Average
#289 of 603 schools in MT
Top 48% in state
North Star School
Elementary School · North Star Elem
Box 129, Rudyard, MT 59540
Enrollment
113
Student-Teacher
10.3:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
113
Student-Teacher
10.3:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#289 of 603
In Rudyard
#2 of 2
public schools
Academic performance
8.4 / 10
Excellent
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North Star School
Elementary School in Rudyard · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gildford Colony School
15.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
North Star 7-8
11.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About North Star School
North Star School is a public elementary school in Rudyard, MT, part of North Star Elem. North Star School serves approximately 113 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 10.3:1 student-teacher ratio. North Star School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #289 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for North Star School show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 113 students, North Star 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.
North Star 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
North Star School — Students at North Star School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.7%
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: 4.4/10.
How North Star School Compares
See how North Star School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
Box 129, Rudyard, MT 59540
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Star School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. F E Miley School (rated 8.4/10, 28.9 miles away, in nearby Big Sandy), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Box Elder School (rated 5.3/10, 22.1 miles away, in nearby Box Elder), a more accessible option. For more schools in Rudyard, see our Rudyard schools guide .
Nearby Schools
10 within 28.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gildford Colony School Gildford | 15.9 mi | — |
| North Star 7-8 Rudyard | 11.5 mi | — |
| North Star High School Rudyard | 11.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Cottonwood School Havre | 20.2 mi | — |
| Box Elder School Box Elder | 22.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Box Elder 7-8 Box Elder | 22.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Box Elder High School Box Elder | 22.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Big Sandy High School Big Sandy | 28.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Big Sandy 7-8 Big Sandy | 28.4 mi | — |
| F E Miley School Big Sandy | 28.9 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59540 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,319
Median Home Value
$100,000
Median Rent
$645/mo
Population
470
College Educated
30.9%
Homeownership
48%
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Median Age
34.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kila School Kila, MT | 6.4 |
| Philipsburg School Philipsburg, MT | 6.4 |
| Absarokee School Absarokee, MT | 6.3 |
| Heart Butte Elementary Heart Butte, MT | 6.3 |
| ST CHARLES MISSION SCHOOL Pryor, MT | 6.3 |
| Hot Springs School Hot Springs, MT | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Star School
What grades does North Star School serve?
North Star School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend North Star School?
North Star School has an enrollment of approximately 113 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Star School?
The student-teacher ratio at North Star School is 10.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does North Star School rank in MT?
North Star School ranks #289 of 603 schools in MT.
What is North Star School's MySchoolScout rating?
North Star School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 North Star School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, North Star School has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is North Star School a charter school?
No, North Star School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Star School a Title I school?
No, North Star School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Star School?
48.7% of students at North Star 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 – 8th
- Enrollment
- 113
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Hill County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.0%
- Phone
- (406) 355-4481
Resources & Links
District
North Star Elem- District Enrollment
- 142
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,287
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
Other Schools in This District
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