Houck Middle School

Houck Middle School serves 873 students in grades 6-8 in Salem, Oregon, with 40 full-time teachers maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 21.8:1. As a regular public school in Marion County, Houck faces significant academic challenges, with only 19% of students performing proficiently in English Language Arts and 8% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics across all grade levels. The school currently ranks in the 1st percentile statewide, placing it among Oregon's schools with the greatest room for academic growth and improvement.

These results reflect the broader socioeconomic challenges within the surrounding community, where families navigate financial constraints that can impact educational outcomes. Located on Connecticut Street, Houck Middle School sits within Salem's 97301 ZIP code area, home to over 55,000 residents. The neighborhood reflects a working-class community with a median household income of $53,113 and median home values around $274,900.

About one in five residents holds a bachelor's degree or higher, while approximately 21% of families experience poverty conditions. Despite the academic challenges, Houck Middle School continues its mission to serve students during these crucial middle school years in Salem's mid-size city environment, working within a community that shows resilience amid economic pressures.

While current test scores at Houck Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

The student-teacher ratio at Houck Middle School is 21.8:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.