Average
#416 of 603 schools in MT
Polson High School
High School · Polson H S
111 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860
Enrollment
547
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
547
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Polson
#4 of 5
public schools
Montana high schools
#93 of 141
Academic growth
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About Polson High School
Polson High School is a regular public high school located in the remote town of Polson, Montana. With an enrollment of 547 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, it offers personalized attention to each student. The school boasts 39 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting its diverse student body from grades 9 through 12.
According to MySchoolScout's rating system, Polson High School has an overall score of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks at #216 out of 605 schools in the state, placing it above the 64th percentile for Montana high schools. The school’s academic performance shows that 40% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 30% reach proficiency or higher in Math. These scores indicate areas where continued focus and improvement could benefit student success.
Polson High School sits in the heart of a small community on the shores of Flathead Lake, offering students a close-knit environment that fosters strong connections between faculty and families. The school’s setting provides unique opportunities for outdoor education and activities, enhancing its holistic approach to learning.
Score Breakdown
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Polson High School — Students at Polson High School score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.7/10.
How Polson High School Compares
See how Polson High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 32% (2019) to 32% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 42% (2019) to 42% (2022).
Location
111 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Polson High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Charlo High School (rated 7.1/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Charlo), which scores notably higher. Another option is St Ignatius High School (rated 5.6/10, 25.1 miles away, in nearby St. Ignatius), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Ronan High School (rated 4.2/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Ronan), a more accessible option. For more schools in Polson, see our Polson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 25.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Polson Middle School Polson | 0.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Cherry Valley School Polson | 0.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Linderman School Polson | 1.0 mi | 8.4 |
| MISSION VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Polson | 4.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Pablo Elementary Ronan | 5.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Two Eagle River School Pablo | 6.0 mi | — |
| Valley View School Polson | 6.3 mi | 7.9 |
| K William Harvey Elem Ronan | 10.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Ronan High School Ronan | 10.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Ronan Middle School Ronan | 10.7 mi | 6.4 |
| MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ronan | 10.8 mi | — |
| Dayton School Dayton | 14.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Charlo Elementary Charlo | 16.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Charlo 6-8 Charlo | 16.4 mi | 4.1 |
| Charlo High School Charlo | 16.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Lakeside Elementary School Somers | 23.8 mi | 7.8 |
| 60281 HILLSIDE RD Saint Ignatius | 24.2 mi | — |
| St Ignatius Elementary School St. Ignatius | 25.1 mi | 7.8 |
| St Ignatius High School St. Ignatius | 25.1 mi | 5.6 |
| St Ignatius Middle School St. Ignatius | 25.1 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59860 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,883
Median Home Value
$386,100
Median Rent
$932/mo
Population
11,580
College Educated
33%
Homeownership
69.4%
Avg Commute
18.8 min
Poverty Rate
16.5%
Median Age
46.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Polson High School has a median household income of $59,883. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $386,100, with a median rent of $932/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.5%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Dawson High School Glendive, MT | 5.5 |
| Frenchtown High School Frenchtown, MT | 5.5 |
| Browning High School Browning, MT | 5.7 |
| Corvallis High School Corvallis, MT | 5.4 |
| Custer Co District High Miles City, MT | 5.4 |
| Libby High School Libby, MT | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Polson High School
What grades does Polson High School serve?
Polson High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Polson High School?
Polson High School has an enrollment of approximately 547 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Polson High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Polson High School is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Polson High School rank in MT?
Polson High School is ranked #416 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Polson High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Polson High School has a composite rating of 5.6 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.
What are the test scores at Polson High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Polson High School has 30.3% math proficiency and 40.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Polson High School a charter school?
No, Polson High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Polson High School a Title I school?
No, Polson High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Polson High School?
40.0% of students at Polson 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,159/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Polson). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 547
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Lake County
- Phone
- (406) 883-6351
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Polson H S- District Enrollment
- 547
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,395
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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