Saint Helens Elementary

Saint Helens Elementary sits in Longview, a working-class river town in southwest Washington where the Columbia and Cowlitz rivers meet and Mount St. Helens looms on the horizon — a place with deep industrial roots and a tight-knit community feel. The school's academic scores place it toward the lower end of the state rankings, so families with strong academic priorities may want to weigh those numbers carefully, though it could still be a solid fit for those who value a neighborhood school with a grounded, community-oriented atmosphere. Longview itself offers affordable living, outdoor access, and a slower pace of life that appeals to families looking for something quieter than the Portland metro just 50 miles to the south.