Top 3 Portland Neighborhoods for Highly Rated Elementary Schools: 2020 Update

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Research shows that home values near top-performing schools are valued higher, (whether that is a good or bad thing is not being discussed here, rather reporting that it is a reality) and 50% of buyers say they’ll pay more for a home if it’s near a desirable school. The Portland area is home to hundreds of schools, but not all perform equally. We’ve sorted through the highest rated public elementary schools in the city and matched them with their Portland neighborhood.

1. Southwest Hills

The schools: Ainsworth Elementary has a long history in Portland, going back to 1914. The three-story brick building is local landmark, and the school has a robust music and art program as well as a Spanish Immersion program. Bridlemile Elementary touts its music, media and technology programs; students are also taught Mandarin. After-school programs allow students to pursue a variety of interests, from art to robotics. Ainsworth and Bridlemile are the only two Portland elementary schools to receive a 10/10 on Greatschools.

The neighborhood: For those lucky enough to live in the upscale Southwest Hills, life is a walk in the park! Specifically, Marquam Nature Park, with miles of hiking trails, and Council Crest, a famed Portland viewpoint. This area is adjacent to the Oregon Health & Sciences University campus and downtown Portland. But when they say hills, they mean hills: This neighborhood falls within the Tualatin Mountain Range!

2. Northwest Portland

The schools: Cedar Mill Elementary and Findley Elementary are outstanding schools in the top-performing Beaverton School District. Beaverton schools structure their curriculum around standards-based system that tracks student effort and progress instead of just assigning a percentage grade. The system works: Test scores from Cedar Mill and Findley are far above the state average!

The neighborhood: Nestled between Portland and Beaverton, Northwest Portland includes the neighborhoods of Cedar Mill, Forest Heights and Northwest Heights. On the eastern side, quiet, hilly streets lined with stately homes dissolve into the 160-acre Washington Park, which is home to the Oregon Zoo, the Japanese Garden and several other attractions. Toward Bethany, growth is happening quickly and hundreds of new homes have been added over the past few years. From Northwest Portland, it’s a quick drive or MAX ride down the hill into downtown Portland, or over to Beaverton. 

3. Hosford-Abernethy/Southeast Portland

The School: The history of Abernethy Elementary is closely tied with Ladd’s Addition, a planned community that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. However, students come to Abernethy from across suburban Southeast Portland, and they thrive in an environment that is both inclusive and challenging. This school embraces everything that’s “Portland”: a kitchen garden, a seriously good music program, and high parent/caregiver involvement.

The neighborhood: Southeast Portland strives to make a place for everyone, from working professionals and entrepreneurs to families and retirees. Walkability is great and the cultural scene is lively. Southeast offers a variety of homes for all budgets, from historic craftsman bungalows to modern townhomes and condos.  

The list goes on…

There are dozens more highly rated schools in Portland — this list is just a beginning! If you’re looking for a home near a great school and these neighborhoods don’t fit your needs, just contact our buyers’ agent team and let them know what you’re looking for. We’ll help you find the perfect home and school in 2020. Our top rated Portland home search site, PortlandHomesforSale.com also allows you to search for homes by school.

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