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Below Average

#479 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

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Montana schools

#479 of 603

In Shepherd

#2 of 3

public schools

School environment

7.7 / 10

Very Good

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Shepherd High School

4.9/10

High School in Shepherd · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Shepherd Elementary

6.8/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Shepherd Middle School

4.7/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Shepherd High School

Shepherd High School is a public high school in Shepherd, MT, part of Shepherd H S. Shepherd High School serves approximately 244 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Shepherd High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #479 of 603 schools in MT.

Structured state assessment records for Shepherd High School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.2 pts below MT schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • MT avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

Shepherd High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.3Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-4.08 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency35% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-11.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness3.3Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84.5%
AP Participation7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.7Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,115
Chronic Absenteeism29.1%

Shepherd High School — Students at Shepherd High School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

27%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 38.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 57.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 24 test records from MT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
15%
ELA
44.5%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2018
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2019
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%

* 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: 4.3/10.

How Shepherd High School Compares

See how Shepherd High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
21th percentile in MT
Academic
5.1/10
Average
Growth
4.3/10
Below Average
Environment
7.7/10
Very Good
Sports
4
2 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
27%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.1%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics4sports offered
2 boys'·2 girls'·6 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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 7.2/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Worden), which scores notably higher. Another option is Skyview High School (rated 4.1/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Billings), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Lockwood High School (rated 3.5/10, 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 6.8
Shepherd Middle School Shepherd 0.0 mi 4.7
Pioneer School Billings 6.8 mi 4.4
Independent School Billings 8.6 mi 6.6
Beartooth School Billings 9.2 mi 5.2
Medicine Crow Middle School Billings 9.4 mi 6.0
Bitterroot School Billings 9.6 mi 5.1
Lockwood Intermediate Lockwood 10.9 mi 8.1
Lockwood Primary Lockwood 10.9 mi 6.2
Lockwood Middle School Lockwood 10.9 mi 5.8
Lockwood High School Lockwood 10.9 mi 3.5
Huntley Project Elem K-6 Worden 8.6 mi 6.3
Huntley Project High Schl Worden 8.7 mi 7.2
Huntley Project 7-8 Worden 8.7 mi 4.4
Bench School Billings 10.7 mi 4.3
Sandstone School Billings 11.0 mi 6.0
Castle Rock Middle School Billings 11.2 mi 5.2
Skyview High School Billings 11.2 mi 4.1
Alkali Creek School Billings 11.9 mi 6.2
Eagle Cliffs Elementary Billings 11.8 mi 7.5

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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Broadwater High School Townsend, MT 4.9
Powell County High School Deer Lodge, MT 5.0
Harlem High School Harlem, MT 4.7
Roundup H S Roundup, MT 5.2
Three Forks High School Three Forks, MT 5.3
Whitehall High School Whitehall, MT 5.3

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 ranks #479 of 603 schools in MT.

What is Shepherd High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Shepherd High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Shepherd High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Shepherd High School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
17 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.1%
4-Year Graduation
84.5%

District

Shepherd H S
District Enrollment
244
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,115
District Rank
#1 of 1

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