Education: Linking Our Past to the Present
Quality public education has been a priority of the Knappa Community since the late 1800’s. Knappa High School graduated it’s first class in 1919 and has contributed a steady stream of Community leaders ever since to our region and the state of Oregon.
In 1998 the Knappa community voted to separate from the Clatskanie Schools and form its own independent school district. In 2001 the community passed a bond measure to upgrade the district’s schools. The successful passage of a 5.7 million measure was reflective of this small community’s pride and commitment to their schools.
The Knappa School’s Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to support student scholarships and mini-grants for innovative projects in the classrooms of the schools.
Knappa School District takes pride in being able to offer a high quality education regardless of its rural setting. The technology offered to students along with a high quality academic experience makes Knappa a great place to attend school.
About Our Schools
Hilda Lahti Elementary (K-8)
Originally built in the early 1960’s and added to in 1967, the construction bond passed in 2001 included major renovations in 2003 and 2004. The school now serves between 330-350 students in grades K-8 and maintains small class sizes throughout. Our Title I program coupled with our Response to Intervention (RTI) program support early grades success for all students at Hilda Lahti. Students also have many after school options including competitive athletics for 7th and 8th grade students. A full-day kindergarten program, high quality technology in each classroom, a daily PE/Health class, and a marimba band program will continue during the 2014-2015 school year.
Knappa High School (9-12)
The district bond measure (2001) provided a renovation to the main school structure and improvements to the gymnasium, locker rooms, and other classrooms. KHS provides a rich set of electives for a small school with students choosing from forestry, woods technology, welding, art, Spanish, as well as a full range of core classes including AP class offerings. Also, through the Coastal Commitment with Clatsop Community College Knappa High School graduates can leave Knappa with over 30 college credits. With our small size, students receive individual instruction needed to fulfill the rigorous graduation requirements that the State of Oregon now has in place.
About Our Community
Knappa School District is located in a rural setting along Highway 30 just 12 miles east of Astoria and 90 miles from Portland. The school district serves the unincorporated communities of Knappa, Svensen, Brownsmead, and Burnside. The community is family oriented and represents about 2000 citizens. The proximity to the Columbia River provides year around recreational opportunities to the area.
The area has long been noted as a fishing and forest products center. Georgia-Pacific’s Wauna Mill is located within the district’s boundaries and employs approximately 1000 area residents. Clatsop Community College in Astoria is the favorite destination for KHS graduates, but many students also enroll in other state system universities and private schools in and out of Oregon.