Serving 415 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paxson School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 62% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is equal to the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 415 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Paxson School serves the northern part of Missoula, MT, covering an attendance area of approximately 5.8 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.8 miles to the school from the zone's edge, reaching up to 4.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paxson School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Paxson School's student population of 415 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
415 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Paxson 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 Paxson School is 0.41, which is more 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
#37 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
9%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
76%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2010–2025. 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 Paxson School's ranking?
Paxson School is ranked #37 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Paxson School often compared to?
Paxson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rattlesnake Elementary School, Hellgate Elementary Lower Grades, Chief Charlo School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Paxson School?
415 students attend Paxson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Paxson School students are White, 9% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paxson School?
Paxson School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Paxson School offer ?
Paxson School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paxson School part of?
Paxson School is part of Missoula Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Paxson School located?
Paxson School is located in the University District neighborhood of Missoula, MT. There are 1 other public schools located in University District.
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