Average
#326 of 603 schools in MT
Kessler Elementary School
Elementary School · Helena Elem
1325 Poplar Street, Helena, MT 59601
Enrollment
248
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
248
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#326 of 603
In Helena
#11 of 15
public schools
In district
#10 of 13
Helena Elem
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Kessler Elementary School
Elementary School in Helena · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St Andrew School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
C R Anderson Middle Schl
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Kessler Elementary School
Kessler Elementary School is a public elementary school in Helena, MT, part of Helena Elem. Kessler Elementary School serves approximately 248 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Kessler Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #326 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Kessler Elementary School show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- District avg 7.0
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
32% of students at Kessler Elementary 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
Kessler Elementary School — Students at Kessler Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
21%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 26 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: 6.1/10.
How Kessler Elementary School Compares
See how Kessler Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1325 Poplar Street, Helena, MT 59601
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Kessler Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jefferson School (rated 8.9/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Smith School (rated 8.5/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Warren School (rated 8.0/10, 6.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Helena, see our Helena schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST ANDREW SCHOOL Helena | 0.5 mi | 6.2 |
| C R Anderson Middle Schl Helena | 1.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Capital High School Helena | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Broadwater School Helena | 1.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Hawthorne School Helena | 1.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Four Georgians School Helena | 2.0 mi | 6.9 |
| MOUNTAINSIDE MONTESSORI Helena | 2.3 mi | — |
| BLOOM MONTESSORI SCHOOL Helena | 2.0 mi | — |
| Helena Middle School Helena | 2.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Jefferson School Helena | 2.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Central School Helena | 2.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Helena High School Helena | 2.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Bryant School Helena | 2.9 mi | 5.4 |
| INTERMOUNTAIN Helena | 3.6 mi | — |
| Smith School Helena | 3.8 mi | 8.5 |
| Rossiter School Helena | 4.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Jim Darcy School Helena | 7.2 mi | 5.7 |
| Warren School Helena | 6.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Montana City School Clancy | 8.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Montana City Middle Schl Clancy | 8.1 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,502
Median Home Value
$355,000
Median Rent
$1,023/mo
Population
31,822
College Educated
50.9%
Homeownership
56.8%
Avg Commute
13.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
41.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Joliet School Joliet, MT | 6.1 |
| South School Laurel, MT | 6.1 |
| Fred W Graff School Laurel, MT | 6.0 |
| Alkali Creek School Billings, MT | 6.2 |
| Cayuse Prairie School Kalispell, MT | 6.2 |
| Mountain View School Red Lodge, MT | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kessler Elementary School
What grades does Kessler Elementary School serve?
Kessler Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Kessler Elementary School?
Kessler Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 248 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Kessler Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Kessler Elementary School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Kessler Elementary School rank in MT?
Kessler Elementary School ranks #326 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Kessler Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Kessler Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Kessler Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Kessler Elementary School has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Kessler Elementary School a charter school?
No, Kessler Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Kessler Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Kessler Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Kessler Elementary School?
21.0% of students at Kessler 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 248
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 21.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Lewis and Clark County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.3%
- Phone
- (406) 324-1700
Resources & Links
District
Helena Elem- District Enrollment
- 5,173
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,752
- District Rank
- #10 of 13
Other Schools in This District
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