2023 Niche Standout High Schools in Oregon

• Lincoln County School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: I've enjoyed the academic environment immensely with the IB program, the teachers are also incredibly kind and understanding. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of clubs and extracurricular activities that cater to different interests in my opinion. However, the academic environment has been very successful in focusing on multiple types of students. Advanced students are offered courses in the IB program, we have developed IEP and 504 programs with very helpful advisors, as well as a very developed special education aka ECEL program. In fact, we are considered a state champion school for Unified. Likely the most helpful aspect is the ASPIRE program which is for future plans post-high school. There is multiple advisors for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that each cater to different options such as university, community college, trade school, work, military, etc.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 48%

• Salem-Keizer School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: Overall, this is a great school for academics. You have to be willing to give up a lot of extracurricular-type activities if you want to go here. Small class sizes make it easy to form connections with teachers. They also mean you know everyone in your grade - both a good and bad thing. You'll spend half of your school career at Chemeketa, which is an average college. The campus isn't anything to write home about, and I've had some classes that were complete jokes, but at the end of the day it was a good education. Teachers can be a little overbearing about the AVID-type stuff. I suppose the kids are so well-behaved they need something to get onto them about. Not many students get into prestigious universities, so don't go here if you want it to get you into an Ivy or something. Good for state and local university prep. You'll spend most of your time with the same 5 people in your friend group, so a good school for introverts. First 2 years are intense, second 2 are better.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 202

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Free or reduced lunch 69%

• McMinnville School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  282 reviews

Senior: Attending McMinnville High School has been an amazing experience. I can confidently say all staff are there to support the students. I have amazing relationships with multiple different teachers and advisors. The staff is dedicated to making high school a great experience for all students by planning inclusive activities, creative projects, events to acknowledge the mental health of each student, and much more. Three years ago they sent out a survey to students allowing them to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the dress code. Because they allowed us to use our voices, students were able to change the dress code regulations and create a more comfortable learning environment where students are able to express themselves better. McMinnville High School is all about the students, and I'm proud to be a grizzly!... Read 282 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,114

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 46%

• David Douglas School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  490 reviews

Senior: There’s many school out there with great buildings. High school looking like colleges. Well David Douglas is different. They have securities and deans walking around campus making sure students are safe. There’s many great teachers here as well. Most are funny and understand our feelings as kids, students. I’m grateful to be at this school!... Read 490 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,807

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 67%

• Hillsboro School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  356 reviews

Alum: My high school experience was unforgettable! Everyone, students and teachers, were all really accepting and kind. There were many different cliques but everyone had a friend from each group. The teachers were willing to work with students that needed accommodations. Overall, the staff was all very accepting of each and every students. Very few teachers played favorites. Drama was dealt with and staff was trustworthy. I was in leadership and really enjoyed every moment of it. The events were fun and diverse. The band and art programs were and are amazing! I felt adequately prepared for university.... Read 356 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,517

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Free or reduced lunch 43%

• Grants Pass School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  193 reviews

Junior: I have loved Grants Pass High School! The teachers and staff are so nice and willing to help make high school a better experience. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved; the high school has great sports, music, arts, and awesome clubs. I've been able to make some good relationships, and take challenging classes that prepare me for the rigor of college. Grants Pass High School takes care of its students by offering something that will appeal to everyone, and having resources that can reach out individually to every student. I can't think of a better high school experience than what GPHS has offered to me.... Read 193 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,823

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 50%

• Klamath County School District, OR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Alum: They are working towards giving students more opportunities dealing with Music/Art, they need to keep going... Read 15 reviews

• grade B

• Students 225

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 75%

• Parkrose School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  209 reviews

Alum: The people were very accepting and created a positive environment, which includes both the teachers and students. I met some of my closest friends within those walls and I can't thank it enough for that. One area that it could've been better was that, often times, they made some odd decisions. Weird places that they put money and resources, and would sometimes take time out of valuable learning time to have an assembly or some event that didn't do much for us academically.... Read 209 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,010

