Serving 242 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Central School ranks in the top 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 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (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 21% 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: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 242 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Central School serves the southern part of Helena, MT, covering an area of approximately 18.4 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 7.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Central School's student population of 242 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
242 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central 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 School is 0.37, 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
#273 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
6%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
1%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
10%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
79%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.7%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
50%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
Showing 2013–2025. 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 School's ranking?
Central School is ranked #273 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Central School often compared to?
Central Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hawthorne School, Bryant School, Jefferson School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Central School?
242 students attend Central School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Central School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central School?
Central School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central School offer ?
Central School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central School part of?
Central School is part of Helena Elementary School District.
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