Summary:
The city of Fortine, Montana is home to two small schools: Fortine School, an elementary school, and Fortine 7-8, a middle school. Both schools serve a student population that faces significant economic challenges, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. While the small student-teacher ratios at these schools could be a strength, their academic performance on standardized tests is generally below the state average.
Fortine School has a very small enrollment of just 44 students, and its statewide ranking has fluctuated over the past few years, ranging from 142nd out of 212 elementary schools in 2023-2024 to 302nd out of 401 in 2024-2025. Only 34.62% of students are proficient or better in English Language Arts, 19.23% in Mathematics, and 30% in Science. In contrast, Fortine 7-8 has an even smaller enrollment of 14 students, but its academic performance is more mixed, with 50% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts, but only 7.14% in Mathematics and 42.86% in Science.
Despite the challenges faced by these schools, their small student-teacher ratios of 8.6 at Fortine School and 6.6 at Fortine 7-8 could be a strength, providing more individualized attention and support for students. However, the overall performance and economic disadvantages of the student population suggest that the schools in Fortine, Montana, may require a comprehensive approach to address the unique needs of their community.
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