Very Good
#125 of 603 schools in MT
Top 21% in state
Russell School
Elementary School · Missoula Elem
909 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59801
Enrollment
385
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
385
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Missoula
#11 of 24
public schools
Montana elementary schools
#77 of 319
In district
#6 of 12
Missoula Elem
Academic performance
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Russell School
Russell School serves 385 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Missoula, Montana, offering a supportive elementary education environment with a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio and 29 full-time equivalent teachers. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a 7.5 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking 74th out of 605 Montana schools, placing it in the 88th percentile statewide. Students at Russell School show solid achievement across core subjects, with 57% performing at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and reading, and 52% reaching proficiency in mathematics.
These results reflect the dedicated work of both educators and families in supporting student learning and growth. The school draws from a diverse community in the 59801 zip code area, where the median household income is $51,494 and nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood's median home value of $354,900 reflects Missoula's desirable location, though the area also serves families across various economic backgrounds, with 18.6% of residents experiencing poverty.
Russell School is situated in Missoula's small city setting, providing students with both educational opportunities and access to the cultural and outdoor recreational amenities that make this Montana community an appealing place for families.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Russell School — Students at Russell School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
59.2%
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: 6.9/10.
How Russell School Compares
See how Russell School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 52% (2019) to 52% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
909 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59801
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Russell School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Chief Charlo School (rated 8.6/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Paxson School (rated 8.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Lowell School (rated 8.1/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Missoula, see our Missoula schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GARDEN CITY MONTESSORI Missoula | 0.1 mi | — |
| BRIGHTWAYS GLOBAL ACADEMY Missoula | 0.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Sentinel High School Missoula | 0.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Washington Middle School Missoula | 0.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Lewis & Clark School Missoula | 0.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Franklin School Missoula | 1.4 mi | 5.7 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Missoula | 1.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Meadow Hill Middle School Missoula | 1.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Paxson School Missoula | 1.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Porter Middle School Missoula | 1.3 mi | 5.0 |
| LOYOLA SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL Missoula | 1.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Chief Charlo School Missoula | 1.7 mi | 8.6 |
| MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Missoula | 1.9 mi | 7.9 |
| SUSSEX SCHOOL Missoula | 1.9 mi | 6.9 |
| VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Missoula | 1.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Hellgate High School Missoula | 1.8 mi | 7.8 |
| FIRST LUTHERAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL Missoula | 1.6 mi | — |
| LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST ACADEMY Missoula | 1.9 mi | — |
| Lowell School Missoula | 2.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Big Sky High School Missoula | 2.0 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59801 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,022
Median Home Value
$393,400
Median Rent
$1,086/mo
Population
31,127
College Educated
51.4%
Homeownership
40.8%
Avg Commute
15.2 min
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Median Age
31.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Russell School has a median household income of $55,022. It is a well-educated community where 51% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $393,400, with a median rent of $1,086/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.6%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 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 |
|---|---|
| Central School Helena, MT | 7.5 |
| Fred W Graff School Laurel, MT | 7.5 |
| Lewis & Clark School Missoula, MT | 7.5 |
| West Side Elementary Sidney, MT | 7.5 |
| Ridge View Elementary Belgrade, MT | 7.4 |
| Beartooth School Billings, MT | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Russell School
What grades does Russell School serve?
Russell School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Russell School?
Russell School has an enrollment of approximately 385 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Russell School?
The student-teacher ratio at Russell 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 Russell School rank in MT?
Russell School is ranked #125 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Russell School's MySchoolScout rating?
Russell School has a composite rating of 7.5 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 Russell School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Russell School has 48.7% math proficiency and 57.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Russell School a charter school?
No, Russell School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Russell School a Title I school?
No, Russell School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Russell School?
59.2% of students at Russell 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
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 385
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 59.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Missoula County
- Phone
- (406) 542-4080
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Missoula Elem- District Enrollment
- 5,177
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,401
- District Rank
- #6 of 12
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.