Serving 88 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Fort Shaw Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-59% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 88 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Fort Shaw Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Simms, MT, covering approximately 247.5 square miles. Families typically face a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located 15.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Fort Shaw Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Fort Shaw Elementary School's student population of 88 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
88 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
The mission of the Sun River Valley School District is to provide a sound and comprehensive education.
School Rankings
Fort Shaw Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fort Shaw Elementary School is 0.27, 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
#64 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
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
1%
1%
Showing 2000–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
7%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
85%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52.3%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
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 Fort Shaw Elementary School's ranking?
Fort Shaw Elementary School is ranked #64 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Fort Shaw Elementary School?
88 students attend Fort Shaw Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Fort Shaw Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Shaw Elementary School?
Fort Shaw Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Fort Shaw Elementary School offer ?
Fort Shaw Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fort Shaw Elementary School part of?
Fort Shaw Elementary School is part of Sun River Valley Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Fort Shaw 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
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
