Jefferson School

Summary:

Jefferson School is a high-performing elementary school serving grades PK-5 in the Helena Elementary School District, with 253 students. This school consistently ranks among the top 5 elementary schools in Montana, outperforming the district and state averages in academic achievement.

Jefferson School's academic performance is truly exceptional. In the 2022-2023 school year, 67.41% of students were proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to 41.42% for the Helena Elementary district and 36.59% for the state of Montana. In Reading, 77.04% of Jefferson students were proficient or better, compared to 52% for the district and 46.03% for the state. The school also excels in Science, with 72.09% of students proficient or better, compared to 51.58% for the district and 37.03% for the state. This consistent academic excellence has earned Jefferson School a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and a ranking among the top 5-11 elementary schools in Montana for the past several years.

While Jefferson School has a higher percentage of white students (88.14%) compared to nearby schools, which range from 67.7% to 88.49% white students, the school still maintains a diverse student population. Additionally, the school's spending per student ($8,249 in 2018-2019) is lower than some of the nearby schools, such as Hawthorne School ($10,470) and Central School ($9,700), suggesting that the school is able to achieve its high academic performance with relatively lower per-student spending.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

1023 Broadway
Helena, MT 59601

(406) 324-2060

District: Helena Elementary

SchoolDigger Rank:
5^th of 332 Montana Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,437

Students who attend Jefferson School usually attend:

Middle:	Helena Middle School
High:	Helena High School

Student/teacher ratio: 17.5

Number of students: 247

Racial breakdown:

White:

86.6%

Hispanic:

7.7%

Two or more races:

2.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 11.3%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Jefferson School ranks better than 98.5% of elementary schools in Montana. It also ranks first among 11 ranked elementary schools in the Helena Elementary School District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.34. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (86.6%), Hispanic (7.7%), two or more races (2.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 11.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Jefferson School is 17.5. 8 elementary schools in the Helena Elementary School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Jefferson School employs 14.1 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Jefferson School is $13,437. 6 elementary schools in the Helena Elementary School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Jefferson School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Helena Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Helena Elementary 115^th of 300 Montana school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Jefferson School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MT State Percentile
2004	89.76	14^th	217	93.5%
2005	67.26	74^th	218	66.1%
2006	49.49	140^th	234	40.2%
2007	55.35	117^th	230	49.1%
2010	65.27	79^th	241	67.2%
2011	59.93	110^th	247	55.5%
2012	65.54	75^th	244	69.3%
2013	64.60	78^th	246	68.3%
2015	80.29	53^rd	287	81.5%
2016	75.80	45^th	191	76.4%
2017	91.71	5^th	109	95.4%
2018	90.89	4^th	116	96.6%
2019	90.18	8^th	123	93.5%
2021	97.17	11^th	356	96.9%
2022	98.18	6^th	329	98.2%
2023	97.34	5^th	332	98.5%

See the entire list of Montana Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Montana Office of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Montana Office of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for Jefferson School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1990	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	272	272
1991	230	1	0	0	11	n/a	n/a	0	242
1992	247	1	1	0	7	n/a	n/a	0	256
1993	270	0	0	2	7	n/a	n/a	0	279
1994	244	1	2	4	12	n/a	n/a	0	263
1995	220	2	4	0	11	n/a	n/a	0	237
1996	220	2	4	0	11	n/a	n/a	0	237
1997	228	0	4	2	5	n/a	n/a	0	239
1998	214	0	1	3	15	n/a	n/a	0	233
1999	249	0	2	3	6	n/a	n/a	0	260
2000	235	4	0	4	8	n/a	n/a	0	251
2001	214	0	1	3	10	n/a	n/a	0	228
2002	190	0	3	4	8	n/a	n/a	0	205
2003	190	0	3	4	8	n/a	n/a	0	205
2004	194	0	3	4	7	n/a	n/a	0	208
2005	182	2	3	2	4	n/a	n/a	0	193
2006	181	3	8	6	6	n/a	n/a	0	204
2007	213	2	3	8	6	n/a	n/a	0	232
2008	213	3	3	5	4	n/a	n/a	0	228
2009	227	3	1	6	3	n/a	n/a	0	240
2010	230	3	2	4	7	n/a	n/a	0	246
2011	223	4	3	5	12	0	0	0	247
2012	242	2	3	9	7	0	0	0	263
2013	220	3	3	7	7	0	0	0	240
2014	238	3	5	6	4	0	1	0	257
2015	254	3	5	6	2	2	1	0	273
2016	245	1	4	9	5	2	7	0	273
2017	254	0	2	9	3	2	10	0	280
2018	246	3	2	4	1	2	19	0	277
2019	261	0	2	6	2	1	18	0	290
2020	259	1	1	5	1	1	20	0	288
2021	225	2	1	12	0	1	18	0	259
2022	233	3	1	13	0	0	9	0	259
2023	223	1	2	18	2	0	7	0	253
2024	214	1	2	19	5	0	6	0	247

