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 Facts (2025-26)
- 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 Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Our vision is to promote academic excellence in a respectful, caring community where students are prepared to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
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
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
