Average
#309 of 603 schools in MT
Rapelje School
Elementary School · Rapelje Elem
PO Box 89, Rapelje, MT 59067
Enrollment
35
Student-Teacher
7:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
35
Student-Teacher
7:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Montana elementary schools
#172 of 319
School environment
9.1 / 10
Exceptional
About Rapelje School
Rapelje School is a small elementary school nestled in the remote rural area of Rapelje, Montana. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, the school has an enrollment of just 35 students and maintains a close-knit community feel with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The dedicated teaching staff includes five full-time equivalent teachers who work tirelessly to provide individualized attention to each child.
Academically, Rapelje School currently ranks in the lower half among Montana schools, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and a state ranking of #304 out of 605. Students show proficiency rates of 65% in ELA/Reading and 28% in Math, indicating areas where further academic growth is needed. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to student development and providing a supportive learning environment.
Rapelje School's setting in a remote rural area offers students unique opportunities to connect with nature and community resources that are distinct from urban schools. This small-town charm creates a close-knit community where every child knows their teachers well and feels supported in their educational journey.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 35 students, Rapelje School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Rapelje School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Rapelje School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Rapelje School — Students at Rapelje School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31.4%
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
↓ 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: 5.1/10.
How Rapelje School Compares
See how Rapelje School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 25% (2019) to 30% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 49.5% (2022).
Location
PO Box 89, Rapelje, MT 59067
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rapelje School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ryegate School (rated 7.5/10, 22.5 miles away, in nearby Ryegate), which scores notably higher. Another option is Columbus Elem School (rated 6.5/10, 23.0 miles away, in nearby Columbus), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Park City School (rated 6.2/10, 28.9 miles away, in nearby Park City), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Rapelje, see our Rapelje schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 28.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rapelje 7-8 Rapelje | 0.0 mi | — |
| Rapelje High School Rapelje | 0.0 mi | — |
| Ryegate School Ryegate | 22.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Ryegate High School Ryegate | 22.5 mi | — |
| Ryegate 7-8 Ryegate | 22.5 mi | — |
| Columbus High School Columbus | 22.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Columbus Middle School Columbus | 22.8 mi | 4.5 |
| Columbus Elem School Columbus | 23.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Reed Point Elementary Reed Point | 22.9 mi | — |
| Reed Point 7-8 Reed Point | 23.1 mi | — |
| Reed Point High School Reed Point | 23.1 mi | — |
| Broadview School Broadview | 20.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Broadview 7-8 Broadview | 20.5 mi | — |
| Broadview High School Broadview | 20.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Lavina Elementary Lavina | 27.0 mi | 3.1 |
| Lavina High School Lavina | 27.0 mi | — |
| Lavina Middle School Lavina | 27.0 mi | — |
| Park City School Park City | 28.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Park City 7-8 Park City | 28.9 mi | 4.1 |
| Park City High School Park City | 28.9 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59067 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,750
Median Home Value
$338,900
Median Rent
$444/mo
Population
204
College Educated
28.7%
Homeownership
69.7%
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Rapelje School has a median household income of $63,750. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $338,900, with a median rent of $444/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.7%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hinsdale School Hinsdale, MT | 6.2 |
| SUNRISE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Billings, MT | 6.4 |
| Dupuyer School Dupuyer, MT | 6.5 |
| Bozeman Online Charter School Bozeman, MT | 6.0 |
| Power School Power, MT | 6.0 |
| Roberts School Roberts, MT | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rapelje School
What grades does Rapelje School serve?
Rapelje School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Rapelje School?
Rapelje School has an enrollment of approximately 35 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rapelje School?
The student-teacher ratio at Rapelje School is 7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rapelje School rank in MT?
Rapelje School is ranked #309 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Rapelje School's MySchoolScout rating?
Rapelje School has a composite rating of 6.3 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 Rapelje School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Rapelje School has 28.3% math proficiency and 64.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Rapelje School a charter school?
No, Rapelje School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rapelje School a Title I school?
No, Rapelje School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rapelje School?
31.4% of students at Rapelje 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
- County Safety
- Average (652/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 35
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Stillwater County
- Phone
- (406) 663-2215
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rapelje Elem- District Enrollment
- 46
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,750
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
Other Schools in This District
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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