Very Good
#89 of 603 schools in MT
Top 15% in state
Big Timber School
Elementary School · Big Timber Elem
PO Box 887, Big Timber, MT 59011
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Big Timber
#1 of 3
public schools
Montana elementary schools
#65 of 319
In district
#1 of 2
Big Timber Elem
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Big Timber School
Big Timber School is a regular public elementary school in the heart of Big Timber, Montana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. With an enrollment of 235 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1, it offers a supportive learning environment where teachers can provide individualized attention to each child. The school’s MySchoolScout rating stands at 6.7 out of 10, reflecting its solid academic performance and community involvement.
Big Timber School has a state ranking of #118 out of 605 schools in Montana, placing it in the 81st percentile. In terms of standardized test scores, 47% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 39% meet proficiency standards in Math. These results indicate areas for academic growth but also highlight the school's commitment to student development.
Situated in a remote rural area, Big Timber School is an integral part of the community, fostering strong connections between educators, families, and local organizations. The setting provides a unique backdrop where students can explore their natural surroundings while receiving a well-rounded education.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Big Timber School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Big Timber School — Students at Big Timber School score 47% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.0/10.
How Big Timber School Compares
See how Big Timber School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 42% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 52% (2022).
Location
PO Box 887, Big Timber, MT 59011
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Timber School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Big Timber 7-8 (rated 6.9/10), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Sweet Grass Co High Schl (rated 6.7/10, 0.4 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Big Timber, see our Big Timber schools guide .
Nearby Schools
10 within 34.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Big Timber 7-8 Big Timber | 0.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Sweet Grass Co High Schl Big Timber | 0.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Greycliff School Greycliff | 9.3 mi | — |
| McLeod School Mcleod | 14.2 mi | — |
| Melville School Melville | 18.3 mi | — |
| Reed Point 7-8 Reed Point | 21.2 mi | — |
| Reed Point High School Reed Point | 21.2 mi | — |
| Reed Point Elementary Reed Point | 21.4 mi | — |
| Nye School Nye | 28.4 mi | — |
| Fishtail School Fishtail | 34.0 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59011 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,326
Median Home Value
$286,200
Median Rent
$1,061/mo
Population
3,131
College Educated
23.2%
Homeownership
75.1%
Avg Commute
23.2 min
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Big Timber School has a median household income of $67,326. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $286,200, with a median rent of $1,061/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| East Side School Livingston, MT | 7.8 |
| Lakeside Elementary School Somers, MT | 7.8 |
| St Ignatius Elementary School St. Ignatius, MT | 7.8 |
| Clinton School Clinton, MT | 7.9 |
| MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Missoula, MT | 7.9 |
| Fred Moodry Intermediate Anaconda, MT | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Timber School
What grades does Big Timber School serve?
Big Timber School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Big Timber School?
Big Timber School has an enrollment of approximately 235 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Timber School?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Timber School is 13.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Timber School rank in MT?
Big Timber School is ranked #89 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Big Timber School's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Timber School has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Big Timber School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Big Timber School has 38.7% math proficiency and 47.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Big Timber School a charter school?
No, Big Timber School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Timber School a Title I school?
No, Big Timber School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Timber School?
42.1% of students at Big Timber 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 235
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Sweet Grass County
- Phone
- (406) 932-5939
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Big Timber Elem- District Enrollment
- 305
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,852
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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