Serving 272 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Independent School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 272 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independent School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Independent School's student population of 272 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
272 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
School Motto
Nurturing individual potential and recognizing individual differences.
School Rankings
Independent School ranks within the top 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independent School is 0.34, 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
#330 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
5%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
7%
7%
Black
n/a
1%
White
81%
76%
Hawaiian
3%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
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 Independent School's ranking?
Independent School is ranked #330 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Independent School often compared to?
Independent Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highland School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Independent School?
272 students attend Independent School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Independent School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independent School?
Independent School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Independent School offer ?
Independent School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independent School part of?
Independent School is part of Independent Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Independent 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.
