Serving 277 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Ponderosa School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is higher than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ponderosa School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Ponderosa School's student population of 277 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
277 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Motto
Billings Public Schools Community Strives to Inspire, Educate and Empower Students to be Responsible and Innovative Global Citizens who Achieve Their Full Potential.
School Rankings
Ponderosa School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ponderosa School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#644 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
19%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
19%
7%
Black
3%
1%
White
52%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Billings Elementary School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ponderosa School's ranking?
Ponderosa School is ranked #644 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Ponderosa School often compared to?
Ponderosa Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rose Park School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Ponderosa School?
277 students attend Ponderosa School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Ponderosa School students are White, 19% of students are American Indian, 19% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ponderosa School?
Ponderosa School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ponderosa School offer ?
Ponderosa School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ponderosa School part of?
Ponderosa School is part of Billings Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Ponderosa School located?
Ponderosa School is located in the Southwest Corridor neighborhood of Billings, MT. There are 2 other public schools located in Southwest Corridor.
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