- Hines Middle School — 6.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 164 students
- Burns High School — 7.6 mi · Grades 9–12 · 215 students
- Burns High Desert Academy — 7.6 mi · Grades K–12 · 7 students
- Henry L Slater Elementary School — 8.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 297 students
| Metric | Harney County School District 3 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 742 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,516/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 11% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harney County School District 3 (this district) | 4/10 | 37th | 742 |
| Harney County Union High School District 1J | 8/10 | 78th | 981 |
| John Day School District 3 | 8/10 | 78th | 470 |
| Crook County School District | 8/10 | 74th | 3,272 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 169 rated districts in OR → 37th percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Harney County School District 3
Families in zip code 97738 (Hines, Oregon) are assigned to Harney County School District 3 for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Harney County School District 3 4 out of 10 — below average among Oregon public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Oregon is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Harney County School District 3 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Oregon benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 97738
Children in zip code 97738 are assigned to Harney County School District 3 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 97738, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Harney County School District 3 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Oregon districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Hines
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Harney County School District 3 serves zip code 97738, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 97738. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Oregon, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Harney County School District 3 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 97738.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Harney County School District 3 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 97738 data.