Serving 487 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Ruder Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 487 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ruder Elementary School's student population of 487 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
487 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
School Motto
Home of the Wildcats
School Rankings
Ruder Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ruder Elementary School is 0.27, which is less 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
#327 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
10%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
5%
7%
Black
n/a
1%
White
85%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Columbia Falls Elementary School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ruder Elementary School's ranking?
Ruder Elementary School is ranked #327 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Ruder Elementary School often compared to?
Ruder Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Glacier Gateway Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Ruder Elementary School?
487 students attend Ruder Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Ruder Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ruder Elementary School?
Ruder Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ruder Elementary School offer ?
Ruder Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ruder Elementary School part of?
Ruder Elementary School is part of Columbia Falls Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Ruder 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.
