Serving 17 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Fort Smith School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 17 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MT
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: The Fort Smith School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Hardin, MT, encompassing approximately 2,871.2 square miles. Families can expect typical drive times of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 31.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone and some areas reaching up to 63.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Fort Smith School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Fort Smith School's student population of 17 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
17 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Fort Smith School ranks within the top 30% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fort Smith School is 0.00, 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
#159 out of 696 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
12:1
American Indian
100%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
7%
Black
n/a
1%
White
n/a
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)64.7%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Smith School's ranking?
Fort Smith School is ranked #159 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Montana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Fort Smith School?
17 students attend Fort Smith School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Fort Smith School students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Smith School?
Fort Smith School has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Fort Smith School offer ?
Fort Smith School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fort Smith School part of?
Fort Smith School is part of Hardin Elementary School District.
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