Serving 367 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Rita Murphy Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is equal to the North Dakota state average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 367 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in ND
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
School Overview
Rita Murphy Elementary School's student population of 367 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
367 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Rita Murphy Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 449 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rita Murphy Elementary School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#273 out of 449 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
10:1
American Indian
6%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
7%
8%
Black
3%
5%
White
70%
70%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
27%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Bismarck 1 School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rita Murphy Elementary School's ranking?
Rita Murphy Elementary School is ranked #273 out of 449 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What schools are Rita Murphy Elementary School often compared to?
Rita Murphy Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pioneer Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
How many students attend Rita Murphy Elementary School?
367 students attend Rita Murphy Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Rita Murphy Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rita Murphy Elementary School?
Rita Murphy Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 10:1.
What grades does Rita Murphy Elementary School offer ?
Rita Murphy Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Rita Murphy Elementary School part of?
Rita Murphy Elementary School is part of Bismarck 1 School District.
School Reviews
Review Rita Murphy Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
