Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1138 of 1,226 schools in OR

Dorena School

Elementary School · South Lane SD 45J3

37141 Row River Rd, Dorena, OR 97434

Enrollment

86

Student-Teacher

28.7:1

Score

3.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#1,138 of 1,226

In Dorena

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#9 of 9

South Lane SD 45J3

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Dorena School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Dorena School

3.8/10

Elementary School in Dorena · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Childs Way Charter School

7.7/10

3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Al Kennedy High School

3.9/10

10.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Dorena School

Dorena School is a public elementary school in Dorena, OR, part of South Lane SD 45J3. Dorena School serves approximately 86 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 28.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Dorena School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,138 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Dorena School show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.1
  • OR avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 86 students, Dorena School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Dorena School runs 28.7:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Dorena School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.34 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.8% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-11.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.2 pts
Overall Proficiency24% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-5.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
Resources & Environment1.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,603
Chronic Absenteeism51.2%

Dorena School — Students at Dorena School score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 35.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 48.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 OSAS)

Based on 30 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
57%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2013
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2018
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2019
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2025
Math
20%
ELA
28.8%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.1/10.

How Dorena School Compares

See how Dorena School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.8/10
7th percentile in OR
Academic
4.8/10
Below Average
Growth
4.1/10
Below Average
Environment
1.8/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
29:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
51.2%

Location

37141 Row River Rd, Dorena, OR 97434

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dorena School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mountain View Academy (rated 7.8/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Lowell), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lundy Elementary School (rated 7.3/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Lowell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Creslane Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Creswell), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dorena, see our Dorena schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Childs Way Charter School Dorena 3.2 mi 7.7
Al Kennedy High School Cottage Grove 10.2 mi 3.9
Harrison Elementary School Cottage Grove 9.5 mi 4.4
COTTAGE GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cottage Grove 9.6 mi
Lincoln Middle School Cottage Grove 9.8 mi 4.2
Academy for Character Education Cottage Grove 10.0 mi 6.4
Cottage Grove High School Cottage Grove 10.1 mi 5.2
Lundy Elementary School Lowell 13.3 mi 7.3
Mountain View Academy Lowell 13.3 mi 7.8
Bohemia Elementary School Cottage Grove 10.5 mi 3.8
Lowell Junior/Senior High School Lowell 13.3 mi 3.5
Bridge Charter Academy Lowell 13.3 mi 6.6
London School Cottage Grove 11.9 mi 4.5
Pleasant Hill High School Pleasant Hill 15.2 mi 5.1
Pleasant Hill Elementary School Pleasant Hill 15.4 mi 6.0
Creswell Middle School Creswell 14.3 mi 6.8
Creslane Elementary School Creswell 14.6 mi 6.9
JASPER MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Jasper 16.4 mi
Creswell High School Creswell 14.9 mi 6.4
EMERALD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Pleasant Hill 17.1 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97434 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$52,956

Median Home Value

$285,900

Median Rent

$1,069/mo

Population

799

College Educated

31.1%

Homeownership

62.6%

Poverty Rate

35.9%

Median Age

48.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Falls City Elementary School Falls City, OR 3.9
Tangent Elementary School Tangent, OR 3.6
Roseburg Virtual School Roseburg, OR 3.4
Medford Online Academy Medford, OR 4.4
OUR SAVIOR'S CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY Salem, OR 3.1
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Salem, OR 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dorena School

What grades does Dorena School serve?

Dorena School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Dorena School?

Dorena School has an enrollment of approximately 86 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dorena School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dorena School is 28.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dorena School rank in OR?

Dorena School ranks #1,138 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Dorena School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dorena School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Dorena School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dorena School has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Dorena School a charter school?

No, Dorena School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dorena School a Title I school?

No, Dorena School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dorena School?

76.7% of students at Dorena School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
86
Student-Teacher Ratio
28.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Lane County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
51.2%

District

South Lane SD 45J3
District Enrollment
2,680
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,603
District Rank
#9 of 9

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.