Serving 487 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 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 487 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Ruder Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Columbia Falls, MT, covering approximately 2,682 square miles. The zone features a typical drive time of 20-30 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 43.1 miles to its edge and a maximum reach of 72.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ruder Elementary School's student population of 487 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
487 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
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 0.27, 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
#327 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
White
85%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.7%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. 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 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?
487 students attend Ruder Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Ruder Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 5% 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 14:1, 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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