Hood River Middle School

Hood River Middle School, located in the heart of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, serves students in grades 6–8 as part of the Hood River County School District. The school is well-regarded for its commitment to academic excellence and its unique integration of place-based learning, which leverages the school's stunning natural surroundings to provide hands-on environmental and scientific education. With a focus on fostering a supportive community, the school encourages students to develop their potential through a blend of rigorous core coursework and various elective programs that promote personal growth and critical thinking.

Beyond its academic offerings, Hood River Middle School is notable for its innovative facilities, including a widely recognized "Music and Science Building" that was the first K-12 building in the world to receive Living Building Challenge certification. This focus on sustainability is mirrored in their curriculum, which often emphasizes outdoor education and stewardship of the local ecosystem. By balancing traditional instruction with modern, sustainable values and community engagement, the school aims to prepare its diverse student body for the challenges of high school and beyond.