Creston Elementary School

4701 Southeast Bush Street

School District

Portland 1j
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Portland School District 1j

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 04, 2025

We considered private schools for our first born but wanted to give PPS a chance, specifically our neighborhood school of Creston. We were told prior to starting at Creston that it is a "Hidden Gem" and that it is! We were pleasantly surprised about the caring staff, the friendly parents and really appreciate that Creston hosts the regional CRIS (Columbia Regional Inclusive Services) program for the area deaf and hard of hearing students. I love that my child gets to learn alongside those who may be different and learn to love and respect each other. We are looking forward to sending our second child to Creston as well!
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2025

The culture of excellence and commitment by staff is my number one reason for this rating. Add to that the deaf culture integrated into classrooms, SUN program, beautiful park adjacent, and solid group of committed parents... this is a lovely school.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2023

I have two students at Creston. We love the teachers, staff and school community. The students get two PE periods, one music period, one art period, and one library period each week. The class sizes are small (for my students, ranging from 14 - 19 students per class). Kindergarteners loop with their teacher - meaning they have the same teacher, classmates and classroom again in first grade. This has been tremendous for my children in helping to build their relationships and confidence. Creston is a STEAM focus school (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) - there are various activities throughout the year that highlight these subject matters in fun and inclusive ways. We have a wonderful free (but seasonal) aftercare program, SUN, through local nonprofit Impact Northwest. We have (paid) onsite before and after care available via Champions. The students are highly supervised at recess and when playing in Creston Park. The PTA puts on social events for students, families, and adults - for example family movie nights in the school auditorium and virtual bingo night for adults. Both of my children have required additional social-emotional support in the past two years - and Creston staff always rise to the occasion. I would recommend Creston without reservation based on our personal experiences!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2023

Creston is an excellent, tight-knit, supportive neighborhood school! We are in 2nd grade currently and are very pleased. In our area of Portland, PPS maybe families may be drawn to thinking that some of the private, focus option and lottery-based schools are in some way better. I'm here to say give Creston a chance! Come to a kinder event, request a tour, and talk to neighbors or the PTA (crestonschoolpta.org) And for folks who live in the catchment area north of Powell - don't let that deter you. We have daily walkers and bikers and we are active in advocating for safety all along Powell Blvd.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2023

I have had my kids at Creston since they were in kindergarten, and I have always loved this school and its community SO much. They keep getting such caring, attuned teachers who go the extra mile to pay attention to each person's needs. We've never had a teacher we didn't like. The classrooms are nice and big, the playground has just been added to and improved twice in the last few years, and they have an outdoor veggie garden that the kids get to help with. The teachers for the specials are also good - my kids LOVE their PE teacher, the art teacher is really creative and caring, and the librarian is super kind - the kids get to participate in Oregon Battle of the Books each year.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2022

During the pandemic our kindergarten teacher ensured the kids got attention and felt connected while onlone. While we had apps to help our child learn they also got just as much time online with the teacher and feedback the whole time. The teacher became their 1st grade teacher and was able to follow up on developmental goals. The school is a great community and focuses on STEM programs along with learning basic sign language for community school children as they are an educational resource for deaf children.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2021

I love our neighborhood school. It clearly puts the children first, again and again. The teachers there are caring, dedicated, and invested. The curriculum is progressive. The librarian (Jackie Hellis) has put together the best website with a wealth of social justice resources. We have a SUN after school program, a school counselor and social worker, as well as art and PE. The playground is decent, and the city park playground that is adjacent is one of the most creative and accessible in the whole city. The PTA is active and the community has come together multiple times in support of parents in need, such as with food and clothing drives, but also with fun, community based activities, like back to school ice cream social, school beautification projects, and kindergarten connect events. The principal has focused on making Creston a STEAM school and has garnered multiple grants to fund the training and equipping of the teachers to better teach within those parameters. And there's a currently a really great Grow Portland gardening program. The neighborhood is gentrifying, which is a bummer, but for now, the school remains diverse, although majority white.
Submitted by other on February 19, 2021

