Central School District 13J has over 2,500 students and covers 152 square miles in three counties: Polk, Marion, and Benton.

It includes: 
Central High School, 
Talmadge Middle School, 
Ash Creek Intermediate, 
Monmouth Elementary, 
Independence Elementary, 
Henry Hill Elementary,and the 
Eola Alternative School.  

Western Oregon University is the oldest public university in Oregon, and was founded in 1856 by pioneers who crossed the Oregon Trail. WOU is the only midsize institution in the Mid-Willamette Valley and greater Salem metropolitan area.The University offers 37 bachelor and 5 master degrees through its two colleges, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Education. WOU offers one of only three nationally accredited teacher education programs in the state.