Average
#480 of 603 schools in MT
Shepherd High School
High School · Shepherd H S
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Enrollment
244
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
5.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
244
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
5.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Shepherd
#3 of 3
public schools
Montana high schools
#110 of 141
School environment
7.4 / 10
Strong
About Shepherd High School
Shepherd High School is a regular public high school located in the rural community of Shepherd, Montana. Serving grades 9 through 12, the school has an enrollment of 244 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.8:1 with 19 full-time equivalent teachers. Shepherd High School ranks #361 out of 605 schools in Montana according to MySchoolScout's state ranking system, placing it at the 40th percentile.
The school’s academic performance scores are rated a 4.6 out of 10, with 40% of students proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 27% proficient or above in Math. While Shepherd High School has room for academic growth, it offers a supportive learning environment with dedicated teachers who work closely with students to foster their development. The rural setting provides a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, contributing to a strong sense of belonging among students.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Shepherd High 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
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Shepherd High School — Students at Shepherd High School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
27%
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: 6.0/10.
How Shepherd High School Compares
See how Shepherd High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 34.5% (2019) to 24.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 44.5% (2019) to 44.5% (2022).
Location
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Shepherd High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Huntley Project High Schl (rated 6.6/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Worden), which scores notably higher. Another option is Skyview High School (rated 4.7/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Billings), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Lockwood High School (rated 3.6/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Lockwood), a more accessible option. For more schools in Shepherd, see our Shepherd schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shepherd Elementary Shepherd | 0.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Shepherd Middle School Shepherd | 0.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Pioneer School Billings | 6.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Independent School Billings | 8.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Beartooth School Billings | 9.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Medicine Crow Middle School Billings | 9.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Bitterroot School Billings | 9.6 mi | 3.6 |
| Lockwood Intermediate Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Lockwood Primary Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Lockwood Middle School Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Lockwood High School Lockwood | 10.9 mi | 3.6 |
| Huntley Project Elem K-6 Worden | 8.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Huntley Project High Schl Worden | 8.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Huntley Project 7-8 Worden | 8.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Bench School Billings | 10.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Sandstone School Billings | 11.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Castle Rock Middle School Billings | 11.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Skyview High School Billings | 11.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Alkali Creek School Billings | 11.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Eagle Cliffs Elementary Billings | 11.8 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 59079 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,851
Median Home Value
$350,400
Median Rent
$1,516/mo
Population
3,893
College Educated
23.4%
Homeownership
96%
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
45.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Shepherd High School has a median household income of $65,851. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $350,400, with a median rent of $1,516/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% 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 |
|---|---|
| Cut Bank High School Cut Bank, MT | 5.1 |
| Lame Deer High School Lame Deer, MT | 5.1 |
| Three Forks High School Three Forks, MT | 5.1 |
| Beaverhead Co High School Dillon, MT | 5.0 |
| Columbus High School Columbus, MT | 4.8 |
| Libby High School Libby, MT | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shepherd High School
What grades does Shepherd High School serve?
Shepherd High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Shepherd High School?
Shepherd High School has an enrollment of approximately 244 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Shepherd High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Shepherd High School is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Shepherd High School rank in MT?
Shepherd High School is ranked #480 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Shepherd High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Shepherd High School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Shepherd High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Shepherd High School has 27.0% math proficiency and 40.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Shepherd High School a charter school?
No, Shepherd High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Shepherd High School a Title I school?
No, Shepherd High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Shepherd High School?
27.0% of students at Shepherd High 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 (484/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 244
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 27.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Yellowstone County
- Phone
- (406) 373-5300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Shepherd H S- District Enrollment
- 244
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,115
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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