Fairfield Elementary

The Fairfield Elementary School District in Montana consists of two schools: Fairfield Elementary School, serving grades PK-6, and Fairfield 7-8, serving grades 7-8. While Fairfield Elementary School is a standout, consistently ranking in the top 10-20% of elementary schools in Montana and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger in 2 out of the last 3 years, the middle school Fairfield 7-8 has a lower ranking, placing in the middle 50% of Montana middle schools.

Fairfield Elementary School has an enrollment of 172 students, with a predominantly white student population (94.77%). In contrast, Fairfield 7-8 has a more diverse student body, with 91.43% white, 2.86% Hispanic, 2.86% Asian, and 2.86% two or more races. The student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Elementary is 15.6, while Fairfield 7-8 has a significantly lower ratio of 5.9, which may suggest more individualized attention for students at the middle school level.

The significant difference in state-wide rankings between the elementary and middle school within the same district is noteworthy and could indicate a potential disconnect in the quality of education or transition between the two school levels. Further analysis and investigation into the factors contributing to these differences could help identify areas for improvement and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in the Fairfield Elementary School District.