Creston is a gem of a school. We have been so happy here. Incredible diverse and generous community and outstanding parent involvement. We have been there 4 years now and have had wonderful teachers every year. I’m so glad we selected our neighborhood school. It’s been a blessing.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2019

The elementary part is doing a good job. Middle school is sub-par. The principal has no business interacting with middle school aged children.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2017

We are really enjoying Creston. We relocated to Portland from NYC and were unsure of how our primary school kids would transition. We found a welcoming student body, staff, and parents. Our kids love their new school and their teachers. Creston is a lovely gem in the neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2017

I can't understand why Creston doesn't have a higher rating. Almost all scores across all categories exceed state averages. Impressive when you realize 63% of our students are low income. Our level cultural diversity is rare in Portland. 45% of our neighborhood kids flee Creston for the magnet or immersion programs- a crime really because they take money and test scores with them. Be brave upity parent, support your neighborhood school!
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2016

Great community - the principal, staff and teachers know the kids names and are genuinely interested in their success. Excellent music teachers, band, PE; lots of family activities arranged by the PTA.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2014

I was nervous moving my son from Helen Gordon to a public school and,to be honest, I did not want my son going to Creston due to its rating. After reading more information from his father I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. This was the best decision we have ever made. The staff is incredible. His kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hillborne was nothing short of amazing. She found ways to challenge my son when she would see him acting up out of boredom. Without any input from me she saw that he was way above their reading level and put him into a program for accelerated readers Monday-Thursdays. She nominated him for TAG which is something most kindergarten teachers will not do. She really payed attention to him and treated him as an individual rather than just another kid in her class. His love of learning has been expanding ten fold as well. He tried out a Chess for Success after school class once and decided he wanted to go every Tuesday. The integration of bigger kids and little kids seems seamless. He has friends that are 10 years old and waves hello to the Jr. High kids who compliment him on his backpack/outfit/hair as I walk him to his K class. Truly is a gem in disguise.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2014

This is a good school and the parents are very involved. Our child just finished K and he could not have had a better year anywhere, in my opinion. Our other child starts K this year. Parent involvement is strong with good leadership. I have no idea why the school is not rated 10.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2013

Creston is a great little gem of a school hidden away in SE Portland. My two kids have had caring, knowledgeable, effective teachers every year. The school offers a small, diverse community feel. I'm glad my kids will get to go here through 8th grade. We tried for option schools and were so disappointed when we didn't get in. However, after three years at Creston, I can safely say that I'm thrilled my children attend this cozy, solid neighborhood school instead. I recently found out that only about 50% of the neighborhood kids attend Creston, which is really confusing, because my family loves Creston School! It's time to spread the word!
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2013

Creston is a great neighborhood school where children can learn and grow in a safe and rich environment. The staff there care about each and every student and helping them to reach their full potential. Students not reaching benchmarks are provided assistance and the TAG students are challenged. We have 2 students that attend Creston and we couldn't be happier with our decision to support our neighborhood school. The parent group is really involved and promotes a sense of community among all families. It has been said that Creston is a hidden gem in SE Portland, and that is very true. I rate this school highly and are happy to send my children there.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2011

Our son started at Creston this year and we are happy with the welcoming atmosphere and excellent principal. Our son has learned so much in kindergarten and now can read simple books. He participates in art and PE classes. We are pleased by the diversity of the student body. We encourage more of the neighborhood parents to send their kids to Creston! We had the opportunity to send our son to Richmond but we are happy we chose Creston instead.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2010

Creston School is a wonderfully diverse community with a fantastic staff and parent group. We have been thrilled with the focus on literacy and a strong math program. Our children have the opportunity to go to a variety of specialists such as Art, P.E., and Technology. Mr. McKean and his staff have created a safe place for all kids to learn and grow.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2010

Great neighborhood school, very involved PTA, nice program offerings, friendly staff. Good to know we can be here through 8th grade!
Submitted by other on October 14, 2010

I love the family-like feel, the creative arts programs, and the teachers are awesome and really caring!