Average
#379 of 603 schools in MT
Ekalaka Elementary School
Elementary School · Ekalaka Elem
Box 458, Ekalaka, MT 59324
Enrollment
77
Student-Teacher
9.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
77
Student-Teacher
9.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ekalaka
#1 of 2
public schools
Montana elementary schools
#216 of 319
School environment
9.1 / 10
Exceptional
About Ekalaka Elementary School
Ekalaka Elementary School is a small rural public school located in Ekalaka, Montana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. With an enrollment of 77 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.6:1, the school provides personalized attention to each child. The dedicated team includes eight full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to support the academic needs of their young learners.
Ekalaka Elementary School is situated in a remote rural setting, offering students a close-knit community atmosphere. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 places it at number 279 out of 605 schools statewide, reflecting that there is room for academic growth and improvement. Students perform around the state average in reading and math, with 51% reaching proficiency or above in ELA/Reading and 48% achieving similar results in Math.
Ekalaka Elementary School fosters a supportive environment where children can grow academically and socially within their close-knit community.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 77 students, Ekalaka Elementary 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.6:1, Ekalaka Elementary School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Ekalaka Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Ekalaka Elementary School — Students at Ekalaka Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.5%
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: 3.9/10.
How Ekalaka Elementary School Compares
See how Ekalaka Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 34.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 44.5% (2022).
Location
Box 458, Ekalaka, MT 59324
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ekalaka Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lincoln School (rated 7.5/10, 35.0 miles away, in nearby Baker), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Longfellow School (rated 6.6/10, 35.1 miles away, in nearby Baker), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Ekalaka, see our Ekalaka schools guide .
Nearby Schools
7 within 35.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Carter County High School Ekalaka | 0.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Ekalaka 7-8 Ekalaka | 0.2 mi | — |
| Hawks Home School Hammond | 34.6 mi | — |
| Baker 7-8 Baker | 34.8 mi | 6.1 |
| Baker High School Baker | 34.8 mi | 4.2 |
| Lincoln School Baker | 35.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Longfellow School Baker | 35.1 mi | 6.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59324 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,083
Median Home Value
$138,600
Median Rent
$660/mo
Population
746
College Educated
18.7%
Homeownership
65.9%
Poverty Rate
16.5%
Median Age
57.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ekalaka Elementary School has a median household income of $57,083. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $138,600, with a median rent of $660/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.5%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Terry School Terry, MT | 5.7 |
| Winifred School Winifred, MT | 5.7 |
| East Glacier Park School E. Glacier Park, MT | 5.9 |
| Gardiner School Gardiner, MT | 5.9 |
| Hobson School Hobson, MT | 5.9 |
| Fortine School Fortine, MT | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ekalaka Elementary School
What grades does Ekalaka Elementary School serve?
Ekalaka Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Ekalaka Elementary School?
Ekalaka Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 77 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ekalaka Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ekalaka Elementary School is 9.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ekalaka Elementary School rank in MT?
Ekalaka Elementary School is ranked #379 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Ekalaka Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ekalaka Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.8 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 Ekalaka Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ekalaka Elementary School has 47.8% math proficiency and 51.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ekalaka Elementary School a charter school?
No, Ekalaka Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ekalaka Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Ekalaka Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ekalaka Elementary School?
45.5% of students at Ekalaka Elementary 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
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 77
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Carter County
- Phone
- (406) 775-8765
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Ekalaka Elem- District Enrollment
- 98
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,864
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
Other Schools in This District
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.