Birney is a census-designated place in Rosebud County, Montana, United States. The population was 108 at the 2000 census. The post office was established in 1886.
Serving 8 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Birney School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 8 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1% in MT)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Birney School's student population of 8 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 1 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
8 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
School Rankings
The diversity score of Birney School is 0.48, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)<50%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)<50%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
12:1
American Indian
38%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
6%
Black
n/a
1%
White
62%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% MT state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% MT state average).
How many students attend Birney School?
8 students attend Birney School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Birney School students are White, and 38% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Birney School?
Birney School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Birney School offer ?
Birney School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Birney School part of?
Birney School is part of Birney Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Birney School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.
