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Average

#295 of 603 schools in MT

Top 49% in state

Central Elementary

Elementary School · Sidney Elem

200 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Enrollment

256

Student-Teacher

15.1:1

Score

6.4

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#295 of 603

In Sidney

#4 of 5

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Sidney Elem

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Central Elementary

6.4/10

Elementary School in Sidney · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Liberty Christian School

Nearby

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

Sidney Middle School

5.3/10

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

About Central Elementary

Central Elementary is a public elementary school in Sidney, MT, part of Sidney Elem. Central Elementary serves approximately 256 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #295 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Central Elementary show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 6.4 · Average
  • District avg 7.6
  • MT avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.86 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency48% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency49% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)41% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+7.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile72th
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,008
Chronic Absenteeism14.8%

Central Elementary — Students at Central Elementary score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 50.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 58.2% (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
76%
ELA
93%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
79%
ELA
93%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
35%
ELA
44%
2019
Math
35%
ELA
44%
2020*
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
50%
ELA
48%

* 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: 5.1/10.

How Central Elementary Compares

See how Central Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.4/10
51th percentile in MT
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
5.1/10
Average
Environment
7.2/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.8%

Location

200 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. EAST FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 9.6/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Fairview), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Side Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Rau School (rated 8.4/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sidney, see our Sidney schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.8 mi
School Distance Rating
LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sidney 0.3 mi
Sidney Middle School Sidney 0.2 mi 5.3
Sidney High School Sidney 0.5 mi 6.9
West Side Elementary Sidney 0.8 mi 8.8
Rau School Sidney 3.3 mi 8.4
Brorson School Sidney 7.9 mi
Fairview School Fairview 10.7 mi 4.8
Fairview 6-8 Fairview 10.7 mi 3.9
Fairview High School Fairview 10.7 mi 7.2
EAST FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fairview 11.3 mi 9.6
YELLOWSTONE VIRTUAL ACADEMY Fairview 11.3 mi 3.7
HORSE CREEK SCHOOL Cartwright 11.8 mi
Savage School Savage 20.1 mi 6.0
Savage 7-8 Savage 20.1 mi
Savage High School Savage 20.1 mi 5.3
Bainville School Bainville 29.6 mi 7.3
Bainville High School Bainville 29.6 mi 7.0
Bainville 7-8 Bainville 29.6 mi
Lambert School Lambert 21.8 mi 3.3
Lambert 7-8 Lambert 21.8 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59270 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,031

Median Home Value

$260,600

Median Rent

$876/mo

Population

8,844

College Educated

19.3%

Homeownership

68.5%

Avg Commute

20.1 min

Poverty Rate

6.7%

Median Age

38.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Highland School Billings, MT 6.5
Shelby Elementary School Shelby, MT 6.5
Thompson Falls Elem Schl Thompson Falls, MT 6.3
Big Timber School Big Timber, MT 6.6
Independent School Billings, MT 6.6
Poly Drive School Billings, MT 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Elementary

What grades does Central Elementary serve?

Central Elementary serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Central Elementary?

Central Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 256 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Elementary rank in MT?

Central Elementary ranks #295 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Central Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Central Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elementary has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Central Elementary a charter school?

No, Central Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central Elementary a Title I school?

No, Central Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary?

42.6% of students at Central Elementary 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
76 Very Walkable
Bike Score
58 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
256
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Richland County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.8%

District

Sidney Elem
District Enrollment
852
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,008
District Rank
#2 of 3

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