Walter L Kraxberger Middle School

Kraxberger Middle School sits in Gladstone, a small, tight-knit city tucked along the Clackamas River just south of Portland, where the community feel is decidedly small-town even with the metro area right at your doorstep. The school lands solidly in the middle of the pack statewide, with English and math scores that are competitive without being cutthroat — a good fit for families who want a balanced, low-drama middle school experience. Gladstone itself has a genuine neighborhood character that's increasingly appealing to families priced out of closer-in Portland suburbs, and Kraxberger reflects that grounded, community-first spirit.