Below Average

#477 of 603 schools in MT

Broadwater High School

High School · Townsend K-12 Schools

201 N Spruce, Townsend, MT 59644

Last updated: July 2026

Enrollment

182

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Enrollment

182

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage
2022-23

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#477 of 603

In Townsend

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Townsend K-12 Schools

Academic growth

7.6 / 10

Very Good

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

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About Broadwater High School

Broadwater High School is a public high school in Townsend, MT, part of Townsend K-12 Schools. Broadwater High School serves approximately 182 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Broadwater High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #477 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Broadwater High School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.2 pts below MT schools

4.9

This school 4.9 · Below Average
MT avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

At 182 students, Broadwater 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.

Test scores at Broadwater High School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Broadwater 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 Progress7.6Very Good25%

Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.

View breakdown

Years of Data12

Annual Change-2.97 pts/yr

Data Period2009–2022

TrendDeclining

Academics3.3Needs Improvement25%

Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.

View breakdown

Math Proficiency15% (2022 EdFacts)

Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5% (2022 EdFacts)

Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)

Expected (poverty-adj.)43% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)

vs. Expected-17.9 pts

Adjusted Percentile15th

College Readiness2.5Needs Improvement30%

Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.

View breakdown

4-Year Graduation Rate74.5%

AP Participation7.1%

IB ProgramNo

Resources & Environment7.3Very Good20%

Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.

View breakdown

Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1

Per-Pupil Spending$12,363

Chronic Absenteeism32.4%

Broadwater High School — Students at Broadwater High School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 38.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)

School

State

N/A

ELA Proficiency 68.9% (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

54.5%

ELA

84.5%

2010

Math

52%

ELA

87%

2011

Math

64.5%

ELA

95%

2012

Math

44.5%

ELA

84.5%

2014

Math

24.5%

ELA

84.5%

2016

Math

24.5%

ELA

44.5%

2017

Math

24.5%

ELA

54.5%

2018

Math

44.5%

ELA

64.5%

2019

Math

44.5%

ELA

64.5%

2020*

Math

34.5%

ELA

64.5%

2021*

Math

34.5%

ELA

64.5%

2022

Math

15%

ELA

34.5%

* 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: 7.6/10.

How Broadwater High School Compares

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

Overall Score

4.9/10

21th percentile in MT

Academic

3.3/10

Needs Improvement

Growth

7.6/10

Very Good

Environment

7.3/10

Very Good

AP Courses

State avg: 2

Sports

7 boys' · 7 girls'

Advanced STEM

5/5

Subjects offered

Gifted & Talented

Yes

Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch

Students eligible for subsidized meals

37%

Teaching Staff

12:1 student-teacher ratio

15 teachers

Chronic Absenteeism

Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)

32.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered

7.1% participation·State avg: 2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22

Athletics14sports offered

7 boys'·7 girls'·20 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

201 N Spruce, Townsend, MT 59644

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Broadwater High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Manhattan H S (rated 7.5/10, 33.1 miles away, in nearby Manhattan), which scores notably higher. Another option is Three Forks High School (rated 5.3/10, 29.4 miles away, in nearby Three Forks), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, East Helena High School (rated 2.5/10, 27.1 miles away, in nearby East Helena), a more accessible option. For more schools in Townsend, see our Townsend schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 34.9 mi

School	Distance	Enrollment	Rating
Cecelia Hazelton School Townsend	0.1 mi	399	6.2
Townsend 7-8 Townsend	0.1 mi	119	6.7
Three Forks Elem School Three Forks	29.4 mi	370	6.6
Three Forks 7-8 Three Forks	29.4 mi	175	5.3
Three Forks High School Three Forks	29.4 mi	255	5.3
Eastgate School East Helena	26.0 mi	149	5.9
Montana City School Clancy	24.8 mi	284	7.2
Montana City Middle Schl Clancy	24.8 mi	170	6.7
East Valley Middle School East Helena	26.3 mi	478	4.7
Radley Elementary School East Helena	26.6 mi	421	7.9
Prickly Pear Elem East Helena	26.7 mi	285	4.9
East Helena High School East Helena	27.1 mi	582	2.5
Clancy School Clancy	24.5 mi	300	7.8
Clancy 7-8 Clancy	24.5 mi	87	8.1
HELENA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL East Helena	27.9 mi	231	5.6
Manhattan Elem Manhattan	33.1 mi	259	7.8
Manhattan 6-8 Manhattan	33.1 mi	186	6.9
Manhattan H S Manhattan	33.1 mi	241	7.5
Willow Creek School Willow Creek	34.9 mi	34	5.9
Willow Creek 7-8 Willow Creek	34.9 mi	12	—

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59644 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,082

Median Home Value

$307,500

Median Rent

$1,022/mo

Population

4,337

College Educated

17%

Homeownership

75.1%

Poverty Rate

15.5%

Median Age

48.9

Similar Schools

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

School	Enrollment	Rating
Shepherd High School Shepherd, MT	244	4.9
Plains High School Plains, MT	133	5.0
Powell County High School Deer Lodge, MT	183	5.0
Fort Benton High School Fort Benton, MT	111	4.8
Harlem High School Harlem, MT	165	4.7
Chinook High School Chinook, MT	118	5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Broadwater High School

What grades does Broadwater High School serve?

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

How many students attend Broadwater High School?

Broadwater High School has an enrollment of approximately 182 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Broadwater High School is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Broadwater High School rank in MT?

Broadwater High School ranks #477 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Broadwater High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Broadwater High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Broadwater High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Broadwater High School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Broadwater High School a charter school?

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

Is Broadwater High School a Title I school?

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

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

37.4% of students at Broadwater 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.