Average
#458 of 603 schools in MT
Saco School
Elementary School · Saco Elem
Box 298, Saco, MT 59261
Enrollment
30
Student-Teacher
7.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
30
Student-Teacher
7.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Montana schools
#458 of 603
School environment
9.8 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Saco School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Saco School
Elementary School in Saco · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Saco 7-8
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Saco High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Saco School
Saco School is a public elementary school in Saco, MT, part of Saco Elem. Saco School serves approximately 30 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 7.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Saco School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #458 of 603 schools in MT.
Structured state assessment records for Saco School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.1 · Average
- MT avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 30 students, Saco School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
At 7.5:1 students to teachers, Saco School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Saco School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Saco School — Students at Saco School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 26 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: 3.5/10.
How Saco School Compares
See how Saco School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
Box 298, Saco, MT 59261
Nearby Schools
8 within 24.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Saco 7-8 Saco | 0.0 mi | — |
| Saco High School Saco | 0.0 mi | — |
| Hinsdale School Hinsdale | 12.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Hinsdale 7-8 Hinsdale | 12.8 mi | — |
| Hinsdale High School Hinsdale | 12.8 mi | — |
| Whitewater School Whitewater | 24.6 mi | — |
| Whitewater High School Whitewater | 24.6 mi | — |
| Whitewater 6-8 Whitewater | 24.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59261 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,833
Median Home Value
$163,900
Median Rent
$554/mo
Population
496
College Educated
22.9%
Homeownership
79.1%
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Median Age
55.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dodson School Dodson, MT | 5.0 |
| Miami School Conrad, MT | 4.8 |
| Lavina Elementary Lavina, MT | 4.7 |
| BLODGETT VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hamilton, MT | 4.6 |
| Dixon Elementary Dixon, MT | 5.6 |
| Winnett School Winnett, MT | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saco School
What grades does Saco School serve?
Saco School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Saco School?
Saco School has an enrollment of approximately 30 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Saco School?
The student-teacher ratio at Saco School is 7.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Saco School rank in MT?
Saco School ranks #458 of 603 schools in MT.
What is Saco School's MySchoolScout rating?
Saco School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Saco School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Saco School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Saco School a charter school?
No, Saco School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Saco School a Title I school?
No, Saco School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Saco School?
76.7% of students at Saco 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 30
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 7.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 4
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Phillips County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 16.7%
- Phone
- (406) 527-3531
Resources & Links
District
Saco Elem- District Enrollment
- 35
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $27,132
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet 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.