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Average

#310 of 603 schools in MT

Big Sandy High School

High School · Big Sandy K-12

PO Box 570, Big Sandy, MT 59520

Enrollment

54

Student-Teacher

7.7:1

Score

6.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#310 of 603

In Big Sandy

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Big Sandy K-12

School environment

8.4 / 10

Excellent

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Big Sandy High School

6.2/10

High School in Big Sandy · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Big Sandy 7-8

Nearby

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

F E Miley School

8.4/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Big Sandy High School

Big Sandy High School is a public high school in Big Sandy, MT, part of Big Sandy K-12. Big Sandy High School serves approximately 54 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 7.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Big Sandy High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #310 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Big Sandy High School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it comparesOn par with MT schools
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • MT avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

At 54 students, Big Sandy High School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 7.7:1 students to teachers, Big Sandy High School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Big Sandy High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-3.15 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.8Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency40% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)41% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-1.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile53th
College Readiness3.4Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
AP Participation1.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.4Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio7.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,299
Chronic Absenteeism35.2%

Big Sandy High School — Students at Big Sandy High School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 46.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 58.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 24 test records from MT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2010
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
49.5%
ELA
90%
2019
Math
49.5%
ELA
90%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
30%
ELA
49.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.2/10.

How Big Sandy High School Compares

See how Big Sandy High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
49th percentile in MT
Academic
6.8/10
Average
Growth
7.2/10
Very Good
Environment
8.4/10
Excellent
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
8:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
1.9% participation·State avg: 2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 570, Big Sandy, MT 59520

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Big Sandy High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Box Elder High School (rated 7.0/10, 10.7 miles away, in nearby Box Elder), which scores slightly higher. Another option is North Star High School (rated 6.7/10, 33.2 miles away, in nearby Rudyard), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Havre High School (rated 5.0/10, 31.9 miles away, in nearby Havre), a more accessible option. For more schools in Big Sandy, see our Big Sandy schools guide .

Nearby Schools

17 within 33.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Big Sandy 7-8 Big Sandy 0.0 mi
F E Miley School Big Sandy 0.5 mi 8.4
Box Elder School Box Elder 10.7 mi 5.3
Box Elder 7-8 Box Elder 10.7 mi 4.6
Box Elder High School Box Elder 10.7 mi 7.0
Rocky Boy School Box Elder 16.2 mi 4.0
Rocky Boy 7-8 Box Elder 16.2 mi 4.3
Rocky Boy High School Box Elder 16.2 mi 3.8
North Star School Rudyard 28.4 mi 6.4
Havre Middle School Havre 31.4 mi 6.0
Highland Park School Havre 31.5 mi 5.0
Havre High School Havre 31.9 mi 5.0
Sunnyside School Havre 32.1 mi 5.2
ST JUDE THADDEUS SCHOOL Havre 32.7 mi 7.9
Lincoln-McKinley School Havre 32.8 mi 7.8
North Star 7-8 Rudyard 33.2 mi
North Star High School Rudyard 33.2 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59520 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,667

Median Home Value

$123,900

Median Rent

$610/mo

Population

1,211

College Educated

18%

Homeownership

60.4%

Poverty Rate

8%

Median Age

40.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Circle High School Circle, MT 6.1
TURNING WINDS ACADEMIC INSTITUTE Troy, MT 6.1
Gardiner High School Gardiner, MT 6.4
Carter County High School Ekalaka, MT 6.5
St Regis High School St. Regis, MT 5.9
GREAT FALLS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Great Falls, MT 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Big Sandy High School

What grades does Big Sandy High School serve?

Big Sandy High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Big Sandy High School?

Big Sandy High School has an enrollment of approximately 54 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Sandy High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Big Sandy High School is 7.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Big Sandy High School rank in MT?

Big Sandy High School ranks #310 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Big Sandy High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Big Sandy High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Big Sandy High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Big Sandy High School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Big Sandy High School a charter school?

No, Big Sandy High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Big Sandy High School a Title I school?

No, Big Sandy High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Sandy High School?

42.6% of students at Big Sandy High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
36 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
54
Student-Teacher Ratio
7.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Chouteau County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.2%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

Big Sandy K-12
District Enrollment
192
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,299
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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