11 school districts, plus 11 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Portland, Oregon?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Creston Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Portland with a composite score of 9.6/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Portland, Oregon?
Portland has 147 elementary schools, including 11 charter schools. Of these, 136 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Portland?
The average composite score for Portland elementary schools is 7.5/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Oregon).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Oregon, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Oregon, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Portland elementary school rankings?
Yes. Portland has 11 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.