Serving 415 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paxson 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 62% (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 24% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is equal to the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 415 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paxson School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Paxson School's student population of 415 students has stayed relatively flat 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
415 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Paxson 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 Paxson School is 0.41, which is more 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
#37 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
9%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
8%
7%
Black
2%
1%
White
76%
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
35%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paxson School's ranking?
Paxson School is ranked #37 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Paxson School often compared to?
Paxson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hellgate Elementary Lower Grades, Chief Charlo School, Rattlesnake Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% 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 Paxson School?
415 students attend Paxson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Paxson School students are White, 9% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paxson School?
Paxson School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Paxson School offer ?
Paxson School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paxson School part of?
Paxson School is part of Missoula Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Paxson School located?
Paxson School is located in the University District neighborhood of Missoula, MT. There are 1 other public schools located in University District.
School Reviews
Review Paxson 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.
