For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,097 students in Pendleton, OR (there are , serving 22 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Pendleton, OR are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Pendleton, OR are Hawthorne Alternative High School, Mckay Creek Elementary School and Nixyaawii Community School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pendleton, OR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Oregon public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Pendleton have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Oregon public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public school average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Pendleton, OR (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hawthorne Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1700 Nw 15th Dr
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3378
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3378
Gr: 9-12 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Mckay Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1539 Sw 44th St
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3000
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3000
Gr: K-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Nixyaawii Community School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
73300 July Grounds Ln
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 429-7900
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 429-7900
Gr: 9-12 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Sunridge Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Sw Runnion Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3416
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3416
Gr: 6-8 | 648 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1205 Se Byers Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-5552
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-5552
Gr: K-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Sherwood Heights Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3235 Sw Nye Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3050
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3050
Gr: K-5 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #77.
Pendleton High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Nw Carden Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3804
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3804
Gr: 9-12 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
2001 Sw Nye Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-7868
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-7868
Gr: K-12 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 69:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
455 Sw 13th St
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3300
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3300
Gr: PK-K | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Pendleton, Oregon Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1308 Sw Emigrant Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-6616
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-6616
Gr: K-12 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 44%
107 Nw 10th St
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3976
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3976
Gr: 1-2 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
1700 Nw 15th Dr
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3950
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 966-3950
Gr: 3-5 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Pendleton, OR?
The top-ranked public schools in Pendleton, OR include Hawthorne Alternative High School, Mckay Creek Elementary School and Nixyaawii Community School.
How many public schools are located in Pendleton?
9 public schools are located in Pendleton.
What percentage of students in Pendleton go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Pendleton are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pendleton?
Pendleton public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public schools average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.
