Box Elder is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hill County in the U.S. state of Montana. The population was only 87 people at the 2010 census.
Serving 58 students in grades 7-8, Box Elder 7-8 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 ≤10% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 58 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Box Elder 7-8's student population of 58 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has grown by 40% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
58 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Rankings
Box Elder 7-8 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 Box Elder 7-8 is 0.00, 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
#673 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
12:1
American Indian
100%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
6%
Black
n/a
1%
White
n/a
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
16%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Box Elder 7-8's ranking?
Box Elder 7-8 is ranked #673 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Box Elder 7-8?
58 students attend Box Elder 7-8.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Box Elder 7-8 students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Box Elder 7-8?
Box Elder 7-8 has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Box Elder 7-8 offer ?
Box Elder 7-8 offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Box Elder 7-8 part of?
Box Elder 7-8 is part of Box Elder Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Box Elder 7-8. 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.
