Serving 288 students in grades Prekindergarten-2, West Side Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-2
- Enrollment: 288 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54%
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Side Elementary School's student population of 288 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-2
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
288 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Learn Today, Thrive Tomorrow
School Rankings
The diversity score of West Side Elementary School is 0.24, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)50-54%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)55-59%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
10%
Hispanic
6%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
87%
76%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MT state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% MT state average).
How many students attend West Side Elementary School?
288 students attend West Side Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of West Side Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Side Elementary School?
West Side Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does West Side Elementary School offer ?
West Side Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-2 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Side Elementary School part of?
West Side Elementary School is part of Sidney Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review West Side Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
