St Helens Middle School

St. Helens Middle School sits in a small river town along the Columbia, about 30 miles northwest of Portland, where the pace is quieter and the community ties run deep. Families drawn to small-town life over suburban hustle will find a school that reflects that same close-knit character, though academic performance here lags behind much of the state, so families who prioritize rigorous academics may want to look closely at what supports are available. For those already rooted in St. Helens — known for its charming waterfront and its quirky fame as a filming location for *Halloweentown* — it's the kind of place where kids tend to know their teachers and neighbors know each other.