Vestal Elementary School

Summary:

Vestal Elementary School is a public elementary school in Portland, Oregon, serving 230 students in grades K-5. It is part of the Portland School District 1J, which is ranked 17 out of 140 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. However, Vestal Elementary School has consistently been ranked in the bottom half of Oregon elementary schools, with a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years.

Vestal Elementary School's academic performance, as measured by the percentage of students proficient or better in OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System) tests, is significantly lower than the district and state averages across all grade levels and subject areas. For example, in 2023-2024, only 43.8% of 3rd graders, 32.3% of 4th graders, and 29.7% of 5th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the district averages of 56.3%, 55.4%, and 59.6%, respectively. Additionally, the school's performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with Hispanic students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds performing significantly worse compared to their peers statewide.

Despite the higher spending per student at Vestal Elementary School, at $33,841, the school's academic performance remains relatively low compared to other schools in the district, such as Rose City Park, Glencoe Elementary, and Atkinson Elementary, all of which have higher academic achievement and higher rankings from SchoolDigger. This raises questions about the effectiveness of resource allocation and the need to explore ways to improve the school's educational outcomes, particularly in addressing the equity concerns and supporting underperforming student groups.


Detail:

Public K-5

 161 NE 82nd Ave
       Portland, OR  97220-6004


(503) 916-6437

District: Portland School District 1J

SchoolDigger Rank:
440th of 710 Oregon Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $25,567 Help


Students who attend Vestal Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Leodis V. McDaniel High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.4 Help
Number of students:  230

Racial breakdown:

White:
41.7%
Two or more races:
18.3%
Hispanic:
15.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  66.1% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Vestal Elementary School ranks worse than 62% of elementary schools in Oregon. It also ranks 49th among 60 ranked elementary schools in the Portland School District 1J. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 35.59. (See more...)
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Compare Details Vestal Elementary School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2018 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.74. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Vestal Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (41.7%), two or more races (18.3%), Hispanic (15.7%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 66.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Vestal Elementary School is 12.4, which is the 4th best among 60 elementary schools in the Portland School District 1J. (See more...)
Help
Compare Vestal Elementary School employs 18.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Vestal Elementary School is $25,567, which is the 10th highest among 60 elementary schools in the Portland School District 1J.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Vestal Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Vestal Elementary School 440th of 710 Oregon public elementary schools. (See Vestal Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Portland School District 1J:

SchoolDigger ranks Portland School District 1J 17th of 140 Oregon school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Vestal Elementary School?

Rank History for Vestal Elementary School

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 39.23 401st 586 31.6%
2005 34.40 473rd 629 24.8%
2006 53.35 343rd 636 46.1%
2007 47.32 355th 652 45.6%
2008 45.11 399th 655 39.1%
2009 33.42 502nd 665 24.5%
2010 37.32 469th 674 30.4%
2011 26.87 581st 695 16.4%
2012 14.02 678th 730 7.1%
2013 36.26 494th 707 30.1%
2014 28.71 538th 695 22.6%
2015 29.99 521st 706 26.2%
2016 18.71 606th 697 13.1%
2017 28.09 529th 701 24.5%
2018 30.66 510th 709 28.1%
2019 24.56 563rd 705 20.1%
2022 38.80 418th 706 40.8%
2023 30.60 488th 706 30.9%
2024 35.59 440th 710 38.0%
See the entire list of Oregon Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 49.66 107th 212 49.5%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 29.61 375th 481 22.0%
2019 33.04 201st 303 33.7%
2024 49.50 117th 299 60.9%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.23 572nd 640 10.6%
2019 22.48 521st 597 12.7%
2022 39.03 414th 703 41.1%
2023 45.10 315th 595 47.1%
2024 44.69 272nd 523 48.0%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.90 444th 681 34.8%
2019 25.30 503rd 621 19.0%
2022 38.18 387th 646 40.1%
2023 32.41 440th 652 32.5%
2024 35.79 413th 658 37.2%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.32 515th 680 24.3%
2019 22.47 512th 623 17.8%
2022 44.68 341st 654 47.9%
2023 29.73 470th 665 29.3%
2024 42.36 346th 662 47.7%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.13 453rd 475 4.6%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Vestal Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.21 357th 683 47.7%
2019 33.87 457th 662 31.0%
2022 46.82 335th 666 49.7%
2023 47.64 326th 656 50.3%
2024 45.08 343rd 670 48.8%
See the entire list of Best Oregon Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Oregon Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Vestal Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools OR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2008 41.53 204th 315 35.2%
2009 33.42 238th 323 26.3%
2010 34.91 253rd 343 26.2%
2011 27.42 294th 357 17.6%
2012 28.48 326th 395 17.5%
2013 15.83 338th 377 10.3%
2014 32.93 277th 382 27.5%
2015 42.64 227th 381 40.4%
2016 23.43 318th 383 17.0%
2017 26.17 296th 382 22.5%
2018 13.74 349th 384 9.1%
See the entire list of Oregon Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Oregon Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Vestal Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Oregon Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.3)
50%

