The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 13% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Stevensville 7-8
Stevensville 7-8 is a middle school serving seventh and eighth graders in the small Bitterroot Valley community of Stevensville, Montana. It operates under the Stevensville Elem district, which includes the elementary grades, while high school students attend a separate school. Because this school covers only two grades, the enrollment is modest, and the student body is overwhelmingly white, with a small Hispanic population and a slightly larger group of students who identify as two or more races. About half of the students come from households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a share that aligns with the economic profile of many rural Montana communities.
On the most recent state assessments administered in the 2023-24 school year, Stevensville 7-8 posted proficiency rates that sit well below the midpoint of its peer districts in Ravalli County. In math, roughly one in six students scored at a proficient or advanced level. In English language arts, about a third of students met that bar. Science results were lower still, with roughly one in eight students reaching proficiency. Across all tested subjects, the school’s combined proficiency index placed it in the bottom quarter of Ravalli County districts. A parent considering this school may want to look into the specific instructional supports and interventions available for students who are not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks, particularly in math and science.
No data was provided on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, or course access, so it is not possible to assess those dimensions of the school environment from this record. The grade band also means there is no graduation rate to report, as middle schools do not confer diplomas. The school is a traditional public school that is not a charter or magnet; its Title I status was not reported.
The housing market in the Stevensville area reflects the broader pressures seen across western Montana. Home values are notably higher than both the state and national medians, with the typical home priced well above what the national median household income can support. The most recent data show a modest year-over-year dip in home values, though they remain elevated. For families moving into the district, the cost of housing is a significant consideration, and the local rental market has also seen sustained increases in recent years. No recent public records were found indicating major new housing developments or population growth shifts that would alter the character of the community.
The district itself has no recent publicly reported changes of the kind that would reshape school operations, such as a bond measure, boundary redesign, or program overhaul. That leaves Stevensville 7-8 as a relatively stable middle school option within a small, established district. For a family weighing this school, the main considerations are the academic achievement levels, which are low relative to county peers, and the demographic and economic context of the community. The school’s size means students receive more individualized attention than in a large middle school, but the testing results suggest that a substantial share of students need additional support to reach state standards. A parent would benefit from discussing with the school how it addresses those gaps, what interventions are in place, and how it prepares students for the transition to high school.
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