Serving 292 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Smith School ranks in the top 20% 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 45-49% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 292 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Smith School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Smith School's student population of 292 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
292 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
School Rankings
Smith School ranks within the top 20% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Smith School is 0.46, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#134 out of 696 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
23%
6%
Black
2%
1%
White
70%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith School's ranking?
Smith School is ranked #134 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Smith School often compared to?
Smith Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Warren School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Smith School?
292 students attend Smith School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Smith School students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Smith School?
Smith School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Smith School offer ?
Smith School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smith School part of?
Smith School is part of Helena Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Smith 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

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.