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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

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 metrics
Student Progress6.9Above Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.2 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.2Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52%
Reading/ELA Proficiency57%
Overall Proficiency55%
Expected (poverty-adj.)36%
vs. Expected+18.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment6.7Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,776

Russell School — Students at Russell School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 48.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 57.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
57%

* 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.

Overall Score
7.5/10
79th percentile in MT
Academic
9.2/10
9.2/10
Growth
6.9/10
Above average
Environment
6.7/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
74 Very Walkable
Transit Score
42 Some Transit
Bike Score
72 Very Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,253/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Missoula). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Missoula Elem
District Enrollment
5,177
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,401
District Rank
#6 of 12

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 methodology

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