Average
#472 of 603 schools in MT
Plains High School
High School · Plains K-12
Box 549, Plains, MT 59859
Enrollment
133
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
133
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#472 of 603
In Plains
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
Plains K-12
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Plains High School
High School in Plains · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Plains Elementary 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 High School
Plains High School is a public high school in Plains, MT, part of Plains K-12. Plains High School serves approximately 133 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Plains High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #472 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Plains High School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.0 · Average
- MT avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
At 133 students, Plains High 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.
Plains High 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.
36% of students at Plains High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Plains High School — Students at Plains High School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
46.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 24 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: 1.7/10.
How Plains High School Compares
See how Plains High 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
Box 549, Plains, MT 59859
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Plains High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Alberton High School (rated 7.9/10, 37.1 miles away, in nearby Alberton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Thompson Falls High Schl (rated 7.7/10, 22.3 miles away, in nearby Thompson Falls), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hot Springs High School (rated 7.2/10, 14.3 miles away, in nearby Hot Springs), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Plains, see our Plains schools guide .
Nearby Schools
18 within 37.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Plains Elementary School Plains | 0.0 mi | 8.1 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Powell County High School Deer Lodge, MT | 5.0 |
| Broadwater High School Townsend, MT | 4.9 |
| Charlo High School Charlo, MT | 5.1 |
| Victor High School Victor, MT | 4.9 |
| Chinook High School Chinook, MT | 5.2 |
| Fort Benton High School Fort Benton, MT | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plains High School
What grades does Plains High School serve?
Plains High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Plains High School?
Plains High School has an enrollment of approximately 133 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Plains High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Plains High School is 13.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Plains High School rank in MT?
Plains High School ranks #472 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Plains High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Plains High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Plains High School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Plains High School a charter school?
No, Plains High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Plains High School a Title I school?
No, Plains High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Plains High School?
46.6% of students at Plains High 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
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 133
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 46.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Sanders County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 36.1%
- Phone
- (406) 826-8600
- 4-Year Graduation
- 84.5%
Resources & Links
District
Plains K-12- District Enrollment
- 427
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,159
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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