Nestled in the quiet expanse of the Evans Valley, the Evans Valley School was built in 1923 by local families in order to consolidate the 5 small schools of Wimer, Mays Creek, Bybee Springs, Minthorne and Upper Pleasant Creek Road.  The charming “school on the hill” has been the pride and joy of the community ever since.

Located 7 miles past Rogue River, Oregon, the small unincorporated town of Wimer includes a population with an unwavering appreciation for rural life and community.  In addition to the beloved school, Wimer is also home to the Wimer Covered Bridge.  Originally built in 1892, the bridge was rebuilt by the community in 1927 and then again in 2008 after a collapse.  

In the early 1960’s Evans Valley residents began to debate whether the Evans Valley School should be merged into Rogue River School District.  And so it came to be in 1965 by a divided 45% to 55% public vote.  Over the decades since the merge, declining enrollment throughout Rogue River and Wimer has taken a toll on district finances, and in June of 2010 the Evans Valley School doors were closed.

The community shed its tears, yet never bid farewell, knowing that they would find a way to return the school back to the community that built it.  And they did!   Under an Oregon statute that allows a government entity to transfer title of property to a non-profit organization, the Evans Valley Community Association was given ownership of the school in December 2012.

Evans Valley Education & Community Center encompasses 28 acres of pristine forest, abundant wildlife, meadows, a salmon bearing creek, a baseball field, playground, track and walking and biking trails. A main building of 22,000 sq. feet houses a gym and stage, and the 6,200 sq. ft. annex has 5 classrooms.  

In 2013 we opened the Evans Valley Thrift Store to raise funds for our renovations.  Sadly and suddenly in 2015 a dear community member, Kevin Kelly, passed away and his employer Duro-last Roofing honored his memory by replacing the gym roof.  In 2017 we has received gracious grants and raised enough money with our Elk Mountain Highland Games event to complete the main building roof project.  Later that year we began conversion of our heating & cooling system from the old 1950’s boiler to a modern ductless system and opened the Evans Valley Fitness Center.

Future renovations will create a museum, commercial kitchen, computer lab and library, meeting rooms, a special event hall and more!  While the grounds are being maintained by dedicated volunteers, future goals include a community garden, a disc golf course, a ropes course, yurts and an amphitheater to bring community together on warm summer nights.

We welcome you to join us as we continue to serve the Evans Valley  with a deep commitment and appreciation for education and community