Summary:
The 59255 zip code area in Montana is home to 4 schools - 1 elementary school, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school - all of which are performing significantly below the state averages on key metrics like test scores and statewide rankings. Despite relatively high per-student spending and low student-teacher ratios, the schools in this area are struggling to achieve acceptable academic outcomes.
The Poplar School, Poplar High School, Poplar 5-6 School, and Poplar 7-8 all have proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics that are well below the state averages. For example, in 2024-2025, the Poplar School had only 11.43% of students proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 43.09%. Similarly, the Poplar High School had very low proficiency rates on the ACT, with only 20.45% of 11th graders proficient or better in English, 4.44% in Math, and 4.44% in Science, compared to state averages of 54.99%, 31.25%, and 30.03% respectively.
Interestingly, all the schools in the 59255 zip code area have 100% of their students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a very high level of economic disadvantage in the student population. Despite the relatively high per-student spending, ranging from $14,787 to $15,601, and the generally lower student-teacher ratios, the schools are still struggling to achieve better academic results. This suggests that simply increasing funding may not be the sole solution, and that other factors, such as teacher quality, curriculum, and school leadership, may be more important in driving student success in this area.
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