Mulino Elementary School

Tucked into the rural patchwork of farms and forest that defines the Mulino area south of Portland, this small Clackamas County school has a tight-knit feel that's hard to find closer to the city. Math scores trend solidly above average, making it a reasonable fit for families who want a quieter, small-town upbringing without sacrificing academic grounding. It's the kind of place where kids know their teachers by name and the surrounding countryside — think backroads, open land, and a genuine sense of community — is very much part of the experience.