Serving 272 students in grades 3-5, Central Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 272 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Sidney, MT, covering approximately 207.2 square miles, with typical drives of 15-20 minutes and an average distance of about 9.8 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 21 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Elementary School's student population of 272 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
272 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Motto
Learn Today, Thrive Tomorrow
School Rankings
Central Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Elementary School is 0.33, 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
#327 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
White
81%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Elementary School's ranking?
Central Elementary School is ranked #327 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
272 students attend Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Central Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central Elementary School offer ?
Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Elementary School part of?
Central Elementary School is part of Sidney Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
