Denton Elementary

The Denton Elementary district in Montana consists of two schools: Denton School, an elementary school, and Denton 6-8, a middle school. While the middle school, Denton 6-8, is a standout performer with impressive test scores and a low student-teacher ratio, the elementary school, Denton School, has a more mixed academic record with fluctuating rankings and below-average test scores.

Denton 6-8 is ranked 9th out of 222 Montana middle schools for the 2024-2025 school year, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school boasts exceptional test scores, with 71.43% of students proficient or better in both English Language Arts and Mathematics, significantly outperforming the district and state averages. Additionally, Denton 6-8 has a very low student-teacher ratio of 2.4, suggesting a high level of individualized attention for students.

In contrast, the performance of Denton School, the elementary school, has been more inconsistent. Its statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, from 5th in 2021-2022 to 274th in 2024-2025. The school's test scores are below the district and state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Furthermore, Denton School has a higher free/reduced lunch rate of 44.44%, indicating a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged students. These factors suggest that the elementary school may be facing challenges in maintaining consistent academic performance and addressing the needs of its student population.