Burton Elementary School

Burton Elementary sits in the eastern reaches of Vancouver, a part of Clark County that's grown quickly over the years but still has a suburban, family-neighborhood feel just across the river from Portland. The school's scores currently rank in the lower tier statewide, making it a better fit for families who prioritize community connection and proximity to home over test-driven academics — though its science numbers show a bit more promise than its English and math results. Families drawn here are often rooted in the neighborhood itself, and Vancouver's relatively affordable cost of living compared to the Oregon side of the metro is a real draw for those planting longer-term roots.