Public high schools in the Portland area belong to several districts, including Portland Public Schools (PPS), as well as nearby Beaverton and Lake Oswego districts.

Among these, we introduce three public high schools that stand out particularly when considering academic achievement, the number of AP (Advanced Placement) courses, college enrollment rates after graduation, and student support programs.

If you are a family looking to choose a residence in Portland for your child's education, it may be helpful to check the locations of each school and the boundaries of the school districts.

The first school to introduce is Lincoln High School.

Located southwest of downtown Portland, Lincoln High School is considered one of the highest-achieving schools within the Portland Public Schools district.

It offers a wide range of AP courses and has a high college enrollment rate for graduates. It particularly excels in math and science subjects and operates various after-school academic clubs and STEM-related programs. The school building has recently undergone a major renovation, providing a modern learning environment.

Lincoln High School has good accessibility to downtown Portland, offering many advantages in terms of access to performing arts and sports facilities.

The school also has a high diversity index, creating an environment where students from various backgrounds learn together.

The second school is Grant High School. Located in the Irvington area northeast of Portland, Grant High School is a historic school that opened in 1924. It has long been recognized as an excellent public high school in Oregon, known for both its academic level and its strengths in arts and music programs. The music programs, including band, orchestra, and choir, are active, and a variety of visual arts courses are offered.

AP courses are offered in several subjects, including English, history, science, and foreign languages, and some subjects of the IB (International Baccalaureate) program are also available. The school's sports teams tend to perform well in Oregon state competitions, particularly in basketball and soccer. The Irvington area is one of the most desirable residential areas in Portland, leading many families to move there for school district assignments.

The third school is Jefferson High School.

Located in the northern part of Portland, Jefferson High School stands out in the fields of music and performing arts. Among the specialized programs operated by the Portland Public Schools, the jazz and music performance courses are particularly well-known, and many graduates have gone on to work in music-related fields.

The school actively operates internship programs in collaboration with the community. In the past, it faced challenges in academic achievement, but in recent years, through intensive investment and program improvements, the graduation and college enrollment rates of students have steadily improved. It is particularly regarded as a good fit for students interested in arts and humanities.

Looking at the Portland Public Schools as a whole, PPS is the largest school district in Oregon, educating about 49,000 students. Each high school in the district operates specialized programs to help students choose schools that align with their individual interests and career paths.

All schools within the Portland Public Schools follow the academic achievement standards set by the state of Oregon and provide free education supported by the state government. Regarding foreign language education, schools offer courses in Spanish, French, Japanese, and Chinese, and some schools also operate Dual Language Programs.

When choosing a public high school, the most important factor is the school assignment based on residence. The Portland Public Schools determine the assigned school based on the address, so families can plan to move within the desired school district or inquire about applying to other schools through the School Choice program. There are also opportunities for students outside the district to enroll by applying to magnet programs or specialized courses offered by each school, so it is advisable to check directly with the schools of interest. Actively utilizing school tours and admission information sessions can greatly assist in finding the right school for your child.

Expanding the scope to include surrounding school districts, Beaverton School District, Lake Oswego School District, and Tigard-Tualatin School District also have excellent public high schools. In particular, the Lake Oswego School District records top academic achievement in Oregon, leading many Korean families who prioritize their children's education to move to Lake Oswego. Considering the entire Portland metropolitan area, carefully comparing school district information can lead to good choices.

The biggest advantage of public high schools is that they provide high-quality education for free. Prestigious public high schools in the Portland area offer robust support for AP courses, college counseling, and various extracurricular activities, with some schools providing an educational environment comparable to private high schools.

If you are considering moving to Portland, it is recommended to research schools that match your child's interests and learning style in advance.