Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District

School And Main
Chester, MT 59522
(District boundaries shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%

Top Rankings

Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Montana for:

Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 152 students in Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public pre schools in Montana.
Public Preschools in Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Black and American Indian), which is less than the Montana public preschool average of 24% (majority American Indian).

Overview

This School District
This State (MT)
# Schools
4 Schools
386 Schools
# Students
182 Students
63,004 Students
# Teachers
17 Teachers
4,688 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 332 school districts in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
This School District
State Average (MT)
#42 out of 350 school districts
(Top 20%)
46%
37%
55-59%
46%
20-29%
37%
(2022-23)
24.6%
35.9%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.09
0.41
% American Indian
1%
10%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
n/a
7%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
96%
76%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $15,253 in this school district is less than the state median of $15,500. The school district revenue/student has grown by 36% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $15,352 is less than the state median of $15,590. The school district spending/student has grown by 43% over four school years.
This School District
This State (MT)
Total Revenue
$3 MM
$2,285 MM
Spending
$3 MM
$2,298 MM
Revenue / Student
$15,253
$15,500
Spending / Student
$15,352
$15,590

Best Chester-Joplin-Inverness El School District Public Preschools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chester-joplin-inverness School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
101 School Street
Chester, MT 59522
(406) 759-5477
Gr: PK-6 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Sage Creek Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
494 South 1346 East
Chester, MT 59522
(406) 759-5477
Gr: PK-8 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: n/an/a
Hi-line Colony School
1262 Whitlash Rd
Chester, MT 59522
(406) 759-6302
Gr: PK-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 4 schools
  • Grades: PK-08
  • Enrollment: 182 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 4%
  • : Top 20% in MT
  • : 46% (Top 20%)
  • : 55-59% (Top 20%)
  • : 20-29% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education

Quick Links