Central School

1325 Poplar
Helena, MT 59601
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 284 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Central School ranks in the top 50% 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 40-44% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (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 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 284 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50% in MT
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Central School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Central School's student population of 284 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
284 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers

School Rankings

Central School ranks within the top 50% of all 722 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central School is 0.29, 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.
This School
State Level (MT)
#290 out of 722 schools
(Top 50%)
40-44%
35%
50-54%
46%
60-69%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
7%
6%
Black
1%
1%
White
84%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.29
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Central School's ranking?
Central School is ranked #290 out of 722 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Central School often compared to?
Central Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bryant School, Hawthorne School, Jefferson School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MT state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Central School?
284 students attend Central School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Central School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central School?
Central School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central School offer ?
Central School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central School part of?
Central School is part of Helena Elementary School District.

School Reviews

Review Central 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Is Your  School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Is Your School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 284 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education

Quick Links