Serving 35 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cardwell School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-79% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 35 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cardwell School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Cardwell School's student population of 35 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
35 students
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
School Rankings
Cardwell School ranks within the top 10% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cardwell School is 0.35, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#46 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
6%
7%
Black
n/a
1%
White
80%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardwell School's ranking?
Cardwell School is ranked #46 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Cardwell School often compared to?
Cardwell Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Whitehall Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 60-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Cardwell School?
35 students attend Cardwell School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Cardwell School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are American Indian, and 6% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cardwell School?
Cardwell School has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Cardwell School offer ?
Cardwell School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cardwell School part of?
Cardwell School is part of Cardwell Elementary School District.
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