Best Public Schools in Gildford, MT

The city of Gildford, Montana is home to two elementary schools, North Star School and Gildford Colony School, which serve students from the North Star Elementary and Gildford Colony Elementary districts, respectively.

Gildford Colony School stands out as an exceptional performer, consistently ranking in the top 20% of Montana elementary schools and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. With a small student population of just 15 and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 7.5, the school's unique 100% white student racial makeup may contribute to its success. In contrast, North Star School has had more fluctuating rankings, ranging from the top 28% to the bottom 40% of Montana elementary schools, with a 2-star rating in the 2022-2023 school year. However, North Star School has a larger student population of 114 and a more diverse student racial makeup, with 88.6% white, 7.02% Hispanic, and 3.51% two or more races.

The data suggests that the small, homogeneous student population and low student-to-teacher ratio at Gildford Colony School may be key factors in its exceptional performance, while the fluctuating performance of North Star School raises questions about the potential challenges it faces. The stark contrast in racial makeup between the two schools also prompts consideration of the potential impact of racial homogeneity on educational outcomes, and whether a more diverse student population could bring additional benefits to the Gildford community.