Excellent
#91 of 603 schools in MT
Top 15% in state
Plains Elementary School
Elementary School · Plains K-12
Box 549, Plains, MT 59859
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#91 of 603
In Plains
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#2 of 3
Plains K-12
Academic performance
9.2 / 10
Excellent
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Plains Elementary School
Elementary School in Plains · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Plains High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Plains 7-8
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Plains Elementary School
Plains Elementary School is a public elementary school in Plains, MT, part of Plains K-12. Plains Elementary School serves approximately 235 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 13.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Plains Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #91 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Plains Elementary School show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022).
- This school 8.1 · Excellent
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Plains Elementary 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
Plains Elementary School — Students at Plains Elementary School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
63.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 12 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: 7.5/10.
How Plains Elementary School Compares
See how Plains Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
Box 549, Plains, MT 59859
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Plains Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. St Regis School (rated 6.8/10, 15.2 miles away, in nearby St. Regis), a more accessible option. Another option is Hot Springs School (rated 6.6/10, 14.3 miles away, in nearby Hot Springs), a more accessible option. Additionally, Thompson Falls Elem Schl (rated 6.3/10, 23.3 miles away, in nearby Thompson Falls), a more accessible option. For more schools in Plains, see our Plains schools guide .
Nearby Schools
18 within 37.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Plains High School Plains | 0.0 mi | 5.0 |
| Plains 7-8 Plains | 0.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Hot Springs School Hot Springs | 14.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Hot Springs High School Hot Springs | 14.3 mi | 7.2 |
| Hot Springs 7-8 Hot Springs | 14.3 mi | — |
| St Regis School St. Regis | 15.2 mi | 6.8 |
| St Regis High School St. Regis | 15.2 mi | 5.9 |
| St Regis 7-8 St. Regis | 15.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Superior High School Superior | 19.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Superior 7-8 Superior | 19.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Superior Elementary Superior | 19.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Thompson Falls High Schl Thompson Falls | 22.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Thompson Falls 7-8 Thompson Falls | 23.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Thompson Falls Elem Schl Thompson Falls | 23.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Alberton Elementary Alberton | 37.1 mi | 3.0 |
| Alberton High School Alberton | 37.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Alberton Middle School Alberton | 37.1 mi | 4.4 |
| NORTH WEST INDIAN BIBLE SCHOOL Alberton | 37.8 mi | 5.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59859 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,667
Median Home Value
$403,800
Median Rent
$792/mo
Population
4,204
College Educated
20.8%
Homeownership
74.3%
Poverty Rate
10%
Median Age
55.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Malta K-5 Malta, MT | 8.1 |
| Central Heights School Billings, MT | 8.2 |
| Chief Joseph School Great Falls, MT | 8.0 |
| Elysian School Billings, MT | 8.2 |
| Highland Park School Lewistown, MT | 8.2 |
| Lone Rock School Stevensville, MT | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plains Elementary School
What grades does Plains Elementary School serve?
Plains Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Plains Elementary School?
Plains Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 235 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Plains Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Plains Elementary School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Plains Elementary School rank in MT?
Plains Elementary School ranks #91 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Plains Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Plains Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 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 Plains Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Plains Elementary School has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022).
Is Plains Elementary School a charter school?
No, Plains Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Plains Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Plains Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Plains Elementary School?
63.8% of students at Plains 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 235
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 63.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Sanders County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.4%
- Phone
- (406) 826-3642
Resources & Links
District
Plains K-12- District Enrollment
- 427
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,159
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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