The top reported proficiency rate is 71% in Math. The lowest is 61% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Jeannette Rankin El
Jeannette Rankin Elementary is a public school serving preschool through fifth grade in the Missoula Elem district, located in a south Missoula residential area near the base of the Bitterroot Mountains. The school sits within Missoula County, a mid-sized university city that blends a lively downtown, extensive parklands and trails, and the large University of Montana campus. The local economy has shifted from its lumber-industry past to education, healthcare, government services, and a growing craft beverage sector.
Academically, Jeannette Rankin stands out as a strong performer. In the most recent state assessments, the school posted proficiency rates in math and English language arts that place it in the top quartile of schools relative to the set of districts in Missoula County. Science proficiency was also solid. For a family focused on foundational academic skills in elementary grades, these results signal a school where the majority of students are meeting state benchmarks. The district recently adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum based on the science of reading, which began in the 2023-24 school year, and this pedagogical shift may continue to shape instruction in the years ahead.
The student body is predominantly white, with small shares of Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, and multiracial students. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a moderate range of household incomes. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports. The school is mid-sized for its elementary grade band, with a typical elementary enrollment structure.
Housing in the area is expensive relative to national averages, reflecting Missoula’s desirability as a place to live. Home values and rents in the school’s zip code are above the national median, and Missoula’s steady population growth has kept the market tight. The city has seen a gradual transition from a lumber-based economy to a knowledge- and service-oriented one, anchored by the university and two hospitals. For a family considering relocating, the cost of entry is notable, but the community offers walkable downtown amenities, riverfront parks, and outdoor recreation access.
At the district level, voters approved an elementary general fund levy in 2024 that generates ongoing funding for student mental health, class size reduction, and curriculum. A similar levy had failed the year before, so the approved measure reflects a community investment in these priorities. The district also developed a strategic plan for 2025-2030 focused on academic excellence, whole-child wellness, and community engagement.
Because Jeannette Rankin serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data was not available. The school also does not have published data on discipline or staffing ratios. These gaps are common for elementary schools that are not yet part of a larger K-12 accountability set, but a parent may wish to follow up with the school or district for details on class sizes and student support services.
For a family seeking a high-performing elementary school in a mid-sized university city with strong outdoor and cultural amenities, Jeannette Rankin presents a solid academic starting point. The school’s test results are among the strongest in the county, and the surrounding community provides a lively, walkable setting with steady growth and a service-based economy. The higher housing costs are part of the trade-off for living in a desirable mountain-west city.
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