Below Average
#484 of 603 schools in MT
Darby School
Elementary School · Darby K-12 Schools
209 School Drive, Darby, MT 59829
Enrollment
175
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
175
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#484 of 603
In Darby
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#2 of 3
Darby K-12 Schools
School environment
7.0 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Darby School?
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.
Darby School
Elementary School in Darby · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Darby 7-8
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Darby High School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Darby School
Darby School is a public elementary school in Darby, MT, part of Darby K-12 Schools. Darby School serves approximately 175 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Darby School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #484 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Darby School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.8 · Below Average
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 175 students, Darby 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.
Darby 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.
39% of students at Darby School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Darby School — Students at Darby School score 32% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 24 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: 3.0/10.
How Darby School Compares
See how Darby School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
209 School Drive, Darby, MT 59829
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Darby School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PINES ACADEMY (rated 6.8/10, 21.0 miles away, in nearby Pinesdale), which scores notably higher. Another option is Quentin Brown Primary K-4 (rated 6.3/10, 20.0 miles away, in nearby Corvallis), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Daly School (rated 5.9/10, 14.8 miles away, in nearby Hamilton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Darby, see our Darby schools guide .
Nearby Schools
19 within 33.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Darby 7-8 Darby | 0.0 mi | 4.5 |
| Darby High School Darby | 0.1 mi | 5.8 |
| HAMILTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hamilton | 12.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Daly School Hamilton | 14.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Hamilton Middle School Hamilton | 15.1 mi | 5.0 |
| BLODGETT VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hamilton | 15.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Washington School Hamilton | 15.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Hamilton High School Hamilton | 15.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Quentin Brown Primary K-4 Corvallis | 20.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Corvallis High School Corvallis | 20.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Edna Thomas School Corvallis | 20.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Corvallis 7-8 Corvallis | 20.3 mi | 6.1 |
| PINES ACADEMY Pinesdale | 21.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Victor School Victor | 26.8 mi | 3.1 |
| Victor High School Victor | 26.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Victor Middle School Victor | 26.8 mi | 3.5 |
| Stevensville 7-8 Stevensville | 33.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Stevensville K-6 Stevensville | 33.4 mi | 4.0 |
| Stevensville High School Stevensville | 33.4 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59829 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,996
Median Home Value
$400,900
Median Rent
$963/mo
Population
2,338
College Educated
24.9%
Homeownership
76.2%
Poverty Rate
8%
Median Age
59
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fairview School Fairview, MT | 4.8 |
| Arlee Elementary Arlee, MT | 4.7 |
| Washington School Billings, MT | 4.7 |
| Morningside School Great Falls, MT | 4.9 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Kalispell, MT | 4.9 |
| Broadus School Broadus, MT | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Darby School
What grades does Darby School serve?
Darby School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Darby School?
Darby School has an enrollment of approximately 175 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Darby School?
The student-teacher ratio at Darby School is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Darby School rank in MT?
Darby School ranks #484 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Darby School's MySchoolScout rating?
Darby School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Darby School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Darby School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Darby School a charter school?
No, Darby School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Darby School a Title I school?
No, Darby School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Darby School?
97.7% of students at Darby 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
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 175
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Ravalli County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.4%
- Phone
- (406) 821-3643
Resources & Links
District
Darby K-12 Schools- District Enrollment
- 337
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,285
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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 rateGet 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.