The top reported proficiency rate is 21% in Science. The lowest is 0% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Evergreen Junior High
Evergreen Junior High serves grades five through eight within the Evergreen Elem district, located in Kalispell, the largest city in northwest Montana and the commercial center of Flathead County. Kalispell’s economy is driven by healthcare, lumber and agriculture processing, and tourism tied to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. The city has experienced rapid population growth, though the school district’s own enrollment has declined from an earlier peak, a trend the school board has discussed for its budgetary and programming implications. The school itself is a junior high building with identified infrastructure needs; a bond to fund repairs failed in a recent election, and as of early the following year the board was exploring options ranging from basic repairs to a full building replacement, potentially going back to voters.
The student body is small for a school covering four middle-grade levels. The vast majority of students are white, with a modest share identifying as Hispanic and a small share as American Indian or Alaska Native. Every student at this school qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, a universal rate that reflects the district’s economic demographics and the school’s Title I eligibility structure. This is a school where all families are eligible for meal support, which can simplify logistics for parents.
State testing data presents an incomplete picture for most subjects. In math and English language arts, the state reported a zero percent proficiency rate and a zero count of students tested, meaning no students were recorded as taking those assessments in the reported school year. A parent should follow up directly with the school to understand what happened with testing administration in those subjects. In science, where testing data was reported, a modest share of students scored at the proficient level. The comparison to other districts in Flathead County places the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades in the bottom quartile, a position that is clearly soft. Because the school serves grades five through eight, which are tested in Montana, the missing math and ELA scores are not explained by an untested grade band; further clarification from the district is warranted.
Program offerings were not available in the data provided, so it is not possible to describe what elective, career, or advanced coursework options exist for these middle school students. Course access and staffing information were also absent. A family interested in specific academic pathways or extracurriculars would need to ask the school directly.
Discipline data, chronic absenteeism rates, and special population counts for students with disabilities or English learners were not reported. The school does not have a graduation rate because it serves only middle school grades. Charter and magnet status are not applicable.
Housing in Kalispell’s area carries a substantial price tag. Typical home values are well above national and state benchmarks, and the median listing price in Flathead County has remained high. Rents are also elevated relative to income. For families considering relocating to this attendance area, the cost of housing is a significant factor, especially given that the school serves a student population where all families qualify for meal assistance.
Evergreen Junior High is a small, middle-grades school in a growing but expensive region, where the district has seen declining enrollment and has unresolved facility needs. State testing data is largely missing, and where reported, proficiency is well below the county median. Families who already live in the attendance zone or are considering this school should seek direct information from the district about testing administration, building conditions, and program offerings to form a complete picture.
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