The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in Science. The lowest is 0% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Jeannette Rankin Elementary Sc
Jeannette Rankin Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Kalispell, Montana, as part of the Kalispell Elem district. It is a regular public school, not a charter, and sits near the city’s airport on the south side of town. The school’s enrollment is moderate for an elementary building in this region, and the grade span covers the full early and elementary years.
State testing results for the most recent year are partial. In math and English language arts, the data show that no students were tested in those subjects, so no proficiency results are available for reading or math at this school. A parent who wants to understand how the school performs in those core areas will need to follow up directly with the school or district to learn about the assessment gaps. Science testing was reported, and the share of students scoring proficient or above was modest, placing the school’s overall academic performance in the bottom quarter among districts in Flathead County when all tested subjects are averaged together. Because the math and reading data are missing, it is difficult to get a full picture of academic achievement from state tests alone.
The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Hispanic students and students of two or more races, and a small presence of Native American, Asian, Black, and Pacific Islander students. Every student at the school qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting a high level of economic need. This qualifies Jeannette Rankin as a school serving a community with concentrated poverty, and federal Title I funding likely supports its programs. No data on students with disabilities or English learners were reported in the available information, so a parent interested in those supports should ask the school directly.
Kalispell is the largest city in northwest Montana and the commercial hub of Flathead County, with an economy anchored by healthcare, lumber and agriculture processing, and tourism tied to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. The city has been growing steadily, with population increases that make it one of the faster-growing communities in the state. Logan Health Medical Center is a major employer, and the city has a walkable downtown core with historic buildings and civic institutions such as the county courthouse and a history museum. Beyond downtown, the city is auto-oriented, typical for a western Montana community. Housing costs are high relative to national averages, and the market has been active, with a supply of homes that is tight by historical standards. Rents are also above the national median. Families moving into the area for work in healthcare or tourism may find housing options limited and expensive, which can affect which school a child attends.
No recent parent-relevant changes were found for the Kalispell Elem district, so the district appears stable in terms of operations and leadership over the past few years.
For a parent considering Jeannette Rankin Elementary, the central facts are that it is a high-poverty school in a growing, expensive housing market, with limited state testing data in the core subjects of reading and math. The school’s academic standing relative to other Flathead County elementary schools is on the lower end when science results are considered, and the missing math and reading data make it hard to gauge overall progress. Families who value direct communication with school staff about assessment practices and who are comfortable in a diverse-by-need environment may find this school works for them, but those seeking strong test-based academic indicators will want to investigate further. The school’s location in Kalispell offers access to the city’s amenities and nearby outdoor recreation, but the cost of living in the area is a significant factor for any family weighing a move.
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