Markham Elementary School vs Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School

Markham Elementary School and Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School are both high-performing Portland elementary schools, but they sit at notably different positions in the state. Le Monde ranks #8 of 1,226 Oregon schools with an overall rating of 9.5/10, while Markham ranks #23 of 1,226 with a 9.3/10 — a 0.2-point gap that still places both schools in the top 2% statewide. For parents comparing schools in Portland, either choice represents elite territory, but Le Monde's edge in the state rankings is meaningful.

The academic gap between these two schools is where the most concrete difference appears. Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School scores 9.9/10 on academics versus Markham Elementary School's 9.4/10 — a 0.5-point delta that represents measurably stronger tested proficiency outcomes. Markham reverses that relationship on growth: its 9.4/10 growth score edges Le Monde's 9.1/10, meaning Markham does slightly more to accelerate student progress over time, regardless of where students start. Families who weight raw proficiency levels will favor Le Monde; those who prioritize year-over-year learning gains will see Markham's growth advantage as a real distinction.

The student-teacher ratio difference is among the most tangible logistical factors separating the two schools. Le Monde's 12.6:1 ratio is substantially lower than Markham's 16.1:1 — roughly 3.5 fewer students per teacher — which translates to more individualized attention at Le Monde. Total enrollment is comparable: 402 students at Markham versus 378 at Le Monde, so the ratio difference reflects staffing rather than school size.

Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School operates as a charter and extends through 8th grade, giving families a KG–08 pipeline that eliminates a middle school transition. Markham Elementary School is a traditional public school serving KG–05, feeding into the standard Portland district progression. Le Monde's French immersion model is a structural distinction that defines the entire student experience — every family choosing it is also choosing dual-language instruction as a core priority.