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Free or reduced lunch 72%

• Vale School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: Vale High School is a great final stop before a student heads into the adult world. With helpful staff and great school spirit, Vale High School is like no other! Vale High School raises their students to know that excellence is the expectation.... Read 54 reviews

• grade B

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Free or reduced lunch 44%

• Centennial School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  223 reviews

Senior: For 3 years so far being part of the school, I've come to enjoy the culture and diversity around with the school. It's well open to all students alike and easier to get along with each other. The teachers are chill to students but also somehow makes most people motivated to focus in class while having fun learning. Of course, you'd have to work hard and study well to get the teachers' respect for you, which shouldn't be too much of a big deal in my personal opinion. There are many classes for different subjects too, and many sports and clubs for every students' interests outside of the learning environment. One thing I do wish the school could change though is their lunches. Some lunches from the school is a hit or miss at most cases and really, most people tend to buy their food from vending machines or at fast food places. Regardless of the food situation, I really enjoy and love the school's environment and hopefully, you will too if you decide to go there!... Read 223 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,690

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Free or reduced lunch 53%

• Portland Public Schools, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  222 reviews

Junior: At this school, the environment more than often tends to be friendly. I have had more positive experiences than bad ones. The students are encouraging, friendly, hardworking, compassionate, supportive, and respectful. At McDaniel, the teachers and staff show their best interest toward the students. from checking in one-on-one with kids if they've been absent to make sure that everything is okay in our lives, understanding the stressors of high school and getting ready for college, and offering a helping hand, as well as pushing each student to be their best self in their academic and personal life. From my freshman year to now (currently a junior) I have been enrolled in a CTE biomedical pathway course. This pathway is one of the best at our school, with supportive staff, hands-on material, and the proper preparations for students to advance into healthcare.... Read 222 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,169

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 53%

• Medford School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  218 reviews

Senior: North Medford High School is great overall as well as academically and has a wide variety of clubs, sports, and culture. North Medford has all classes gated and supervised, safety has became more and more important over the years. Teachers are friendly, supportive, and understanding.... Read 218 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,660

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Free or reduced lunch 39%

• Lincoln County School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Junior: I love Waldport High! I've gone to school with most of these people since elementary school, and the culture is really friendly and welcoming. We don't have a whole lot of money or resources since we're a pretty small school, so things like the arts sometimes go by the wayside, but isn't that the case everywhere? The teachers genuinely care about all of their students, and they try to make school a fun experience for everyone.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 56%

• Klamath County School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  124 reviews

Senior: Mazama High School has been the place of many beginnings and ends. The atmosphere here is welcoming to all students. The best part about this school is the student involvement inside and outside of school. Classes like student government and service learning put work in 24/7 to provide service to the community and school. The administration works with students well in scheduling, often buying them free food and drinks to talk with them about their future. Our robotics program is excellent and has competed and won many times at the national level. Along with our clubs like FBLA and HOSA. Our sports teams are wonderful, along with our football team winning our skyline conference, and being the state championships in 4A in 2020. The Mazama environment is welcoming, and the overall school provides you with many helpful teachers, students, and administrators.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 720

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 60%

• Mt. Angel School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: John K Kennedy High School is very with just under 300 students .This being said we have a very tight nit community. All of the staff at John F. Kennedy are amazing. They want every student to succeed and they will do anything they can do to help them do so. Athletics are Kennedy are through the roof. I have been so blessed to have the coaches and teammates that I have. Just in girl sports the past four years we have won three state championships. That is just incredible if you ask me. We could not have done it without our supportive community and most importantly our parents. I have never been anywhere with more uplifting parents. Before every game, does not matter what sport, we have a meal ready for us thanks to our hard working parents. Leaving this outstanding school district and small community is definitely going to be challenging but I could not be more excited to see what my future holds.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B

• Students 197

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Free or reduced lunch 52%

• Hood River County School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  196 reviews

