Average
#281 of 603 schools in MT
Top 46% in state
Circle High School
High School · Circle H S
Box 99, Circle, MT 59215
Enrollment
64
Student-Teacher
10.7:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
64
Student-Teacher
10.7:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Circle
#4 of 5
public schools
Montana high schools
#68 of 141
School environment
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Circle High School
Circle High School is a small public high school located in the remote rural area of Circle, Montana. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of just 64 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10.7:1, which allows for personalized attention and support. With six full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides a close-knit community where every student is known personally.
Circle High School's academic performance is currently in need of improvement, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and state ranking of #461 out of 605 schools in Montana (24th percentile). On standardized tests, only 20% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 27% meet proficiency standards in Math. Despite these challenges, the school is focused on fostering student development and growth.
Circle High School is situated in a rural setting with limited neighborhood data available to provide context beyond the immediate school environment. The school serves as an important community resource for students and families in this remote area of McCone County.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 64 students, Circle High School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
While current test scores at Circle High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Circle High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Circle High School — Students at Circle High School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
37.5%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 6.5/10.
How Circle High School Compares
See how Circle High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 25% (2019) to 30% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 25% (2019) to 10% (2022).
Location
Box 99, Circle, MT 59215
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Circle High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bo Peep School (rated 8.5/10), which scores notably higher. Another option is Redwater School (rated 7.7/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Redwater 7-8 (rated 7.7/10), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Circle, see our Circle schools guide .
Nearby Schools
5 within 24.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bo Peep School Circle | 0.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Redwater School Circle | 0.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Redwater 7-8 Circle | 0.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Vida School Circle | 29.2 mi | 3.4 |
| Lindsay School Lindsay | 24.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59215 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,808
Median Home Value
$197,500
Median Rent
$545/mo
Population
1,025
College Educated
25.5%
Homeownership
78.8%
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Median Age
49.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Circle High School has a median household income of $84,808. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $197,500, with a median rent of $545/month. The local poverty rate of 5.1% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| GREAT FALLS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Great Falls, MT | 6.6 |
| NEW DAY SCHOOL Billings, MT | 6.6 |
| Sheridan High School Sheridan, MT | 6.6 |
| Granite High School Philipsburg, MT | 6.7 |
| Powder River Co Dist High Broadus, MT | 6.8 |
| Victor High School Victor, MT | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Circle High School
What grades does Circle High School serve?
Circle High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Circle High School?
Circle High School has an enrollment of approximately 64 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Circle High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Circle High School is 10.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Circle High School rank in MT?
Circle High School is ranked #281 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Circle High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Circle High School has a composite rating of 6.5 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 Circle High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Circle High School has 26.7% math proficiency and 20.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Circle High School a charter school?
No, Circle High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Circle High School a Title I school?
No, Circle High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Circle High School?
37.5% of students at Circle 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 64
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 6
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 37.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- McCone County
- Phone
- (406) 485-3600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Circle H S- District Enrollment
- 64
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $26,415
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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.
Read our full methodologyGet 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.