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#337 of 603 schools in MT

Big Sky High School

High School · Missoula H S

909 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59801

Enrollment

1,227

Student-Teacher

15:1

Score

6.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#337 of 603

In Missoula

#19 of 24

public schools

In district

#2 of 4

Missoula H S

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Big Sky High School

6.1/10

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

First Lutheran Classical School

Nearby

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

Porter Middle School

5.6/10

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

About Big Sky High School

Big Sky High School is a public high school in Missoula, MT, part of Missoula H S. Big Sky High School serves approximately 1,227 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Big Sky High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #337 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Big Sky High School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.7 pts above district
  • This school 6.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • MT avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

72% of students at Big Sky High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.8Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.91 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency37% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
College Readiness10.0Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,142
Chronic Absenteeism71.7%

Big Sky High School — Students at Big Sky High School score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 40.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 56.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 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
65%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
60%
ELA
88%
2011
Math
60%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
55%
ELA
86%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
26%
ELA
40%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
39%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
39%
2020*
Math
21%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
21%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
47%

* 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: 4.8/10.

How Big Sky High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.1/10
44th percentile in MT
Academic
6.0/10
Average
Growth
4.8/10
Below Average
Environment
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
3
1 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
82 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
71.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
State avg: 2 AP courses·524 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics3sports offered
1 boys'·2 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

909 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59801

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Big Sky High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Jeannette Rankin El (rated 8.6/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hawthorne School (rated 8.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Target Range School (rated 8.0/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Missoula, see our Missoula schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
FIRST LUTHERAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL Missoula 0.5 mi
Porter Middle School Missoula 0.8 mi 5.6
Hawthorne School Missoula 1.1 mi 8.5
VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Missoula 0.9 mi 6.8
Target Range School Missoula 1.1 mi 8.0
Target Range 7-8 Missoula 1.1 mi 6.5
Meadow Hill Middle School Missoula 1.5 mi 6.5
Franklin School Missoula 1.6 mi 6.7
LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST ACADEMY Missoula 2.2 mi
Jeannette Rankin El Missoula 2.4 mi 8.6
SUSSEX SCHOOL Missoula 2.0 mi 6.9
GARDEN CITY MONTESSORI Missoula 1.9 mi
Chief Charlo School Missoula 2.5 mi 8.0
Russell School Missoula 2.0 mi 7.6
BRIGHTWAYS GLOBAL ACADEMY Missoula 2.1 mi 6.2
Hellgate Elem Lower Grades Missoula 2.9 mi 7.4
Hellgate El Primary Grades Missoula 2.9 mi 7.5
Hellgate Middle School Missoula 3.0 mi 7.5
Hellgate El Intermediate Missoula 3.0 mi 6.7
MISSOULA VALLEY MONTESSORI Missoula 2.9 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59801 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,022

Median Home Value

$393,400

Median Rent

$1,086/mo

Population

31,127

College Educated

51.4%

Homeownership

40.8%

Avg Commute

15.2 min

Poverty Rate

16.6%

Median Age

31.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Helena High School Helena, MT 6.1
Gallatin High School Bozeman, MT 6.0
Glacier High School Kalispell, MT 6.0
Capital High School Helena, MT 6.3
Belgrade High School Belgrade, MT 5.8
Sentinel High School Missoula, MT 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Big Sky High School

What grades does Big Sky High School serve?

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

How many students attend Big Sky High School?

Big Sky High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,227 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Big Sky High School is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Big Sky High School rank in MT?

Big Sky High School ranks #337 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Big Sky High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Big Sky High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Sky High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Big Sky High School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Big Sky High School a charter school?

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

Is Big Sky High School a Title I school?

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

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

41.2% of students at Big Sky 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
12 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
29 Some Transit
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,227
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers (FTE)
82
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Missoula County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
71.7%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Missoula H S
District Enrollment
4,026
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,142
District Rank
#2 of 4

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