The K-8 school, Riley Creek School, serves about 650 students in three wings, K-3, 4-6, 7-8. The school is located in the center of town about a quarter mile east of Hwy 101.
There are large, grassed soccer and play fields, and both a softball field and baseball diamond, and a sheltered outdoor play area for times of inclement weather. The school is named after Riley Creek, which runs alongside the south edge of the school campus.
The 7th & 8th grade kids may participate in league sports, while the younger kids participate in sports through local service clubs and sports clubs. Soccer and wrestling clubs are active from age 4 through junior high. Boys and girls in grades 4-6 also can compete in boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball through Gold Beach Rotary Club.
The high school, Gold Beach Union High School, usually has an enrollment of 210-230 students, and a typical graduating class will be around 45-55. The excellent teaching staff goes to great lengths to help students learn and actualize their individual skills and talents. Science Club, Mathletes, and Knowledge Bowl augment the typical high school sports and clubs. The band seems to be growing in numbers over the last few years and will play at many of the sports activities as well as presenting musical performances for the community. The choir and the drama club performances are usually well produced and supported by the community.
Overall the community is very generous and supportive of the school activities, especially sports. The facilities are in great shape and it may be one of the few ocean-front high schools in the nation. We don't have graffiti or other acts of vandalism to mar the environment of our schools.
Southwestern Oregon Community College has a very attractive main campus in Coos Bay. There are satellite campuses in each of the coastal communities including Gold Beach. The Gold Beach Center (29392 Ellensburg Avenue, PO Box 590; telephone (541) 247-2741, fax (541) 247-6247) contains a small computer lab for instruction and student use, with limited Internet access, and a large classroom.
Southwestern provides an extensive array of college classes leading to degree or certificate programs, as well as testing (including GED), Business Development Center services and workshops, professional continuing education, and a variety of enrichment and lifelong learning opportunities (check out the website links to see what classes and workshops are available at www.socc.edu). Small class sizes and quality instruction provide students with a great place to start.
I am a native of Gold Beach, and have been a member of this community for most of my life. Having the opportunity to grow up in Gold Beach was great because of the safe, friendly small town atmosphere and the many outdoor activities our community offers. I have the fondest memories of camping along the Rogue River, hiking in the forest, swimming in the many creeks, and playing on the beach.