Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant culture, progressive values, and a growing focus on education. For families looking to move to or stay in the Portland metro area, understanding the quality of high schools is crucial in making the best educational decisions. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the top-ranked high schools in Portland, OR, based on academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, college readiness, and overall school experience.
Top Public High Schools in Portland, OR
Portland offers a wide variety of public high schools that consistently perform well in state and national rankings. These schools provide robust academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community. According to Niche and U.S. News, here are some of the best public high schools in the Portland area.
Lincoln High School
Ranked as one of the top high schools in Portland, Lincoln High is renowned for its academic rigor, college readiness, and strong performance on standardized tests. It boasts a rich history and offers a variety of advanced placement (AP) courses and extracurriculars, making it a popular choice for academically motivated students.
Westview High School
Westview is another standout in the Portland area, offering a comprehensive academic experience alongside a variety of enrichment programs in athletics, arts, and leadership. Westview is known for its strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum and its involvement in regional and state-level competitions in fields like robotics and math.
Beaverton High School
While technically located in the nearby Beaverton district, Beaverton High School serves many students from the Portland metro area. Known for its diverse student body and high academic standards, Beaverton High offers a robust AP program, as well as excellent sports teams and extracurricular opportunities. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity makes it a strong choice for families in the Portland region.
Private High Schools in Portland
For those seeking a more personalized educational experience, Portland also offers several prestigious private high schools. These institutions tend to offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often provide specialized programs or unique educational philosophies.
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel is one of the most respected private schools in the Portland area, known for its rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to fostering independent, critical thinking. The school provides a nurturing environment for students to explore their academic passions and grow as individuals. It consistently ranks among the top private high schools in Portland, with a strong track record of college admissions success.
The Oregon Episcopal School (OES)
OES is another top-tier private school that combines academic excellence with a commitment to ethical leadership and community service. Located just outside Portland in the suburb of Hillsboro, OES offers a challenging academic environment alongside a comprehensive extracurricular program. Students here benefit from a strong liberal arts education as well as a well-rounded approach to developing leadership skills and global awareness.
Specialized Programs and Charter Schools
For families looking for specialized programs or alternative educational models, Portland also offers several charter and specialized schools that focus on specific areas like the arts, science, or technology.
Portland Public Schools’ Arts & Technology Academy
This school provides a unique blend of arts and technology, offering students the chance to focus on digital arts, visual arts, and technology-related subjects. The Academy is ideal for students who want to combine their creative talents with technological skills and pursue careers in the growing fields of media, design, and tech.
Trillium Charter School
Trillium Charter School is an alternative public school that focuses on project-based learning and is known for its emphasis on community engagement and social justice. Students at Trillium are encouraged to engage deeply with academic content through real-world applications and interdisciplinary projects.
Top-Ranked High Schools for College Readiness
When it comes to preparing students for college, some high schools in Portland stand out for their commitment to helping students succeed in higher education. College readiness is often measured through factors like AP course offerings, SAT/ACT scores, and the percentage of students who go on to attend four-year colleges.
Grant High School
Grant High School is one of Portland’s most prestigious public high schools when it comes to college preparation. The school boasts a robust selection of AP courses, a high college acceptance rate, and extensive counseling services to help students navigate the college admissions process. Its strong academic foundation ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of college life.
Sunset High School
Sunset High School, located in the Hillsboro area, consistently ranks among the top schools in Portland for college readiness. Sunset offers an impressive array of AP classes, and its students regularly perform well on standardized tests, with a high percentage of graduates pursuing higher education. The school also has strong partnerships with local universities, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
Portland’s high schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests outside of the classroom. Whether it’s in sports, arts, music, or clubs, these schools provide ample opportunities for students to develop their talents and leadership skills.
Jesuit High School
Jesuit High is one of Portland’s most prominent private schools, particularly well-known for its athletics program. The school has a storied tradition in sports like football, basketball, and soccer, and it also offers a wide variety of clubs and student organizations. Jesuit’s commitment to developing the whole person means that students can engage in athletics, service projects, and leadership training alongside their academic studies.
Cleveland High School
Cleveland High offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to academic clubs and volunteer opportunities. The school is especially recognized for its arts programs, including a strong theater and music department, as well as leadership and community service programs that give students the chance to contribute to their local communities.
Finding the Right High School for Your Student
When choosing a high school in Portland, OR, there are several factors to consider beyond rankings and test scores. Parents and students should also take into account the school’s culture, extracurricular opportunities, support services, and whether the academic programs align with the student’s future goals. Some students may thrive in larger schools with competitive sports programs, while others may prefer smaller, more personalized environments. It’s important to visit schools, talk to current students and staff, and consider the long-term fit for your child’s academic and social development.
Portland is home to a wide variety of exceptional high schools that cater to different educational needs and goals. Whether you’re interested in a rigorous academic program, a supportive learning environment, or a school with strong extracurricular offerings, there is a high school in Portland to meet every student’s needs.
