Serving 414 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Chief Charlo School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 414 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Chief Charlo School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Chief Charlo School's student population of 414 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
414 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Motto
Forward Thinking, High Achieving
School Rankings
Chief Charlo 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 Chief Charlo School is 0.29, 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
#36 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
10%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
6%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
84%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chief Charlo School's ranking?
Chief Charlo School is ranked #36 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Chief Charlo School often compared to?
Chief Charlo Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hellgate Elementary Lower Grades, Jeannette Rankin Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Chief Charlo School?
414 students attend Chief Charlo School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Chief Charlo School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Chief Charlo School?
Chief Charlo School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Chief Charlo School offer ?
Chief Charlo School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Chief Charlo School part of?
Chief Charlo School is part of Missoula Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Chief Charlo School located?
Chief Charlo School is located in the Moose Can Gully neighborhood of Missoula, MT.
School Reviews
Review Chief Charlo 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
