The original Dorena School District was formed in 1891. In 1896 James Kirk and his wife Sarah sold the District the land for the school. It is not clear exactly when the school was built, but one early student remembered the one-room schoolhouse being used before 1900. This building later became the woodshed when the new classrooms were built. The first year for which there are records was the 1903-04 school year. There were 36 children in grades 1 through 7, and only one teacher for all of them. School was in session for just 14 weeks a year. By 1906 the session lasted 36 weeks. In 1907 two more teachers were hired because new classrooms had been constructed. By this time there were 51 children enrolled.
Dorena School 1911
In 1914 a separate addition was added for the High School students. In 1936 the High School had its last graduating class. From then on High School students were bussed to Cottage Grove, as they are today. 1936 was a year of many changes as that is when the Star School closed, sending its students to Dorena.
Dorena School
Dorena School 1914
Dorena High School
Dorena School 1930s
The old Dorena School was closed in 1946 to make way for the new reservoir. A new school was built up the road that still serves as Dorena School today.
Dorena School
I remember Dorena Elem. I was10Yrs Old at time. That was in 1960. Went up to Culp Creek Elem a year or so later, then on to Lincoln Jr. High, (first year it opened.)