Average
#479 of 603 schools in MT
Shepherd Middle School
Middle School · Shepherd Elem
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Enrollment
200
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
200
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Shepherd
#2 of 3
public schools
Montana middle schools
#109 of 143
In district
#2 of 2
Shepherd Elem
About Shepherd Middle School
Shepherd Middle School, located in Shepherd, Montana, serves students in grades six through eight. With a total enrollment of 200 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.4:1, the school provides individualized attention to each student. The dedicated team includes 13 full-time equivalent teachers who work closely with students focusing on their development.
Academically, Shepherd Middle School currently ranks at #471 out of 605 schools in Montana, placing it around the 22nd percentile overall. In reading and English language arts, 42% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 30% meet proficiency standards. The school is committed to continuous improvement and offers a supportive environment for academic growth.
Shepherd Middle School is situated in a rural area, offering its students a close-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other. This setting provides a nurturing and familiar space for middle schoolers as they navigate their educational journey.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Shepherd Middle 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Shepherd Middle School — Students at Shepherd Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38.5%
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: 5.7/10.
How Shepherd Middle School Compares
See how Shepherd Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 27% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 37% (2022).
Location
Box 8, Shepherd, MT 59079
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Shepherd Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Huntley Project 7-8 (rated 6.0/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Worden), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Castle Rock Middle School (rated 5.8/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Billings), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Lockwood Middle School (rated 5.7/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Lockwood), which scores slightly higher. 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 High 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 Middle 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 Middle School Cut Bank, MT | 5.2 |
| Edna Thomas School Corvallis, MT | 4.8 |
| Florence-Carlton 6-8 Florence, MT | 5.4 |
| Lewistown 7-8 Lewistown, MT | 5.4 |
| Sleeping Giant Middle Sch Livingston, MT | 4.7 |
| Dillon Middle School Dillon, MT | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shepherd Middle School
What grades does Shepherd Middle School serve?
Shepherd Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Shepherd Middle School?
Shepherd Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 200 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Shepherd Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Shepherd Middle School is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Shepherd Middle School rank in MT?
Shepherd Middle School is ranked #479 out of 603 schools in MT.
What is Shepherd Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Shepherd Middle 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 Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Shepherd Middle School has 30.3% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Shepherd Middle School a charter school?
No, Shepherd Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Shepherd Middle School a Title I school?
No, Shepherd Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Shepherd Middle School?
38.5% of students at Shepherd Middle 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
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 200
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Yellowstone County
- Phone
- (406) 373-5873
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Shepherd Elem- District Enrollment
- 571
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,165
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
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.
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