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| Metric | Colton School District 53 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 620 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,200/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colton School District 53 (this district) | 4/10 | 36th | 620 |
| Clatskanie School District 6J | 7/10 | 62nd | 689 |
| St. Helens School District 502 | 2/10 | 16th | 2,829 |
| North Clackamas School District 12 | 7/10 | 68th | 16,778 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 170 rated districts in OR → 36th percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Colton School District 53
Zip code 97017 in Colton, Oregon is served by Colton School District 53 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Kindergarten – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Colton School District 53’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Oregon spend approximately $15,200 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 3 schools, Colton School District 53 operates as a small, community-focused district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. Small districts often benefit from tighter community cohesion, more personalized teacher-student relationships, and stronger parental involvement. The trade-off is narrower program variety: fewer elective courses, specialized tracks, or extracurricular options than larger systems offer.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
Colton School District 53 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 4/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Oregon is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Colton School District 53 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Oregon benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 97017
Children in zip code 97017 are assigned to Colton School District 53 for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 97017, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Colton School District 53 at (503)824-3535 or visit www.colton.k12.or.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Oregon districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Colton
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Colton School District 53 serves zip code 97017, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 97017. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Oregon, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Colton School District 53 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 97017.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Colton School District 53 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 97017 data.