Below Average
#529 of 603 schools in MT
Pioneer School
Elementary School · Pioneer Elem
1937 Dover Road, Billings, MT 59105
Enrollment
84
Student-Teacher
12:1
Score
4.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
84
Student-Teacher
12:1
Score
4.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#529 of 603
In Billings
#32 of 42
public schools
School environment
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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Pioneer School
Elementary School in Billings · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Beartooth School
2.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Independent School
2.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Pioneer School
Pioneer School is a public elementary school in Billings, MT, part of Pioneer Elem. Pioneer School serves approximately 84 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Pioneer School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #529 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Pioneer School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.4 · Below Average
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 84 students, Pioneer 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.
Pioneer 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
Pioneer School — Students at Pioneer School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
3.6%
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: 2.6/10.
How Pioneer School Compares
See how Pioneer 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
1937 Dover Road, Billings, MT 59105
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pioneer School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. McKinley School (rated 8.2/10, 6.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lockwood Intermediate (rated 8.1/10, 4.2 miles away, in nearby Lockwood), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Eagle Cliffs Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 5.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Billings, see our Billings schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Beartooth School Billings | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Independent School Billings | 2.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Medicine Crow Middle School Billings | 2.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Bitterroot School Billings | 3.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Lockwood Intermediate Lockwood | 4.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Lockwood Primary Lockwood | 4.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Lockwood Middle School Lockwood | 4.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Lockwood High School Lockwood | 4.2 mi | 3.5 |
| Bench School Billings | 4.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Sandstone School Billings | 4.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Castle Rock Middle School Billings | 4.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Alkali Creek School Billings | 5.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Skyview High School Billings | 5.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Eagle Cliffs Elementary Billings | 5.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Shepherd Elementary Shepherd | 6.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Shepherd Middle School Shepherd | 6.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Shepherd High School Shepherd | 6.8 mi | 4.9 |
| McKinley School Billings | 6.9 mi | 8.2 |
| BILLINGS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Billings | 7.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Billings Sr High School Billings | 7.3 mi | 4.1 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Noxon School Noxon, MT | 4.4 |
| Washington School Hamilton, MT | 4.3 |
| Broadus School Broadus, MT | 4.6 |
| Harrison School Harrison, MT | 4.1 |
| Wibaux Elementary School Wibaux, MT | 4.9 |
| Kircher School Miles City, MT | 5.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pioneer School
What grades does Pioneer School serve?
Pioneer School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Pioneer School?
Pioneer School has an enrollment of approximately 84 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pioneer School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pioneer School is 12:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pioneer School rank in MT?
Pioneer School ranks #529 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Pioneer School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pioneer School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 Pioneer School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Pioneer School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Pioneer School a charter school?
No, Pioneer School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pioneer School a Title I school?
No, Pioneer School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pioneer School?
3.6% of students at Pioneer 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 84
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 7
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 3.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Yellowstone County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 16.7%
- Phone
- (406) 373-5357
Resources & Links
District
Pioneer Elem- District Enrollment
- 84
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,028
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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