0%

17%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a citizen
Thursday, April 11, 2019

Open Quote A school is more than its scores. Vestal is a special place and has the potential to be a top community school. Close Quote


by a citizen
Saturday, March 16, 2019

Open Quote Over the past 2 years (spring 2017 to winter 2019), violence of students towards each other and towards teachers remains unchecked. Experienced teachers are still leaving at an unusually high rate. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Open Quote We were looking for any other school when we moved here 2 years ago because Vestal was rated so low, but tried it anyway and we are SO pleased with the environment there, with the dedicated staff, with the way teachers work with every student in the way they learn best - they teach to the child, not to the test here. I recommend this school and am happy our kids are being led and educated by these great, caring, warm teachers. Close Quote


by a citizen
Sunday, March 26, 2017

Open Quote It used to be a great school, about 5 years ago, when Susan Foxman was the principal. Unfortunately, under subsequent leadership, the school's staff culture and discipline plan execution have become less collegial and less collaborative respectively. That is why so many good, long term, full time teachers (despite longstanding positive relationships with the Vestal community), are voting with their feet. Some have accepted less desirable positions (part time, or a combo. of part time assignments, and/or adding significant commutes to their already long days as committed teachers).
- Spouse of an experienced, committed teacher who unfortunately felt essentially forced out by the current principal. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, May 24, 2013

Open Quote I really wish the PTA would implement more usage of obtaining outside sponsors for fundraisers, grants etc. The school has been doing a lot of great and helpful things like the new Vestal Garden/ Community Garden, they are putting in a large chess board on the playground, building more garden spots ETC. They do have Gear Up and AVID for the upper grades which seems to be a great program. I do like how the class sizes are small and the teachers seem to have a more 1 on 1 communication/teaching experience than what I grew up with in Portland Public Schools. This school gets widely overlooked and it really should not. I again stress that the PTA should be putting in more time and work to upgrade existing carnivals, field days, craft nights and fundraisers. The teachers are all great and my children have been attending this school for quite a few years. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Vestal Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 209 8 47 3 6 n/a n/a 0 273
1989 221 8 35 10 7 n/a n/a 0 281
1990 197 8 31 10 5 n/a n/a 0 251
1991 230 7 45 9 6 n/a n/a 0 297
1992 290 8 48 15 5 n/a n/a 0 366
1993 248 5 48 23 8 n/a n/a 0 332
1994 214 6 50 24 9 n/a n/a 0 303
1995 215 14 60 19 12 n/a n/a 0 320
1996 215 14 60 19 12 n/a n/a 0 320
1997 221 13 50 17 9 n/a n/a 0 310
1998 178 23 61 18 4 n/a n/a 0 284
1999 149 18 67 18 6 n/a n/a 0 258
2000 139 16 55 26 7 n/a n/a 0 243
2001 135 21 56 24 5 n/a n/a 0 241
2002 193 53 76 39 6 n/a n/a 0 367
2003 193 53 76 39 6 n/a n/a 0 367
2004 167 47 71 54 5 n/a n/a 0 344
2005 155 46 72 40 6 n/a n/a 3 322
2006 128 40 83 34 9 n/a n/a 0 294
2007 156 43 89 44 11 n/a n/a 0 343
2008 170 41 101 55 11 n/a n/a 11 389
2009 160 55 121 61 13 n/a n/a 18 428
2010 159 47 127 68 10 n/a n/a 22 433
2011 164 65 101 73 10 8 30 0 451
2012 149 47 88 74 13 10 39 0 420
2013 134 44 94 72 7 8 36 0 395
2014 146 59 72 73 7 11 34 0 402
2015 149 55 63 67 6 12 46 0 398
2016 160 67 58 65 4 12 46 0 412
2017 168 66 47 61 1 2 36 0 381
2018 152 45 40 59 1 4 40 0 341
2019 128 33 33 39 0 6 32 1 272
2020 116 31 26 32 0 6 37 1 249
2021 97 37 30 29 0 5 30 0 228
2022 96 24 18 30 1 5 32 1 207
2023 96 26 24 36 1 4 42 1 230

