Chemawa Indian School is a Native American boarding school in Salem, Oregon, United States. Named after the Chemawa band of the Kalapuya people of the Willamette Valley, it opened on February 25, 1880 as an elementary school.
Chemawa Indian School serves 210 students in grades 9-12.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Oregon state level of 17:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 210 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 40-59%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20%
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20%
- Science Proficiency: ≤20%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Chemawa Indian School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Oregon for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Chemawa Indian School's student population of 210 students has declined by 50% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 46% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
210 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1880
School Rankings
The diversity score of Chemawa Indian School is 0.00, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
30%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
17:1
American Indian
100%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
n/a
26%
Black
n/a
3%
White
n/a
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
n/a
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
40-59%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
51%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Brave
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% OR state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% OR state average).
What is the graduation rate of Chemawa Indian School?
The graduation rate of Chemawa Indian School is 40-59%, which is lower than the Oregon state average of 81%.
How many students attend Chemawa Indian School?
210 students attend Chemawa Indian School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Chemawa Indian School students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Chemawa Indian School?
Chemawa Indian School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Oregon state average of 17:1.
What grades does Chemawa Indian School offer ?
Chemawa Indian School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Chemawa Indian School part of?
Chemawa Indian School is part of Chemawa Indian School District.
In what neighborhood is Chemawa Indian School located?
Chemawa Indian School is located in the Northgate neighborhood of Salem, OR. There are 7 other public schools located in Northgate.
School Reviews
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