Walt Morey Middle School

Walt Morey Middle School sits in Troutdale, a small city tucked at the edge of the Columbia River Gorge where suburban Portland gives way to outdoor adventure — think hiking trails, the Sandy River, and a genuine small-town feel just 20 minutes from the city. The school serves a working-class, close-knit community, and while its academic scores are roughly middle-of-the-pack for Oregon, families who value a grounded, unpretentious environment over competitive pressure may find it a comfortable fit. It's a solid neighborhood school for families planting roots in one of the Gorge area's more affordable and scenically stunning corners.