Average

#344 of 603 schools in MT

Custer School

Elementary School · Custer K-12 Schools

Box 69, Custer, MT 59024

Last updated: July 2026

Enrollment

Student-Teacher

8.4:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Enrollment

Student-Teacher

8.4:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage
2022-23

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#344 of 603

In Custer

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Custer K-12 Schools

School environment

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Elementary School in Custer · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

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About Custer School

Custer School is a public elementary school in Custer, MT, part of Custer K-12 Schools. Custer School serves approximately 42 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 8.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Custer School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #344 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Custer School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.5 pts below MT schools

6.0

This school 6.0 · Average
MT avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 42 students, Custer 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.

At 8.4:1 students to teachers, Custer School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Custer 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 · 3/3 metrics

Student Progress4.7Below Average50%

Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.

View breakdown

Years of Data13

Annual Change-3.95 pts/yr

Data Period2009–2022

TrendDeclining

Academics5.6Average30%

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

View breakdown

Math Proficiency34.5% (2022 EdFacts)

Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5% (2022 EdFacts)

Overall Proficiency35% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)

Expected (poverty-adj.)41% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)

vs. Expected-6.0 pts

Adjusted Percentile38th

Resources & Environment9.7Excellent20%

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

View breakdown

Student-Teacher Ratio8.4:1

Per-Pupil Spending$21,105

Custer School — Students at Custer School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)

School

State

N/A

ELA Proficiency 54.8% (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

69.5%

ELA

90%

2010

Math

49.5%

ELA

90%

2011

Math

49.5%

ELA

90%

2012

Math

49.5%

ELA

90%

2014

Math

49.5%

ELA

49.5%

2015

Math

30%

ELA

49.5%

2016

Math

30%

ELA

30%

2017

Math

30%

ELA

30%

2018

Math

30%

ELA

30%

2019

Math

30%

ELA

30%

2020*

Math

30%

ELA

49.5%

2021*

Math

30%

ELA

49.5%

2022

Math

34.5%

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: 4.7/10.

How Custer School Compares

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

Overall Score

6.0/10

43th percentile in MT

Academic

5.6/10

Average

Growth

4.7/10

Below Average

Environment

9.7/10

Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch

Students eligible for subsidized meals

45%

Teaching Staff

8:1 student-teacher ratio

5 teachers

Location

Box 69, Custer, MT 59024

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Custer School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hysham School (rated 7.5/10, 19.3 miles away, in nearby Hysham), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hardin Primary (rated 5.9/10, 27.5 miles away, in nearby Hardin), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Hardin Intermediate (rated 5.2/10, 27.3 miles away, in nearby Hardin), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Custer, see our Custer schools guide .

Nearby Schools

13 within 36.0 mi

School	Distance	Enrollment	Rating
Custer High School Custer	0.0 mi	30	6.6
Custer 7-8 Custer	0.0 mi	16	—
Hysham School Hysham	19.3 mi	59	7.5
Hysham High School Hysham	19.3 mi	14	—
Hysham 7-8 Hysham	19.3 mi	12	—
Hardin High School Hardin	27.2 mi	540	2.9
Hardin Middle School Hardin	27.3 mi	370	4.4
Hardin Intermediate Hardin	27.3 mi	280	5.2
Hardin Primary Hardin	27.5 mi	304	5.9
BIG HORN VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hardin	27.6 mi	15	—
Melstone School Melstone	36.0 mi	27	—
Melstone Middle School Melstone	36.0 mi	8	—
Melstone High School Melstone	36.0 mi	32	5.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59024 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,250

Median Home Value

$190,600

Median Rent

$406/mo

Population

295

College Educated

23.2%

Homeownership

72.3%

Poverty Rate

15.3%

Median Age

59.1

Similar Schools

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

School	Enrollment	Rating
Stanford School Stanford, MT	51	6.0
Bozeman Online Charter School Bozeman, MT	32	5.9
Frazer Elementary Frazer, MT	52	5.9
Willow Creek School Willow Creek, MT	34	5.9
Rapelje School Rapelje, MT	35	6.2
TRINITY LUTHERAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL Miles City, MT	32	5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Custer School

What grades does Custer School serve?

Custer School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Custer School?

Custer School has an enrollment of approximately 42 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Custer School?

The student-teacher ratio at Custer School is 8.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Custer School rank in MT?

Custer School ranks #344 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Custer School's MySchoolScout rating?

Custer School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Custer School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Custer School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Custer School a charter school?

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

Is Custer School a Title I school?

No, Custer School is not currently a Title I school.

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

45.2% of students at Custer 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.