Serving 374 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Rita Murphy Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 29% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 374 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 26%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in ND
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
School Overview
Rita Murphy Elementary School's student population of 374 students has declined by 38% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
374 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Rankings
Rita Murphy Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 461 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rita Murphy Elementary School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#254 out of 461 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
6%
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
5%
7%
Black
3%
5%
White
74%
71%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
26%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rita Murphy Elementary School's ranking?
Rita Murphy Elementary School is ranked #254 out of 461 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What schools are Rita Murphy Elementary School often compared to?
Rita Murphy Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pioneer Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
How many students attend Rita Murphy Elementary School?
374 students attend Rita Murphy Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Rita Murphy Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Rita Murphy Elementary School?
Rita Murphy Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 11:1.
What grades does Rita Murphy Elementary School offer ?
Rita Murphy Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Rita Murphy Elementary School part of?
Rita Murphy Elementary School is part of Bismarck 1 School District.
School Reviews
Review Rita Murphy 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

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.