Serving 235 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Kessler Elementary 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% 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: 235 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 14%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Kessler Elementary School serves the southwest part of Helena, MT, covering an area of approximately 116.8 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 17.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kessler Elementary School's student population of 235 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
235 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Kessler Elementary 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 Kessler Elementary School is 0.26, 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
#476 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
1%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
White
86%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 24-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 Kessler Elementary School's ranking?
Kessler Elementary School is ranked #476 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Kessler Elementary School?
235 students attend Kessler Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Kessler Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kessler Elementary School?
Kessler Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Kessler Elementary School offer ?
Kessler Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kessler Elementary School part of?
Kessler Elementary School is part of Helena Elementary School District.
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