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Average

#265 of 603 schools in MT

Top 44% in state

Bigfork High School

High School · Bigfork H S

PO Box 188, Bigfork, MT 59911

Enrollment

352

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

6.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#265 of 603

In Bigfork

#1 of 5

public schools

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Bigfork High School

6.6/10

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

Bigfork Elementary

5.8/10

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

Bigfork 7-8

6.0/10

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

About Bigfork High School

Bigfork High School is a public high school in Bigfork, MT, part of Bigfork H S. Bigfork High School serves approximately 352 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Bigfork High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #265 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Bigfork High School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.5 pts above MT schools
  • This school 6.6 · Average
  • MT avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

Bigfork 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.

43% of students at Bigfork 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 Progress6.7Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-3.35 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency40% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
College Readiness8.7Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,895
Chronic Absenteeism42.9%

Bigfork High School — Students at Bigfork High School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

32.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 42.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 66.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 22 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
47%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
64.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
52%

* 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: 6.7/10.

How Bigfork High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.6/10
56th percentile in MT
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
6.7/10
Average
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
4
2 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
32%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
42.9%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics4sports offered
2 boys'·2 girls'·6 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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 188, Bigfork, MT 59911

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bigfork High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Deer Park School (rated 8.5/10, 16.2 miles away, in nearby Columbia Falls), which scores notably higher. Another option is Creston School (rated 8.3/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Kalispell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Somers Middle School (rated 8.1/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Somers), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bigfork, see our Bigfork schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Bigfork Elementary Bigfork 0.0 mi 5.8
Bigfork 7-8 Bigfork 0.0 mi 6.0
Swan River School Bigfork 3.2 mi 3.3
Swan River 6-8 Bigfork 3.2 mi 6.2
Creston School Kalispell 9.1 mi 8.3
Somers Middle School Somers 6.8 mi 8.1
Lakeside Elementary School Somers 7.5 mi 7.9
Cayuse Prairie School Kalispell 11.3 mi 6.2
Cayuse Prairie 7-8 Kalispell 11.3 mi 6.6
Fair-Mont-Egan School Kalispell 11.3 mi 5.9
Fair-Mont-Egan Middle School Kalispell 11.3 mi 5.6
STILLWATER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalispell 12.0 mi 5.6
East Evergreen School Kalispell 13.9 mi 7.5
KALISPELL MONTESSORI CENTER Kalispell 13.0 mi 4.6
Deer Park School Columbia Falls 16.2 mi 8.5
Deer Park 6-8 Columbia Falls 16.2 mi 7.4
Jeannette Rankin Elementary Sc Kalispell 12.9 mi 8.0
Evergreen Junior High Kalispell 14.4 mi 6.3
Cornelius Hedges School Kalispell 13.6 mi 4.7
WOODLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL Kalispell 13.8 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59911 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$81,846

Median Home Value

$608,000

Median Rent

$1,158/mo

Population

9,316

College Educated

50.5%

Homeownership

85%

Avg Commute

23.8 min

Poverty Rate

6.6%

Median Age

54.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lincoln Co High School Eureka, MT 6.6
BILLINGS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Billings, MT 6.5
Glasgow High School Glasgow, MT 6.9
Sidney High School Sidney, MT 6.9
Columbus High School Columbus, MT 6.1
Custer Co District High Miles City, MT 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bigfork High School

What grades does Bigfork High School serve?

Bigfork High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Bigfork High School?

Bigfork High School has an enrollment of approximately 352 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bigfork High School?

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

How does Bigfork High School rank in MT?

Bigfork High School ranks #265 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Bigfork High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Bigfork High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Bigfork High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Bigfork High School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Bigfork High School a charter school?

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

Is Bigfork High School a Title I school?

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

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

32.4% of students at Bigfork 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
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
352
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
32.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Flathead County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
42.9%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Bigfork H S
District Enrollment
352
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,895
District Rank
#1 of 1

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