Senior: There is a good amount of sports offered for students depending on their liking. As well, there are many clubs that are offered and there is great diversity on the types of clubs based on your interests. It is also very easy to start up your own club and gain support from the school. They have excellent academics. Many of the courses offered at this high school are dual enrollment or AP. Therefore, it is more attainable to get college credit. In addition, the school is very good with making their students happy. Ther're many school wide activities and events that they have to keep the school year more vibrant and filled with energy throughout the year. The events and activities are student ran and created which makes them more special and meaningful since a lot of work is put into them. Most importantly, is the support from administration as well. Many staff members are there for students and participate in activities with the students which creates a better home feeling environment.... Read 196 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,318

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 42%

• Phoenix-Talent School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  88 reviews

Senior: Attending this High School was such an amazing experience. I met my best friends who will be with me throughout my life. The support was amazing with small classes and great connection with teachers. I had the opportunity to dual enroll with SOU to earn college credit for my AP classes. High School provided me some of the best years and experiences of my life and I am forever grateful for all of the students, staff and teachers who have given me the best moments!... Read 88 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 681

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 56%

• Greater Albany Public School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: The school as a whole is alright, the teachers care and are passionate. This school has some minor tweaking that could be done, such as cracking down on bathroom vandalizing, but the teachers are doing what they can. The staff is the only issue, meaning the hall staff. The people at the school are pretty nice, the teachers care, the counselors are nice, understanding and the school is genuinely nice. Campus is open, clean and kept up to date. It's safe, and the majority of the folks that work for South Albany are very knowledgeable. There isn't a whole lot of negative things, as the school is very diverse, with multiple different groups of people. No one's an outcast, bullies aren't present, and if one shows up they are immediately taken care of by the school. I like the way it's ran, because the school isn't too strict, yet they don't allow just anything to happen. Academically, you do learn stuff you wouldn't just anywhere, because of how passionate the teachers are. Thank you.... Read 237 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,350

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 52%

• Hillsboro School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  249 reviews

Senior: Liberty is a great school overall! The teachers all want to see every kid succeed and help out very much. The school is very inclusive to all students. The staff is amazing and so is the school spirit that the staff help incorporate into the school! Improvements needed in the school is better/easier contact with administrators/ councilors for help and support. Since staff gets really busy and it’s hard to schedule meetings with any of them. Overall Liberty is a great school!... Read 249 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,441

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Free or reduced lunch 42%

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  416 reviews

Senior: The school spirit is amazing! The teachers are nice, and understanding and the career center really tries to prep juniors and seniors for college. They put out a lot of options for post-high school. I think one thing that I hope can somewhat change is to put out more resources for PI students.... Read 416 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,766

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 64%

• Eugene School District, OR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  341 reviews

Senior: As a queer student of color, I've always worried about whether there'd be a place for me at school. Now, and in the future. For a bit, I considered other schools in the area, but ultimately, I'm glad I chose North. Not only is the English Department and the Science Department some of the nerdiest and most amazing group of teachers, the student population is actually diverse. Actual real people like you. Queer students, Chicanx students, Black students, AAPI students. We're not all white. Which is really frickin great. Overall, our school is still a work in progress, but it's going places, and I'm glad to say I'm from North.... Read 341 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,005

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 51%

• Stanfield School District, OR•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: I liked Stanfield, they taught me how to strive for my goals. The support I got was amazing. I found myself and learned how to speak my mind. Most teachers there advocate for their students. The counselor there helped me so much with college classes and applying for scholarships.... Read 23 reviews

• grade B

• Students 293

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 60%

• Powers School District, OR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Powers High School is a very small school, but the teachers here are very supportive of all students. They always provided me and others with what I needed to succeed.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• Students 49

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%

• Oregon Department of Education, OR•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Four Rivers Community School helped me figure out what I would like to after high school. As a student there the academics and assignments are challenging, interactive, and make me think critically. I wish that we would have more school traditions, more clubs and activities, and some more spirit. Other than that the school is great. Teachers are great, and so are the administrators.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 93%

• Halfway, OR•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: I like that in a small school you can get focused on more as a student and get more one on one help if needed. The classes are generally the same length but each person can the questions they need to. Some of the struggles of a small town school is everyone knows everything but it is still nice to be able to get the educational help.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• Students 192

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Free or reduced lunch 43%