The top reported proficiency rate is 47% in English language arts. The lowest is 41% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Rossiter School
Rossiter School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Helena, Montana, as part of the Helena Elem district. It is a straightforward neighborhood elementary school, with an enrollment that makes it one of the larger elementary schools in the city by count of students. The school is not a charter or magnet, and its Title I status is not listed in the available data.
The school sits in Montana's state capital, a city with a mixed economy anchored by state government, healthcare, and education. Helena's downtown centers on a historic pedestrian mall at Last Chance Gulch, and the city is surrounded by national forest and parks, giving it an outdoor-oriented feel. Most residents commute by car, and the housing market reflects a stable, slow-growing economy. Home values in the area are above the national median, and rents are moderately high relative to income, suggesting a community where homeownership is attainable but not inexpensive for all. The city's population has grown modestly over time, consistent with its role as a government hub.
The student body at Rossiter is largely white, with a Hispanic population making up the next largest group, and smaller shares of Black, multiracial, and American Indian or Alaska Native students. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a measure of economic need that is relatively low compared to many public schools. No data on students with disabilities or English learners was reported in the available information, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about how those populations are served.
On state assessments administered in the 2023-24 school year, Rossiter's proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science were moderate in absolute terms. In math, about two out of every five students tested met the state's proficiency standard. In ELA, the share was slightly higher. In science, the proficiency rate was lower than in the other two subjects, with fewer than half of tested students reaching the bar. When compared to other school districts in Lewis and Clark County, Rossiter's overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quartile. This means that, among the handful of districts with comparable data, Rossiter's combined performance across tested subjects was on the lower end. For an elementary school, these results are one snapshot, and families may want to discuss the school's instructional approach and any support programs with the staff to understand how the school addresses these outcomes.
Because Rossiter serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report. No data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, or staffing was available. The district brief turned up no recent major changes or initiatives reported publicly, so the school appears to be operating without a notable recent shift in policy or facilities.
Rossiter School is a fit for families living in Helena who want a neighborhood public elementary school in a stable capital city with access to outdoor recreation and a government-centered economy. The student body is economically and racially less diverse than many urban districts, and the academic proficiency numbers are modest relative to the county. Parents who place a high priority on strong test performance may want to explore how the school supports struggling students and whether enrichment opportunities are available. The lack of detailed program and staffing data means that a direct conversation with the school would be the best way to fill in the picture.
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