Ruder Elementary School

1500 12th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 546 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Ruder Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 546 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50% in MT
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 47% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education

School Overview

Ruder Elementary School's student population of 546 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has grown by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
546 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Home of the Wildcats

School Rankings

Ruder Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ruder Elementary School is 0.29, 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.
This School
State Level (MT)
#327 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
44%
37%
47%
46%
30-34%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
6%
6%
Black
n/a
1%
White
84%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.29
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruder Elementary School's ranking?
Ruder Elementary School is ranked #327 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Ruder Elementary School often compared to?
Ruder Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Glacier Gateway Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Ruder Elementary School?
546 students attend Ruder Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Ruder Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ruder Elementary School?
Ruder Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ruder Elementary School offer ?
Ruder Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ruder Elementary School part of?
Ruder Elementary School is part of Columbia Falls Elementary School District.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 546 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 47% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education

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