Serving 148 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Smith Valley Primary 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 12:1 is equal to the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 148 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Smith Valley Primary School's student population of 148 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
148 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Smith Valley Primary 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 Smith Valley Primary School is 0.17, 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)
40-59%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
1%
7%
Black
n/a
1%
White
91%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.2%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Storm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith Valley Primary School's ranking?
Smith Valley Primary School is ranked #534 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Smith Valley Primary School often compared to?
Smith Valley Primary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Valley 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 Smith Valley Primary School?
148 students attend Smith Valley Primary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Smith Valley Primary School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smith Valley Primary School?
Smith Valley Primary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Smith Valley Primary School offer ?
Smith Valley Primary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smith Valley Primary School part of?
Smith Valley Primary School is part of Smith Valley Elementary School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Amazing staff and students. Always room for improvement with the facility, but the environment absolutely makes up for it. Love our little school so much!!
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