Serving 180 students in grades 6-8, Shepherd Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 180 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Shepherd 7-8's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Shepherd, MT, covering approximately 236.8 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being nearly 19 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shepherd Middle School's student population of 180 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
180 students
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Rankings
Shepherd Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shepherd Middle School is 0.15, 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
#534 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
2%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
92%
76%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.6%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shepherd Middle School's ranking?
Shepherd Middle School is ranked #534 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Shepherd Middle School often compared to?
Shepherd Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Laurel Middle School, Medicine Crow Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Shepherd Middle School?
180 students attend Shepherd Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Shepherd Middle School students are White, 4% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shepherd Middle School?
Shepherd Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Shepherd Middle School offer ?
Shepherd Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shepherd Middle School part of?
Shepherd Middle School is part of Shepherd Elementary School District.
School Reviews
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