Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1214 of 1,226 schools in OR

Oregon Connections Academy

School · Prairie City SD 4

740 S Overholt Ave, Prairie City, OR 97869

Charter Virtual

Enrollment

942

Student-Teacher

23.6:1

Score

2.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Prairie City

#2 of 2

public schools

Oregon schools

#78 of 80

In district

#2 of 2

Prairie City SD 4

About Oregon Connections Academy

Oregon Connections Academy serves 942 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Prairie City, Oregon, operating as a charter school with 40 full-time equivalent teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 23.6:1. The school ranks #630 out of 1,231 schools statewide, placing it in the 49th percentile with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10. Academically, the school shows room for growth, with 48% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, while 33% meet proficiency standards in mathematics across all grade levels.

These performance levels suggest the school is working to strengthen its academic programs and support student achievement across core subject areas. The school operates within Grant County's rural educational landscape, where the median household income is $54,375 and about 25% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. With a poverty rate of 14.3% in the surrounding ZIP code, the school serves a community where economic factors may influence educational resources and opportunities.

Oregon Connections Academy is situated in Prairie City's remote rural setting, where the small-town atmosphere of fewer than 1,000 residents creates an intimate community environment that can foster close relationships between students, families, and educators.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Oregon Connections Academy is 23.6:1, 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.

Oregon Connections Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Located in a rural area, Oregon Connections Academy may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.94 pts/yr
Data Period2021–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency41.6%
Math vs. State Avg+2.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.4 pts
Overall Proficiency38%
Expected (poverty-adj.)54%
vs. Expected-15.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
College Readiness1.6Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.4Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$4,746

Oregon Connections Academy — Students at Oregon Connections Academy score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.3%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 44.8%
School
State
43.0%

Based on 5 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2021*
Math
75%
2022
Math
33%
ELA
48%
2025
Math
33.9%
ELA
41.6%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Oregon Connections Academy Compares

See how Oregon Connections Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.8/10
1th percentile in OR
Academic
5.7/10
5.7/10
Growth
2.6/10
Below average
Environment
1.4/10
Below average

Location

740 S Overholt Ave, Prairie City, OR 97869

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Oregon Connections Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Grant Union Junior/Senior High School (rated 7.0/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby John Day), which scores notably higher. Another option is Prairie City School (rated 4.2/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Humbolt Elementary School (rated 3.3/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Canyon City), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Prairie City, see our Prairie City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

6 within 26.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Prairie City School Prairie City 0.0 mi 4.2
Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oregon Prairie City 0.0 mi
Grant Union Junior/Senior High School John Day 12.3 mi 7.0
Humbolt Elementary School Canyon City 12.5 mi 3.3
Seneca Elementary School Seneca 25.6 mi
Long Creek School Long Creek 26.2 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97869 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,583

Median Home Value

$190,700

Median Rent

$858/mo

Population

919

College Educated

24.2%

Homeownership

86.3%

Poverty Rate

16.2%

Median Age

53.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Oregon Connections Academy has a median household income of $59,583. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $190,700, with a median rent of $858/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.2%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Willamette Connections Academy Scio, OR 2.7
Evergreen Virtual Academy North Bend, OR 4.2
Oregon Family School Crane, OR 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Oregon Connections Academy

What grades does Oregon Connections Academy serve?

Oregon Connections Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Oregon Connections Academy?

Oregon Connections Academy has an enrollment of approximately 942 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Oregon Connections Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Oregon Connections Academy is 23.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Oregon Connections Academy rank in OR?

Oregon Connections Academy is ranked #1214 out of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Oregon Connections Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Oregon Connections Academy has a composite rating of 2.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Oregon Connections Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Oregon Connections Academy has 47.3% math proficiency and 44.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Oregon Connections Academy a charter school?

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

Is Oregon Connections Academy a Title I school?

No, Oregon Connections Academy is not currently a Title I school.

7 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
942
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
40
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Grant County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Prairie City SD 4
District Enrollment
1,224
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,875
District Rank
#2 of 2

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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.