Very Good
#17 of 60 private schools in MT
Top 27% of private schools
Nkwusm Salish Language School
Elementary School
7240 DITTERROOT JIM RD, Arlee, MT 59821
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on MT statewide data. Learn more
Enrollment
31
Student-Teacher
4.4:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
31
Student-Teacher
4.4:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
Montana elementary schools
#8 of 24
About Nkwusm Salish Language School
NKWUSM SALISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL is a small, rural public school in Arlee, Montana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. With an enrollment of just 31 students and a student-teacher ratio of 4.4:1, the school offers personalized attention to each child. The dedicated faculty includes seven full-time equivalent teachers who work closely with families to support every learner’s unique needs.
While academic performance data is limited, NKWUSM SALISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL focuses on nurturing a strong sense of community and cultural identity among its students. Despite lacking specific test score information, the school aims to foster an enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional metrics. The school’s MySchoolScout rating reflects room for growth but also highlights the dedicated efforts of teachers and staff.
Located in a rural setting, NKWUSM SALISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL is embedded within the close-knit community of Arlee, where students benefit from the natural beauty and cultural richness of their surroundings.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 31 students, Nkwusm Salish Language 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 4.4:1, Nkwusm Salish Language 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.
As a private school, Nkwusm Salish Language School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Nkwusm Salish Language School compares to the 3 public schools in Arlee, MT
Student Demographics
All Schools in Arlee
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Nkwusm Salish Language School (this school) | 7.2 |
| Arlee High School | 5.7 |
| Arlee 7-8 | 6.0 |
| Arlee Elementary | 8.1 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in MT.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in MT
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
7240 DITTERROOT JIM RD, Arlee, MT 59821
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nkwusm Salish Language School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. DeSmet School (rated 9.6/10, 16.3 miles away, in nearby Missoula), which scores notably higher. Another option is Frenchtown Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Frenchtown), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Arlee Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Arlee, see our Arlee schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Arlee High School Arlee | 0.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Arlee 7-8 Arlee | 0.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Arlee Elementary Arlee | 0.5 mi | 8.1 |
| PINEHAVEN CHRISTIAN CHILDRENS RANCH AND SCHOOL Saint Ignatius | 7.4 mi | 5.0 |
| GLACIER LAKE SCHOOL Saint Ignatius | 9.7 mi | — |
| St Ignatius High School St. Ignatius | 10.5 mi | 5.6 |
| St Ignatius Middle School St. Ignatius | 10.5 mi | 5.7 |
| St Ignatius Elementary School St. Ignatius | 10.5 mi | 7.8 |
| 60281 HILLSIDE RD Saint Ignatius | 12.3 mi | — |
| Frenchtown Intermediate School Frenchtown | 12.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Frenchtown Elementary School Frenchtown | 12.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Frenchtown High School Frenchtown | 12.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Frenchtown 6-8 Frenchtown | 12.4 mi | 7.1 |
| DeSmet School Missoula | 16.3 mi | 9.6 |
| DeSmet 6-8 Missoula | 16.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Dixon 7-8 Dixon | 14.9 mi | — |
| Dixon Elementary Dixon | 14.9 mi | 3.4 |
| Hellgate Middle School Missoula | 19.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Hellgate El Intermediate Missoula | 19.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Hellgate Elem Lower Grades Missoula | 19.0 mi | 8.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59821 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,370
Median Home Value
$379,700
Median Rent
$962/mo
Population
2,822
College Educated
26.3%
Homeownership
75.8%
Avg Commute
27.7 min
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
39.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nkwusm Salish Language School has a median household income of $68,370. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $379,700, with a median rent of $962/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Willow Creek School Willow Creek, MT | 7.2 |
| Rosebud School Rosebud, MT | 7.3 |
| Saco School Saco, MT | 7.0 |
| Ryegate School Ryegate, MT | 7.5 |
| LaMotte School Bozeman, MT | 6.8 |
| Turner School Turner, MT | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nkwusm Salish Language School
What grades does Nkwusm Salish Language School serve?
Nkwusm Salish Language School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Nkwusm Salish Language School?
Nkwusm Salish Language School has an enrollment of approximately 31 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nkwusm Salish Language School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nkwusm Salish Language School is 4.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Nkwusm Salish Language School rank in MT?
Nkwusm Salish Language School is ranked #17 out of 60 private schools in MT.
What is Nkwusm Salish Language School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nkwusm Salish Language School has a composite rating of 7.2 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.
Is Nkwusm Salish Language School a private school?
Yes, Nkwusm Salish Language School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Nkwusm Salish Language School a religious school?
No, Nkwusm Salish Language School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 31
- Gender Split
- 55% M / 45% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 4.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 7
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 7.5 hours
- Days Per Year
- 152 days
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- LAKE
- Phone
- (406) 726-5050
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
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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.
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