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Needs Improvement

#1206 of 1,226 schools in OR

Mckay High School

High School · Salem-Keizer SD 24J

2440 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305

Enrollment

2,299

Student-Teacher

23:1

Score

2.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#1,206 of 1,226

In Salem

#52 of 57

public schools

In district

#57 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

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Mckay High School

2.8/10

High School in Salem · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Blanchet Catholic School

7.8/10

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

Swegle Elementary School

3.7/10

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

About Mckay High School

Mckay High School is a public high school in Salem, OR, part of Salem-Keizer SD 24J. Mckay High School serves approximately 2,299 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23:1 student-teacher ratio. Mckay High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,206 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Mckay High School show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

What's said publicly about Mckay High School

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

McKay High School is part of the Salem-Keizer school district, where no-cost meals are scheduled to continue through 2030 1 . The school offers the AVID program to support students with college preparation and provides regular updates for seniors and families regarding key events and timelines 1 . Recent school news highlights include a focus on empowering female leaders through the Royal Scots group and recognition of student Moises Garcia Garcia for leadership and dedication in culinary arts 1 . The school also hosts community events such as the McKay Multicultural-Fest and maintains a schedule for athletic activities, including football and basketball tournaments 1 . Official school and district report cards have been made available to the public 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. mckay.salkeiz.k12.or.us
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares2.3 pts below district
  • This school 2.8 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.1
  • OR avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

Mckay High School is a large school: 2,299 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Mckay High School runs 23:1 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.

77% of students at Mckay High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.94 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency6% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency12.3% (2025 OSAS)
Reading vs. State Avg-30.7 pts
Overall Proficiency9% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-23.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile1th
College Readiness4.9Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate81%
AP Participation11.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,770
Chronic Absenteeism76.6%

Mckay High School — Students at Mckay High School score 9% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 41.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 60.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 OSAS)

Based on 25 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
37%
ELA
49%
2010
Math
63%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
81%
ELA
83%
2013
Math
83%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
16%
ELA
68%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
59%
2016
Math
28%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
70%
2018
Math
29%
ELA
60%
2019
Math
29%
ELA
60%
2022
Math
6%
ELA
21%
2025
ELA
12.3%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.2/10.

How Mckay High School Compares

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

Overall Score
2.8/10
2th percentile in OR
Academic
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.4
Sports
9
5 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
100 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
76.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
11.9% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics9sports offered
5 boys'·4 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2440 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mckay High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Early College High School (rated 9.7/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BLANCHET CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Roberts High School (rated 4.7/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
BLANCHET CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salem 0.4 mi 7.8
Swegle Elementary School Salem 0.5 mi 3.7
Scott Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 4.6
Early College High School Salem 1.2 mi 9.7
Cesar E Chavez Elementary Salem 0.9 mi 5.0
Waldo Middle School Salem 1.0 mi 4.4
Washington Elementary School Salem 1.0 mi 3.5
Hoover Elementary School Salem 1.2 mi 3.0
Auburn Elementary School Salem 1.5 mi 2.2
Hallman Elementary School Salem 1.6 mi 3.0
Hayesville Elementary School Salem 1.8 mi 3.2
Lamb Elementary School Salem 1.6 mi 3.1
Roberts High School Salem 2.1 mi 4.7
Yoshikai Elementary School Salem 2.1 mi 3.8
Englewood Elementary School Salem 1.7 mi 5.8
Four Corners Elementary School Salem 2.4 mi 3.5
Stephens Middle School Salem 2.5 mi 2.6
LIVINGSTONE ADVENTIST ACADEMY Salem 2.1 mi 7.8
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL Salem 2.0 mi 4.7
Houck Middle School Salem 2.9 mi 2.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97305 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,581

Median Home Value

$339,100

Median Rent

$1,386/mo

Population

45,044

College Educated

16.4%

Homeownership

52.4%

Avg Commute

26 min

Poverty Rate

19.8%

Median Age

31.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adrienne C. Nelson High School Happy Valley, OR 2.3
Gresham High School Gresham, OR 3.3
Centennial High School Gresham, OR 3.4
Reynolds High School Troutdale, OR 3.8
North Salem High School Salem, OR 4.0
Sam Barlow High School Gresham, OR 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mckay High School

What grades does Mckay High School serve?

Mckay High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mckay High School?

Mckay High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,299 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mckay High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Mckay High School is 23:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mckay High School rank in OR?

Mckay High School ranks #1,206 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Mckay High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Mckay High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 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 Mckay High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mckay High School has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Mckay High School a charter school?

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

Is Mckay High School a Title I school?

No, Mckay High School is not currently a Title I school.

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

67.8% of students at Mckay High 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
50 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
43 Some Transit
Bike Score
73 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,299
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
Teachers (FTE)
100
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
76.6%
4-Year Graduation
81.0%

District

Salem-Keizer SD 24J
District Enrollment
38,818
Schools in District
65
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,770
District Rank
#57 of 65

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