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Vestal Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 273 15.0 18.2 50.5
1989 281 17.5 16.0 61.6
1990 251 19.5 12.8 87.3
1991 297 20.0 14.8 66.3
1992 366 25.5 14.3 63.9
1993 332 24.0 13.8 64.2
1994 303 19.5 15.5 64
1995 320 22.6 14.2 0
1996 320 22.6 14.2 0
1997 310 19.0 16.3 65.5
1998 284 18.5 15.4 94.7
1999 258 18.3 14.1 89.1
2000 243 14.3 17.0 69.1
2001 241 14.0 17.2 71
2002 367 19.0 19.3 68.4
2003 367 19.0 19.3 68.4
2004 344 19.8 17.4 63.7
2005 322 17.5 18.4 69
2006 294 17.0 17.3 65.6
2007 343 18.9 18.1 67.6
2008 389 22.0 17.7 68
2009 428 26.0 16.5 70.7
2010 433 25.5 16.9 73.5
2011 451 27.8 16.2 76.7
2012 420 27.3 15.3 79.3
2013 395 25.0 15.7 72.4
2014 402 25.0 16.0 72.4
2015 398 26.0 15.3 73.6
2016 412 26.0 15.8 73.8
2017 381 26.5 14.3 73.5
2018 341 26.1 13.0 71.8
2019 272 27.9 9.7 59.2
2020 249 26.1 9.5 61.4
2021 228 27.2 8.3 n/a
2022 207 27.6 7.4 n/a
2023 230 18.5 12.4 66.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Vestal Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 273 15.0 18.2 50.5
1989 281 17.5 16.0 61.6
1990 251 19.5 12.8 87.3
1991 297 20.0 14.8 66.3
1992 366 25.5 14.3 63.9
1993 332 24.0 13.8 64.2
1994 303 19.5 15.5 64
1995 320 22.6 14.2 0
1996 320 22.6 14.2 0
1997 310 19.0 16.3 65.5
1998 284 18.5 15.4 94.7
1999 258 18.3 14.1 89.1
2000 243 14.3 17.0 69.1
2001 241 14.0 17.2 71
2002 367 19.0 19.3 68.4
2003 367 19.0 19.3 68.4
2004 344 19.8 17.4 63.7
2005 322 17.5 18.4 69
2006 294 17.0 17.3 65.6
2007 343 18.9 18.1 67.6
2008 389 22.0 17.7 68
2009 428 26.0 16.5 70.7
2010 433 25.5 16.9 73.5
2011 451 27.8 16.2 76.7
2012 420 27.3 15.3 79.3
2013 395 25.0 15.7 72.4
2014 402 25.0 16.0 72.4
2015 398 26.0 15.3 73.6
2016 412 26.0 15.8 73.8
2017 381 26.5 14.3 73.5
2018 341 26.1 13.0 71.8
2019 272 27.9 9.7 59.2
2020 249 26.1 9.5 61.4
2021 228 27.2 8.3 n/a
2022 207 27.6 7.4 n/a
2023 230 18.5 12.4 66.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Vestal Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 n/a n/a $17,645
2020 n/a n/a $18,975
2021 n/a n/a $21,073
2022 $3,584 (10.6%) $30,258 (89.4%) $33,841
2023 $2,536 (9.9%) $23,032 (90.1%) $25,567

Data source: Oregon Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Vestal Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 563rd of 705 Elementary schoolsRanks 488th of 706 Elementary schools
 10.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Vestal Elementary School)53.624.2
 29.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Portland School District 1J)55.455.4
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Oregon)46.539.4
 7.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Vestal Elementary School)64.334.4
 29.9%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Portland School District 1J)52.856.2
 3.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Oregon)46.439.7
 6.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Vestal Elementary School)38.126.5
 11.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Portland School District 1J)56.258.1
 1.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Oregon)49.242.3
 6.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Vestal Elementary School)1925
 6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Portland School District 1J)4854.3
 6.3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Oregon)43.237.6
 5.6%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Vestal Elementary School)34.941.4
 6.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Portland School District 1J)60.459.8
 0.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Oregon)5447.1
 6.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Vestal Elementary School)9.321.4
 12.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Portland School District 1J)43.246.5
 3.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Oregon)37.830.7
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Vestal Elementary School)9.333.3
 24%
   5th Grade Science (Portland School District 1J)40.644.1
 3.5%
   5th Grade Science (Oregon)34.730.3
 4.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students272230
 15.4%
African American3326
 21.2%
American Indian01
Asian3324
 27.3%
Hispanic3936
 7.7%
Pacific Islander64
 33.3%
White12896
 25%
Two or More Races3242
 31.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients59.2%66.1%
 6.9%


Schools Near Vestal Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Vestal Elementary School

Vestal Elementary School ranks 440th of 710 Oregon elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 230 students attended Vestal Elementary School.

Students at Vestal Elementary School are 42% White, 18% Two or more races, 16% Hispanic, 11% African American, 10% Asian, 2% Pacific Islander.

Students who attend Vestal Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Leodis V. McDaniel High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Oregon Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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