Serving 418 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paxson School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 35%). 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 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 418 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paxson School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Paxson School's student population of 418 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
418 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Rankings
Paxson School ranks within the top 5% of all 722 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paxson School is 0.38, 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
#27 out of 722 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
7%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
8%
6%
Black
3%
1%
White
78%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
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 Paxson School's ranking?
Paxson School is ranked #27 out of 722 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Paxson School often compared to?
Paxson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hellgate Elementary Lower Grades, Chief Charlo School, Rattlesnake Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MT state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Paxson School?
418 students attend Paxson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Paxson School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Paxson School?
Paxson School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Paxson School offer ?
Paxson School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paxson School part of?
Paxson School is part of Missoula Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Paxson School located?
Paxson School is located in the University District neighborhood of Missoula, MT. There are 1 other public schools located in University District.
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