For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 3,658 students in Union County, OR (there are , serving 312 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Union County, OR are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Union County, OR are Imbler Charter School, Island City Elementary School and Cove Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, OR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Oregon public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Oregon public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public school average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Imbler Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6th & Esther Ave
Imbler, OR 97841
(541) 534-5331
Imbler, OR 97841
(541) 534-5331
Grades: K-12
| 314 students
Rank: #22.
Island City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10201 W 4th St
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3270
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3270
Grades: K-5
| 290 students
Rank: #33.
Cove Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
803 Main St
Cove, OR 97824
(541) 568-4424
Cove, OR 97824
(541) 568-4424
Grades: K-12
| 302 students
Rank: #44.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
166 W Dearborn St
Union, OR 97883
(541) 562-5278
Union, OR 97883
(541) 562-5278
Grades: K-6
| 207 students
Rank: #55.
North Powder Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
333 G St
North Powder, OR 97867
(541) 898-2244
North Powder, OR 97867
(541) 898-2244
Grades: K-12
| 256 students
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
701 H Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3500
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3500
Grades: K-5
| 395 students
Rank: #77.
La Grande Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1108 4th St
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3421
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3421
Grades: 6-8
| 456 students
Rank: #88.
Union High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
540 S Main St
Union, OR 97883
(541) 562-5166
Union, OR 97883
(541) 562-5166
Grades: 7-12
| 163 students
Rank: #99.
La Grande High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
708 K Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3301
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3301
Grades: 9-12
| 628 students
Rank: #1010.
Elgin High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Birch
Elgin, OR 97827
(541) 437-2021
Elgin, OR 97827
(541) 437-2021
Grades: 7-12
| 166 students
Rank: #1111.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2300 N Spruce St
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3580
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3580
Grades: K-5
| 248 students
Rank: #1212.
Stella Mayfield Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1111 Division St
Elgin, OR 97827
(541) 437-2321
Elgin, OR 97827
(541) 437-2321
Grades: PK-6
| 230 students
Rank: n/an/a
58231 Oregon Hwy 244
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 962-1828
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 962-1828
Grades: 9-12
| 3 students
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Po Box 164
Imbler, OR 97841
(541) 534-2311
Imbler, OR 97841
(541) 534-2311
Grades: K-6
| 147 students
Union County Education Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
10214 Wallowa Lake Hwy
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 963-0920
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 963-0920
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1305 Willow St
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3555
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 663-3555
Grades: K-6
| 155 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Union County, OR?
The top ranked public schools in Union County, OR include Imbler Charter School, Island City Elementary School and Cove Charter School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
13 public schools are located in Union County.
What percentage of students in Union County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Union County are educated in public schools (compared to the OR state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Oregon public schools average of 42% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Union County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Union County include: Union High School vs. Cove Charter School, Elgin High School vs. Cove Charter School, Central Elementary School vs. Greenwood Elementary School
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.