Skip to main content

Average

#268 of 603 schools in MT

Top 44% in state

Cayuse Prairie 7-8

Middle School · Cayuse Prairie Elem

897 Lake Blaine Road, Kalispell, MT 59901

Enrollment

47

Student-Teacher

15.7:1

Score

6.6

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#268 of 603

In Kalispell

#10 of 22

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Cayuse Prairie Elem

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Cayuse Prairie 7-8?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Cayuse Prairie 7-8

6.6/10

Middle School in Kalispell · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cayuse Prairie School

6.2/10

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

Creston School

8.3/10

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

About Cayuse Prairie 7-8

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 is a public middle school in Kalispell, MT, part of Cayuse Prairie Elem. Cayuse Prairie 7-8 serves approximately 47 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 15.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Cayuse Prairie 7-8 has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #268 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Cayuse Prairie 7-8 show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.6 pts above MT schools
  • This school 6.6 · Average
  • MT avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 47 students, Cayuse Prairie 7-8 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.

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.5Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.43 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+5.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile72th
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,674

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 — Students at Cayuse Prairie 7-8 score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

34%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 49.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 61.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 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
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
64.5%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
64.5%
ELA
84.5%
2014
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2015
Math
44.5%
ELA
44.5%
2016
Math
44.5%
ELA
44.5%
2017
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%
2018
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2019
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2020*
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2021*
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2022
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%

* 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: 6.5/10.

How Cayuse Prairie 7-8 Compares

See how Cayuse Prairie 7-8 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
56th percentile in MT
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
6.5/10
Average
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
34%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Programs & Offerings

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

897 Lake Blaine Road, Kalispell, MT 59901

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cayuse Prairie 7-8 may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Deer Park 6-8 (rated 7.4/10, 5.1 miles away, in nearby Columbia Falls), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Columbia Falls Jr HS (rated 6.9/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Columbia Falls), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Evergreen Junior High (rated 6.3/10, 7.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Kalispell, see our Kalispell schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Cayuse Prairie School Kalispell 0.0 mi 6.2
Creston School Kalispell 2.6 mi 8.3
Deer Park School Columbia Falls 5.1 mi 8.5
Deer Park 6-8 Columbia Falls 5.1 mi 7.4
Fair-Mont-Egan School Kalispell 5.0 mi 5.9
Fair-Mont-Egan Middle School Kalispell 5.0 mi 5.6
East Evergreen School Kalispell 6.2 mi 7.5
Helena Flats School Kalispell 6.5 mi 4.3
Helena Flats 7-8 Kalispell 6.5 mi 4.8
VALLEY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalispell 6.6 mi
Columbia Falls High Schl Columbia Falls 10.2 mi 5.5
Evergreen Junior High Kalispell 7.2 mi 6.3
Ruder Elementary Columbia Falls 10.2 mi 7.4
Swan River School Bigfork 10.0 mi 3.3
Swan River 6-8 Bigfork 10.0 mi 6.2
Columbia Falls Jr HS Columbia Falls 10.3 mi 6.9
Glacier Gateway Elem Columbia Falls 10.7 mi 5.1
STILLWATER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalispell 8.1 mi 5.6
Bigfork Elementary Bigfork 11.3 mi 5.8
Bigfork 7-8 Bigfork 11.3 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59901 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,391

Median Home Value

$417,200

Median Rent

$1,052/mo

Population

61,710

College Educated

32.6%

Homeownership

72%

Avg Commute

18.1 min

Poverty Rate

10%

Median Age

39.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Plentywood 7-8 Plentywood, MT 6.5
Forsyth 7-8 Forsyth, MT 6.7
Canyon Creek 6-8 Billings, MT 6.8
Sun River Middle School Simms, MT 6.8
Charlo 6-8 Charlo, MT 6.9
Scobey 7-8 Scobey, MT 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cayuse Prairie 7-8

What grades does Cayuse Prairie 7-8 serve?

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Cayuse Prairie 7-8?

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 has an enrollment of approximately 47 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cayuse Prairie 7-8?

The student-teacher ratio at Cayuse Prairie 7-8 is 15.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cayuse Prairie 7-8 rank in MT?

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 ranks #268 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Cayuse Prairie 7-8's MySchoolScout rating?

Cayuse Prairie 7-8 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 Cayuse Prairie 7-8?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cayuse Prairie 7-8 has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Cayuse Prairie 7-8 a charter school?

No, Cayuse Prairie 7-8 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Cayuse Prairie 7-8 a Title I school?

No, Cayuse Prairie 7-8 is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cayuse Prairie 7-8?

34.0% of students at Cayuse Prairie 7-8 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
47
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
34.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Flathead County

District

Cayuse Prairie Elem
District Enrollment
306
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,674
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.