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Average

#437 of 603 schools in MT

Fairfield High School

High School · Fairfield H S

Box 399, Fairfield, MT 59436

Enrollment

116

Student-Teacher

10.5:1

Score

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Fairfield

#3 of 4

public schools

Montana high schools

#100 of 141

School environment

9.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Fairfield High School

Fairfield High School is a regular public high school located in the remote rural area of Fairfield, Montana, serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 116 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.5:1, the school provides personalized attention to each student. The faculty comprises 11 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting their students' educational needs.

The academic performance at Fairfield High School is rated 4.2 out of 10 by MySchoolScout and ranks #465 out of 605 schools in Montana, placing it around the 23rd percentile statewide. In terms of proficiency rates, 65% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading, while 48% meet or exceed standards in Math. Set against the backdrop of rural Teton County, Fairfield High School offers a unique environment where students can benefit from smaller class sizes and closer relationships with teachers.

The school's setting provides opportunities for outdoor activities and a strong sense of community among its students and staff.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 116 students, Fairfield 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.

Located in a rural area, Fairfield 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 metrics
Student Progress1.3Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-16.17 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5%
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected-10.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness7.3Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.0Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,355

Fairfield High School — Students at Fairfield High School score 30% 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

45.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 47.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 64.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2021*
Math
49.5%
ELA
69.5%
2022
Math
24.5%
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: 1.3/10.

How Fairfield High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.4/10
28th percentile in MT
Academic
4.5/10
4.5/10
Growth
1.3/10
Below average
Environment
9.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

Location

Box 399, Fairfield, MT 59436

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Fairfield High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Power High School (rated 9.1/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby Power), which scores notably higher. Another option is Dutton/Brady High School (rated 8.3/10, 20.3 miles away, in nearby Dutton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Choteau High School (rated 7.3/10, 16.8 miles away, in nearby Choteau), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fairfield, see our Fairfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Fairfield Elementary School Fairfield 0.0 mi 5.0
Fairfield 7-8 Fairfield 0.0 mi 5.7
FAIRFIELD MENNONITE SCHOOL Fairfield 4.6 mi 4.0
Greenfield 7-8 Fairfield 5.6 mi
Greenfield School Fairfield 5.6 mi 8.6
Sun River Middle School Simms 8.9 mi 7.5
Simms High School Simms 8.9 mi 6.7
Fort Shaw Elem School Simms 10.3 mi 9.4
ELK CREEK MENNONITE Fort Shaw 10.9 mi
Cascade Colony School Simms 14.2 mi
Golden Ridge School Fairfield 12.2 mi
Choteau School Choteau 16.7 mi 5.9
Choteau 7-8 Choteau 16.8 mi 3.5
Choteau High School Choteau 16.8 mi 7.3
Power School Power 15.1 mi 6.0
Power 7-8 Power 15.1 mi
Power High School Power 15.1 mi 9.1
Dutton/Brady Elementary Dutton 20.3 mi 4.3
Dutton/Brady High School Dutton 20.3 mi 8.3
Dutton/Brady Middle School Dutton 20.3 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59436 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$78,047

Median Home Value

$271,700

Median Rent

$871/mo

Population

2,093

College Educated

26.5%

Homeownership

78.1%

Avg Commute

24.4 min

Poverty Rate

5.9%

Median Age

38.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Fairfield High School has a median household income of $78,047. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $271,700, with a median rent of $871/month. The local poverty rate of 5.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Plains High School Plains, MT 5.4
St Ignatius High School St. Ignatius, MT 5.6
Arlee High School Arlee, MT 5.7
Fairview High School Fairview, MT 5.7
Park City High School Park City, MT 5.1
Colstrip High School Colstrip, MT 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fairfield High School

What grades does Fairfield High School serve?

Fairfield High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Fairfield High School?

Fairfield High School has an enrollment of approximately 116 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Fairfield High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Fairfield High School is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Fairfield High School rank in MT?

Fairfield High School is ranked #437 out of 603 schools in MT.

What is Fairfield High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Fairfield High School has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Fairfield High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fairfield High School has 47.8% math proficiency and 64.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Fairfield High School a charter school?

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

Is Fairfield High School a Title I school?

No, Fairfield High School is not currently a Title I school.

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

45.7% of students at Fairfield 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Elevated (747/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
116
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
45.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Teton County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Fairfield H S
District Enrollment
116
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,069
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 methodology

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