
You’ve moved to Gresham, Oregon. Tick!
You’ve purchased a new home. Tick!
You’ve enrolled your child into elementary school. Tic–not quite!
When moving to a new town, it’s often hard to know what elementary school to send your child to. As part of the Gresham-Barlow District, students have many public and private elementary schooling options.
You may find your child attending Gresham Arthur Academy, East Orient Elementary, or Kelly Creek Elementary.
Discover our guide to the best elementary schools in Gresham, Oregon, to help make your choice easier.
Gresham Arthur Academy
Gresham Arthur Academy is a charter school serving grades kindergarten through 5th. It is a publicly-funded, tuition-free school with good learning results and a 20:1 student-teacher ratio.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 174
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Overall Niche Grade: B
Gresham Arthur Academy’s overall testing rank sits within the top 20% in Oregon for math and reading proficiency. Gresham Arthur Academy supports a strong academic program and focuses on teaching its students to excel. Meals are provided at no cost, with plenty of nutritious food choices served Monday to Friday.
East Orient Elementary School
East Orient Elementary School is a traditional public school serving grades kindergarten through 5th. According to its website, East Orient Elementary School’s vision is to build a thriving community of creative and respectful learners. The school supports good academic results with 66% reading and 64% math proficiency.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 486
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Overall Niche Grade: B
The school provides before and after-school programs to assist busy working parents. They are also part of the “Right Brain Initiative,” a program to bring music, dance, theatre, visual, literary, and media arts to schools in the Portland metro area.
Kelly Creek Elementary School
Kelly Creek Elementary School is a public school serving grades kindergarten through 5th. The school’s motto is “Every Student Matters; Every Moment Counts.” Kelly Creek is a unique facility designed to provide maximum learning opportunities in a safe, respectful, and responsible learning environment.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 514
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Overall Niche Grade: B-
Kelly Creek also supports the Right Brain Initiative and before and after-school programs. Like many other Gresham elementary schools, Kelly Creek provides healthy and delicious meals based on the USDA’s nutrition guidelines. Meals include a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables with non-fat or low-fat milk options.
North Gresham Elementary School
North Gresham Elementary School is a public school with a diverse student body. The school serves kindergarten through 5th and provides students with many opportunities to learn and advance their knowledge. North Gresham understands that children come from different backgrounds and environments with different learning abilities; as a result, they support individual learning.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 512
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C
North Gresham is part of Title 1, a Federal program serving schools with the highest poverty levels to ensure students meet state and local education standards. This includes free and reduced lunch rates and special events throughout the year to encourage families to become actively involved in their child’s reading.
Hogan Cedars Elementary School
Hogan Cedars Elementary School is a public school ranked #269 most diverse public elementary schools in Oregon. Hogan Cedars pride itself on creating a dynamic learning community where every student is valued and supported in their academic growth.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 562
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C
Currently, the school runs several programs, including the Right Brain Initiative, Title 1, and the SUN program. SUN Community School is a program that provides extended day activities for children and family engagement opportunities. Meal assistance is also available for free and at reduced lunch rates.
Hollydale Elementary School
Hollydale Elementary School is a public school ranked #246 most diverse public elementary schools in Oregon. Hollydale’s mission is to teach its students how to think creatively and achieve high academic goals to contribute to the global society.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 469
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C
Hollydale is part of the “Oregon Green Schools” program, a nonprofit organization that provides free assistance and support to schools across the state. The initiative focuses on climate and sustainability by providing an inclusive network and resources for students, schools, and communities.
Portland Adventist Elementary
Portland Adventist Elementary is a private Christian school founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Portland Adventist serves a diverse student body and welcomes students of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. The campus includes a sizeable one-story school building with a gymnasium, sports fields, a school garden, and a playground.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 300
- Grades: K-8
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Overall Niche Grade: N/A
Portland Adventist Elementary School’s educational program is based on developing children to reflect all that Jesus created them to be. As a result, the school has high standards for its student-focused curriculum and academic achievements.
Powell Valley Elementary School
Powell Valley Elementary School is a public school serving kindergarten through 5th. Powell Valley creates structured opportunities for teaching the whole child – socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 449
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C-
Powell Valley provides before and after-school programs and is part of the Right Brain Initiative. They also have many PV programs, including the Panther PRIDE Program, PV Jumprope Club, Powell Valley Singers, and HOOPS. The latter is an activity-based program that stands for “Helping Ourselves and Others Problem Solve.”
Hall Elementary School
Hall Elementary School is a public school rated #114 of 772 in Oregon’s most diverse public elementary schools. With only 378 students, Hall Elementary has an excellent student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Schools with ratios less than 18:1 show greater academic achievement in grades K-3.
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 378
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C-
Hall Elementary School prides itself on hiring highly qualified teachers and staff to ensure each child is prepared for success. They also have excellent student support programs in place, including Title 1, SUN, and Parent Teacher Club.
“H” “A” double “L,” workin’ hard and doin’ well. We’re HALL; We’re HALL!
East Gresham Elementary School
East Gresham Elementary School is a public K-5 school providing a world-class education for all students. The teachers and staff are excellent and encourage students to be lifelong learners and productive citizens. East Gresham’s motto says it all: “Together We Succeed! No Exceptions! No Excuses!”
At a glance:
- District: Gresham-Barlow School District
- Students: 391
- Grades: K-5
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Overall Niche Grade: C-
East Gresham is one of three elementary schools in the Gresham-Barlow School District to be a SUN School. SUN stands for Schools Uniting Neighborhoods with a goal to support school-aged children and families to ensure their future is in good hands. The program offers after-school and evening programs, including classes in art, sport, science, writing, and homework help.
Advice About Choosing a School
Every child is unique and learns differently. Some children may thrive in a public school setting, while others fit better in a charter or private school learning environment.
That’s why it’s essential to find a good school to send your child to where they will learn, make friends, and be happy.
Here are a few key tips to consider when it’s time to choose the best school for your child in Gresham, Oregon:
- Think back to your own time in school
- Identify your goals for your child
- Check out scores
- Decide what you need and want from a school
- Make a list and research schools
- Visit schools
- Talk to parents and students
- Sit down with the principal
- Choose the school that meets your child’s needs
- Trust your gut
It’s important to remember that the best school isn’t always the most expensive. Public schools generally attract great teachers and experience high academic performance.
At the end of the day, choosing a school should be based on your child’s happiness. When children are happy and feel safe, they are more apt to learn and thrive.
Your Guide to the Best Elementary Schools in Gresham, Oregon
Our guide to schools in Gresham, Oregon, lists the best elementary schools in the district. Why? Because knowing your options will help you decide what best suits your child’s educational needs.
But it isn’t the only thing you need to consider. Moving to Gresham is one of the best choices you’ll make, but it’s not always easy.
Having the right moving company by your side will make the moving process smoother. At Portland Move, we offer hassle-free and affordable transportation of your belongings.
Contact us for a free quote today.