Serving 418 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paxson School ranks in the top 10% 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 62% (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 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 Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 418 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 62% (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 10% of all 696 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
#37 out of 696 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
37%
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 #37 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Paxson School often compared to?
Paxson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rattlesnake Elementary School, Hellgate Elementary Lower Grades, Chief Charlo School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% 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 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.
School Reviews
Review Paxson 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
