Very Good
#106 of 603 schools in MT
Top 17% in state
Redwater School
Middle School · Circle Elem
Box 99, Circle, MT 59215
Enrollment
34
Student-Teacher
8.5:1
Score
7.7
Grades
4th – 6th
Enrollment
34
Student-Teacher
8.5:1
Score
7.7
Grades
4th – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Circle
#2 of 5
public schools
Montana middle schools
#14 of 143
In district
#2 of 3
Circle Elem
Academic performance
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Redwater School
Redwater School serves 34 students in grades 4-6 in Circle, Montana, delivering exceptional academic results in a close-knit learning environment. With an impressive 8.0 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking 31st out of 605 Montana schools, this middle school places in the 95th percentile statewide. The school maintains an outstanding 8.5:1 student-teacher ratio with 4 full-time equivalent teachers, ensuring personalized attention for every student.
Academic performance is strong across core subjects, with 54% of students achieving proficiency or above in both English Language Arts and Math. This consistent performance across grade levels reflects the school's commitment to solid foundational learning during these crucial middle school years. The school draws from a stable rural community where the median household income reaches $83,350 and home values average $192,700.
With only a 2.9% poverty rate, the area provides a supportive environment for education, though 28% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting a mix of educational backgrounds typical of rural Montana communities. Located in McCone County's remote rural landscape, Redwater School offers students the advantages of small-class personalized learning while serving a tight-knit community of 907 residents who value educational excellence in Big Sky Country.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 34 students, Redwater 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 8.5:1, Redwater 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, Redwater 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
View breakdown
View breakdown
Redwater School — Students at Redwater School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
55.9%
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: 6.8/10.
How Redwater School Compares
See how Redwater School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 54.5% (2019) to 54.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64.5% (2019) to 54.5% (2022).
Location
Box 99, Circle, MT 59215
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Redwater School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Bo Peep School (rated 8.5/10), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Redwater 7-8 (rated 7.7/10), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Circle High School (rated 6.5/10), a more accessible option. For more schools in Circle, see our Circle schools guide .
Nearby Schools
5 within 24.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bo Peep School Circle | 0.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Redwater 7-8 Circle | 0.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Circle High School Circle | 0.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Vida School Circle | 29.2 mi | 3.4 |
| Lindsay School Lindsay | 24.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59215 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,808
Median Home Value
$197,500
Median Rent
$545/mo
Population
1,025
College Educated
25.5%
Homeownership
78.8%
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Median Age
49.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Redwater School has a median household income of $84,808. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $197,500, with a median rent of $545/month. The local poverty rate of 5.1% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Redwater 7-8 Circle, MT | 7.7 |
| Seeley Lake 7-8 Seeley Lake, MT | 7.8 |
| Cayuse Prairie 7-8 Kalispell, MT | 7.5 |
| Fair-Mont-Egan Middle School Kalispell, MT | 8.1 |
| Hays-Lodge Pole 7-8 Hays, MT | 7.3 |
| Absarokee 6-8 Absarokee, MT | 7.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Redwater School
What grades does Redwater School serve?
Redwater School serves students in grades 4th through 6th.
How many students attend Redwater School?
Redwater School has an enrollment of approximately 34 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Redwater School?
The student-teacher ratio at Redwater School is 8.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Redwater School rank in MT?
Redwater School is ranked #106 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Redwater School's MySchoolScout rating?
Redwater School has a composite rating of 7.7 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 Redwater School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Redwater School has 57.8% math proficiency and 61.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Redwater School a charter school?
No, Redwater School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Redwater School a Title I school?
No, Redwater School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Redwater School?
55.9% of students at Redwater 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 4th – 6th
- Enrollment
- 34
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 4
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 55.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- McCone County
- Phone
- (406) 485-2140
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Circle Elem- District Enrollment
- 127
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,622
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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.
Read our full methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.