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Average

#273 of 603 schools in MT

Top 45% in state

Independent School

Elementary School · Independent Elem

2907 Roundup Road, Billings, MT 59105

Enrollment

299

Student-Teacher

16.6:1

Score

6.6

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#273 of 603

In Billings

#15 of 42

public schools

Academic performance

8.0 / 10

Excellent

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Independent School

6.6/10

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

Medicine Crow Middle School

6.0/10

1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Bitterroot School

5.1/10

1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Independent School

Independent School is a public elementary school in Billings, MT, part of Independent Elem. Independent School serves approximately 299 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 16.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Independent School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #273 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Independent School show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it comparesOn par with MT schools
  • This school 6.6 · Average
  • MT avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.22 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.0Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)45% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+4.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile70th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,953
Chronic Absenteeism27.4%

Independent School — Students at Independent School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

28.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 55.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 62.8% (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
77%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
47%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Independent School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.6/10
55th percentile in MT
Academic
8.0/10
Excellent
Growth
7.1/10
Very Good
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
28%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.4%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2907 Roundup Road, Billings, MT 59105

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independent School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. McKinley School (rated 8.2/10, 5.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lockwood Intermediate (rated 8.1/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Lockwood), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Eagle Cliffs Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Billings, see our Billings schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Medicine Crow Middle School Billings 1.2 mi 6.0
Bitterroot School Billings 1.4 mi 5.1
Beartooth School Billings 1.5 mi 5.2
Bench School Billings 2.5 mi 4.3
Sandstone School Billings 2.4 mi 6.0
Castle Rock Middle School Billings 2.6 mi 5.2
Pioneer School Billings 2.4 mi 4.4
Skyview High School Billings 2.7 mi 4.1
Alkali Creek School Billings 3.4 mi 6.2
Eagle Cliffs Elementary Billings 3.3 mi 7.5
Lockwood Intermediate Lockwood 4.0 mi 8.1
Lockwood Primary Lockwood 4.0 mi 6.2
Lockwood Middle School Lockwood 4.0 mi 5.8
Lockwood High School Lockwood 4.0 mi 3.5
McKinley School Billings 5.1 mi 8.2
BILLINGS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Billings 5.6 mi 6.5
Billings Sr High School Billings 5.4 mi 4.1
Highland School Billings 5.4 mi 6.5
Broadwater School Billings 5.9 mi 5.4
Orchard School Billings 6.2 mi 4.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59105 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,572

Median Home Value

$314,900

Median Rent

$1,261/mo

Population

34,363

College Educated

29.8%

Homeownership

76.6%

Avg Commute

19.9 min

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

36.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Big Timber School Big Timber, MT 6.6
Poly Drive School Billings, MT 6.6
Three Forks Elem School Three Forks, MT 6.6
Highland School Billings, MT 6.5
Margaret Leary School Butte, MT 6.5
Shelby Elementary School Shelby, MT 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Independent School

What grades does Independent School serve?

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

How many students attend Independent School?

Independent School has an enrollment of approximately 299 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independent School?

The student-teacher ratio at Independent School is 16.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Independent School rank in MT?

Independent School ranks #273 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Independent School's MySchoolScout rating?

Independent School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Independent School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independent School has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Independent School a charter school?

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

Is Independent School a Title I school?

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

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

28.1% of students at Independent 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

Walk Score
16 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
299
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
28.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Yellowstone County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.4%

District

Independent Elem
District Enrollment
299
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,953
District Rank
#1 of 1

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