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Below Average

#536 of 603 schools in MT

Meadowlark School

Elementary School · Chinook Elem

Box 1059, Chinook, MT 59523

Enrollment

149

Student-Teacher

11.5:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#536 of 603

In Chinook

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Chinook Elem

School environment

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Meadowlark School

4.3/10

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

Chinook 7-8

3.8/10

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

Chinook High School

5.2/10

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

About Meadowlark School

Meadowlark School is a public elementary school in Chinook, MT, part of Chinook Elem. Meadowlark School serves approximately 149 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 11.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Meadowlark School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #536 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Meadowlark School show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares2.2 pts below MT schools
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • MT avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 149 students, Meadowlark 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.

Meadowlark 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.2Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-4.92 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency27% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency30% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-8.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,728
Chronic Absenteeism18.1%

Meadowlark School — Students at Meadowlark School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

54.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 48.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 54.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 24 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
72%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
32%
ELA
27%

* 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: 2.2/10.

How Meadowlark School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.3/10
11th percentile in MT
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.1%

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

Box 1059, Chinook, MT 59523

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Meadowlark School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Zurich School (rated 9.7/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Zurich), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST JUDE THADDEUS SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 20.2 miles away, in nearby Havre), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lincoln-McKinley School (rated 7.8/10, 20.1 miles away, in nearby Havre), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chinook, see our Chinook schools guide .

Nearby Schools

18 within 23.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Chinook 7-8 Chinook 0.3 mi 3.8
Chinook High School Chinook 0.3 mi 5.2
Zurich School Zurich 9.4 mi 9.7
Davey Elementary Havre 15.3 mi
Cleveland School Chinook 22.4 mi
Hartland Elementary School Chinook 26.8 mi
Lincoln-McKinley School Havre 20.1 mi 7.8
ST JUDE THADDEUS SCHOOL Havre 20.2 mi 7.9
Havre High School Havre 20.3 mi 5.0
Sunnyside School Havre 20.4 mi 5.2
Bear Paw School Chinook 26.9 mi
Harlem Elementary School Harlem 20.8 mi 6.2
Harlem 7-8 Harlem 21.4 mi 4.7
Harlem High School Harlem 21.4 mi 4.7
Highland Park School Havre 21.5 mi 5.0
Havre Middle School Havre 21.8 mi 6.0
North Harlem Elementary Harlem 22.0 mi
WHITE CLAY IMMERSION SCHOOL Harlem 23.0 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 59523 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,107

Median Home Value

$200,700

Median Rent

$739/mo

Population

2,281

College Educated

38.5%

Homeownership

72.8%

Poverty Rate

9%

Median Age

40.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lincoln School Miles City, MT 4.3
Marion School Marion, MT 4.3
Culbertson School Culbertson, MT 4.4
Ramsay School Ramsay, MT 4.4
Smith Valley Primary Schl Kalispell, MT 4.4
Blue Creek School Billings, MT 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Meadowlark School

What grades does Meadowlark School serve?

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

How many students attend Meadowlark School?

Meadowlark School has an enrollment of approximately 149 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Meadowlark School?

The student-teacher ratio at Meadowlark School is 11.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Meadowlark School rank in MT?

Meadowlark School ranks #536 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Meadowlark School's MySchoolScout rating?

Meadowlark School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Meadowlark School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Meadowlark School has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Meadowlark School a charter school?

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

Is Meadowlark School a Title I school?

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

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

54.4% of students at Meadowlark 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
38 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
149
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
54.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Blaine County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.1%

District

Chinook Elem
District Enrollment
211
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,728
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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