For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 300 students in Custer County, ID.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Custer County, ID are Stanley Elem/jr High School, Challis Elementary School and Mackay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Custer County, ID public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Idaho public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 54% statewide average). Elementary schools in Custer County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Idaho public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public elementary school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Custer County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Stanley Elem/jr High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
Airport Road
Stanley, ID 83278
(208) 774-3503
Stanley, ID 83278
(208) 774-3503
Gr: K-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #22.
Challis Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
950 Bluff Avenue
Challis, ID 83226
(208) 879-2439
Challis, ID 83226
(208) 879-2439
Gr: PK-6 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Mackay Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 East Spruce Street
Mackay, ID 83251
(208) 588-2834
Mackay, ID 83251
(208) 588-2834
Gr: PK-6 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Custer County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Po Box 304
Challis, ID 83226
(208) 879-5063
Challis, ID 83226
(208) 879-5063
Gr: 6-8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Hc 67 - Box 586
Clayton, ID 83227
(208) 838-2244
Clayton, ID 83227
(208) 838-2244
Gr: K-5 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Custer County, ID?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Custer County, ID include Stanley Elem/jr High School, Challis Elementary School and Mackay Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Custer County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Custer County.
What is the racial composition of students in Custer County?
Custer County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public elementary schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.