Charles M. Russell High School is a public high school in Great Falls, Montana, in the United States. It is part of the Great Falls Public Schools system. It is one of two public high schools in the city, the other being Great Falls High School. The school opened on September 7, 1965, with about 1,400 students.
Serving 1,412 students in grades 9-12, C M Russell High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,412 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 20% in MT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: C M Russell High School serves the northwest part of Great Falls, MT, covering an expansive attendance area of approximately 279.6 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive time of 15-20 minutes to the school, with distances ranging from an average of 9.6 miles to the furthest edge at 17.3 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
C M Russell High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
C M Russell High School's student population of 1,412 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,412 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1965
School Calendar
School Rankings
C M Russell High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of C M Russell High School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#440 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
5%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
7%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
78%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90%
85.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)63.5%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and Gold
School Mascot
The Rustler
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C M Russell High School's ranking?
C M Russell High School is ranked #440 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are C M Russell High School often compared to?
C M Russell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Great Falls High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
What is the graduation rate of C M Russell High School?
The graduation rate of C M Russell High School is 90%, which is higher than the Montana state average of 85.5%.
How many students attend C M Russell High School?
1,412 students attend C M Russell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of C M Russell High School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of C M Russell High School?
C M Russell High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does C M Russell High School offer ?
C M Russell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is C M Russell High School part of?
C M Russell High School is part of Great Falls High School District.
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