Top Rankings
Columbia Falls Elementary School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,585 students in Columbia Falls Elementary School District. This district's average testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
Public Schools in Columbia Falls Elementary School District have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Montana public school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public school average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (MT)
# Schools
3 Schools
843 Schools
# Students
1,585 Students
149,705 Students
# Teachers
108 Teachers
10,942 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
District Rank
Columbia Falls Elementary School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 347 school districts in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
Overall District Rank
#194 out of 350 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
37%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.26
0.40
# American Indian Students
18 Students
15,756 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
10%
# Asian Students
n/a
944 Students
% Asian Students
n/a
1%
# Hispanic Students
89 Students
9,249 Students
% Hispanic Students
6%
6%
# Black Students
1 Student
1,034 Students
% Black Students
n/a
1%
# White Students
1,356 Students
114,928 Students
% White Students
86%
77%
# Hawaiian Students
2 Students
284 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
119 Students
7,508 Students
% of Two or more races Students
7%
5%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
16
1,059
# Students in K Grade:
175
12,088
# Students in 1st Grade:
154
10,993
# Students in 2nd Grade:
187
11,771
# Students in 3rd Grade:
147
11,487
# Students in 4th Grade:
177
11,459
# Students in 5th Grade:
186
11,360
# Students in 6th Grade:
182
11,339
# Students in 7th Grade:
183
11,480
# Students in 8th Grade:
178
11,296
# Students in 9th Grade:
-
11,994
# Students in 10th Grade:
-
11,945
# Students in 11th Grade:
-
11,006
# Students in 12th Grade:
-
10,428
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $13,321 in this school district is less than the state median of $15,263. The school district revenue/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,004 is higher than the state median of $15,352. The school district spending/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$21 MM
$2,285 MM
Spending
$32 MM
$2,298 MM
Revenue / Student
$13,321
$15,263
Spending / Student
$20,004
$15,352
Best Columbia Falls Elementary School District Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Columbia Falls Jr High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1805 Talbot Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Grades: 6-8
| 543 students
Rank: #22.
Ruder Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1500 12th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6570
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6570
Grades: PK-5
| 546 students
Rank: #33.
Glacier Gateway Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
440 4th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6540
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6540
Grades: PK-5
| 496 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Columbia Falls Elementary School District?
Columbia Falls Elementary School District manages 3 public schools serving 1,585 students.
What is the rank of Columbia Falls Elementary School District?
Columbia Falls Elementary School District is ranked #199 out of 347 school districts in Montana (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Montana school districts for: Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia Falls Elementary School District?
86% of Columbia Falls Elementary School District students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Columbia Falls Elementary School District?
Columbia Falls Elementary School District has a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 14:1.
What is Columbia Falls Elementary School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $20,004 is higher than the state median of $15,352. The school district spending/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
