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Below Average

#1052 of 1,226 schools in OR

Molalla River Academy

Elementary School · Molalla River SD 35

16897 S Callahan Rd, Molalla, OR 97038

Charter

Enrollment

213

Student-Teacher

16.4:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#1,052 of 1,226

In Molalla

#5 of 5

public schools

In district

#7 of 7

Molalla River SD 35

School environment

7.6 / 10

Very Good

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Molalla River Academy

4.3/10

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

Country Christian School

4.5/10

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

Molalla High School

4.6/10

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

About Molalla River Academy

Molalla River Academy is a public elementary school in Molalla, OR, part of Molalla River SD 35. Molalla River Academy serves approximately 213 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 16.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Molalla River Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,052 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Molalla River Academy show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.9 pts below district
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.2
  • OR avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Molalla River Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Molalla River Academy 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.

33% of students at Molalla River Academy 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.8Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.4% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency22.1% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-13.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.9 pts
Overall Proficiency20% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-23.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile10th
Resources & Environment7.6Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,911
Chronic Absenteeism32.9%

Molalla River Academy — Students at Molalla River Academy score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

30.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 44.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 54.7% (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
77%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2021*
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
18.4%
ELA
22.1%

* 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: 3.9/10.

How Molalla River Academy Compares

See how Molalla River Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.3/10
14th percentile in OR
Academic
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.6/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
31%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

Location

16897 S Callahan Rd, Molalla, OR 97038

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Molalla River Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Clarkes Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Mulino), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mulino Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Mulino), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cecile Trost Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 12.0 miles away, in nearby Canby), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Molalla, see our Molalla schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.2 mi
School Distance Rating
COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Molalla 3.5 mi 4.5
Molalla High School Molalla 3.2 mi 4.6
Molalla River Middle School Molalla 3.9 mi 5.6
Molalla Elementary School Molalla 4.2 mi 4.8
Colton High School Colton 5.3 mi 5.6
Colton Virtual Academy Colton 5.3 mi
Clarkes Elementary School Mulino 6.9 mi 8.1
Colton Middle School Colton 5.7 mi 4.6
Colton Elementary School Colton 5.9 mi 3.6
Mulino Elementary School Mulino 7.5 mi 7.1
Rural Dell Elementary School Molalla 6.6 mi 6.7
Carus School Oregon City 10.6 mi 6.7
Beavercreek Elementary School Beavercreek 11.6 mi 3.7
Scotts Mills Elementary School Scotts Mills 9.2 mi 6.7
Butte Creek Elementary School Mt. Angel 9.5 mi 5.9
Baker Prairie Middle School Canby 11.9 mi 5.9
Oregon City Senior High School Oregon City 13.9 mi 4.6
Cecile Trost Elementary School Canby 12.0 mi 6.9
NORTH CLACKAMAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Oregon City 14.2 mi 4.7
Philander Lee Elementary School Canby 12.2 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97038 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$87,585

Median Home Value

$452,200

Median Rent

$1,497/mo

Population

17,100

College Educated

20.2%

Homeownership

71.3%

Avg Commute

33.1 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

35

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
East Sutherlin Primary School Sutherlin, OR 4.3
Lincoln School of Early Learning Coquille, OR 4.3
Madison Elementary School Coos Bay, OR 4.3
Sacramento Elementary School Portland, OR 4.3
Vernonia Elementary School Vernonia, OR 4.3
Ft Vannoy Elementary School Grants Pass, OR 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Molalla River Academy

What grades does Molalla River Academy serve?

Molalla River Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Molalla River Academy?

Molalla River Academy has an enrollment of approximately 213 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Molalla River Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Molalla River Academy is 16.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Molalla River Academy rank in OR?

Molalla River Academy ranks #1,052 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Molalla River Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Molalla River Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Molalla River Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Molalla River Academy has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Molalla River Academy a charter school?

Yes, Molalla River Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Molalla River Academy a Title I school?

No, Molalla River Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Molalla River Academy?

30.5% of students at Molalla River Academy 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
213
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
30.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Clackamas County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

District

Molalla River SD 35
District Enrollment
2,559
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,911
District Rank
#7 of 7

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