The top reported proficiency rate is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Vaughn 7-8
Vaughn 7-8 is a public school in rural Cascade County, Montana, serving only seventh and eighth grades. It is part of the Vaughn Elem district, a small PK-8 system. The school sits in the unincorporated community of Vaughn, a census-designated place with no formal municipal government, located roughly a ten-mile drive west of Great Falls along U.S. Highway 89. The area is agricultural and low-density, populated by farmers and ranchers, with scattered residential properties and large rural lots. The Sun River runs nearby, and natural amenities such as Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge and First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park are close. There is no downtown, no commercial district of note, and no public transit. Residents typically commute to Great Falls for employment and services.
Enrollment is very small, with a total student body in the low double digits. Demographically, the student population is predominantly white, with a modest share of students identifying as two or more races and a single Hispanic student. Every student in the school qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a high-poverty environment. No data was available on special education identification or English learner status. Class sizes are necessarily tiny, which can allow for individualized attention but also limits the range of peer interaction and course offerings.
State testing outcomes present a significant concern. In the most recent year for which data is reported, math and reading proficiency rates were reported at zero percent. The number of test-takers for those subjects was also reported as zero, an anomaly that may reflect data suppression or very small group sizes, though the state did report a figure. Science results were suppressed for privacy, with a small number of students tested. The school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects, as measured by a composite index, placed it in the bottom quarter among districts in Cascade County. A parent considering this school should investigate how instruction and academic support are structured for such a small group, and whether any intervention or enrichment programs are in place. The school’s website and district office would be the best sources for current academic plans, curriculum details, and any recent changes.
No program offerings were available in the data, so it is unclear whether students have access to electives, career exploration, or advanced coursework. The school serves only middle grades, so there is no graduation rate. Staffing, discipline, and attendance figures were also not provided.
Housing values in Vaughn's ZIP code are roughly in line with national norms, though below the statewide average for Montana. The community has seen modest population growth over the past several years. The combination of a very small school, rural setting, high poverty concentration, and low measured academic performance means this school fits a family who values a close-knit, low-ratio environment in an agricultural area and who is prepared to be highly engaged in monitoring academic progress. Families seeking a wider range of peer groups, programs, or stronger test scores would likely look to options in nearby Great Falls.
See more original research from School Decision →