Serving 503 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, West 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 39% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 503 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Elementary School serves the northwest part of Butte, MT, within an attendance area of approximately 4.6 square miles, where most parents can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is about 1.4 miles, with the furthest point being 2.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Elementary School's student population of 503 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
503 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
School Rankings
West 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 West Elementary School is 0.30, 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
#299 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
37%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
46%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
1%
Showing 2004–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
White
83%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
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)32.6%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
50%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
Showing 2006–2025. 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 West Elementary School's ranking?
West Elementary School is ranked #299 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are West Elementary School often compared to?
West Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kennedy School, Ramsay School, Hillcrest School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend West Elementary School?
503 students attend West Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of West Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Elementary School?
West Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does West Elementary School offer ?
West Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Elementary School part of?
West Elementary School is part of Butte Elementary School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I would never recomend West Elementary to anyone. The staff there seem to be blind to the contant bullying going on there. My grand child is small for her age and gets beat up, held down, verbally abused and tormented in several physical ways, etc. in the school every day. Things are thrown at her in class. The teacher ignors this. She can't even get to her ride after school. She was physically held against her will, in the doorway, by a large girl and tormented by another before she was released and allowed to go. Where are the staff? Why are they not at the doors, on the playground, in the halls, watching these students? She was slapped in the hall, punched in the stomach, etc. The last school my grand child went to had a zero tolerance policy on bullying. These bullies would have been expelled long ago. My grand child hates West. It's a struggle to get her to school every day because she knows someone will punch her, etc. She's depressed and lonely. I think that West is a bottom of the barrel school and I'm sure you won't have the nerve to post this on your website.
5 10/10/2025
West is the best. The principle is great.
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