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Jefferson School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	272	14.7	18.5	12.1
1991	242	13.5	17.9	18.6
1992	256	11.0	23.2	15.2
1993	279	13.0	21.5	18.3
1994	263	13.0	20.2	14.4
1995	237	12.3	19.3	14.3
1996	237	12.3	19.3	14.3
1997	239	13.2	18.1	15.5
1998	233	13.0	17.9	17.2
1999	260	13.5	19.3	17.3
2000	251	13.0	19.3	17.1
2001	228	12.7	18.0	16.2
2002	205	10.3	19.9	13.7
2003	205	10.3	19.9	13.7
2004	208	10.3	20.2	19.7
2005	193	11.6	16.6	23.8
2006	204	10.9	18.7	20.1
2007	232	11.1	20.9	28
2008	228	17.1	13.3	29.4
2009	240	14.0	17.1	29.2
2010	246	13.6	18.0	24.4
2011	247	13.9	17.7	32
2012	263	14.8	17.7	29.3
2013	240	14.7	16.3	28.3
2014	257	14.9	17.2	31.5
2015	273	15.0	18.2	31.1
2016	273	15.0	18.2	33
2017	280	15.0	18.6	26.4
2018	277	18.0	15.3	20.9
2019	290	15.4	18.8	17.6
2020	288	23.2	12.4	15.3
2021	259	17.4	14.8	n/a
2022	259	16.9	15.3	n/a
2023	253	15.2	16.6	n/a
2024	247	14.1	17.5	11.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Jefferson School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	272	14.7	18.5	12.1
1991	242	13.5	17.9	18.6
1992	256	11.0	23.2	15.2
1993	279	13.0	21.5	18.3
1994	263	13.0	20.2	14.4
1995	237	12.3	19.3	14.3
1996	237	12.3	19.3	14.3
1997	239	13.2	18.1	15.5
1998	233	13.0	17.9	17.2
1999	260	13.5	19.3	17.3
2000	251	13.0	19.3	17.1
2001	228	12.7	18.0	16.2
2002	205	10.3	19.9	13.7
2003	205	10.3	19.9	13.7
2004	208	10.3	20.2	19.7
2005	193	11.6	16.6	23.8
2006	204	10.9	18.7	20.1
2007	232	11.1	20.9	28
2008	228	17.1	13.3	29.4
2009	240	14.0	17.1	29.2
2010	246	13.6	18.0	24.4
2011	247	13.9	17.7	32
2012	263	14.8	17.7	29.3
2013	240	14.7	16.3	28.3
2014	257	14.9	17.2	31.5
2015	273	15.0	18.2	31.1
2016	273	15.0	18.2	33
2017	280	15.0	18.6	26.4
2018	277	18.0	15.3	20.9
2019	290	15.4	18.8	17.6
2020	288	23.2	12.4	15.3
2021	259	17.4	14.8	n/a
2022	259	16.9	15.3	n/a
2023	253	15.2	16.6	n/a
2024	247	14.1	17.5	11.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Jefferson School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$8,249
2021	$11,617
2022	$13,012
2023	$13,437

Data source: Montana Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Jefferson School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 8^th of 123 Elementary schools	Ranks 5^th of 332 Elementary schools	5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	290	253	12.8%
African American	0	1
American Indian	2	2
Asian	2	2
Hispanic	6	18	200%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	261	223	14.6%
Two or More Races	18	7	61.1%

Schools Near Jefferson School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2023)				Ranking (2022)				Montana State Tests Mathematics (2023)	Montana State Tests Reading (2023)	Montana State Tests Science (2023)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	SchoolDigger Rating (2023)	Average Standard Score (2022)	Statewide Rank (2022)	State Percentile (2022)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Montana State Tests Mathematics All Grades	Montana State Tests Reading All Grades	Montana State Tests Science All Grades	Total
Jefferson School	Public	PK, KG-5	1023 Broadway	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(406) 324-2060	247	14	17.5	11.3%	214 (86.6%)	1 (0.4%)	19 (7.7%)	2 (0.8%)	5 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (2.4%)	97.3	5^th of 332 public elementary schools	98.5%		98.2	6^th of 329 public elementary schools	98.2%	1	67.4	77.0	72.1	$13,437
Bryant School	Public	PK, KG-5	1529 Boulder	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 324-1200	336	24	14.1	58.6%	236 (70.2%)	1 (0.3%)	59 (17.6%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (8.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (3.9%)	27.9	260^th of 332 public elementary schools	21.7%		45.5	215^th of 329 public elementary schools	34.7%	45	25.9	29.5	28.6	$13,787
Smith School	Public	PK, KG-5	2320 5th Avenue	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 324-1530	292	20	14.7	24.0%	203 (69.5%)	5 (1.7%)	67 (22.9%)	1 (0.3%)	9 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.4%)	68.7	105^th of 332 public elementary schools	68.4%		87.3	46^th of 329 public elementary schools	86.0%	59	44.9	53.6	42.1	$14,115
Hawthorne School	Public	PK, KG-5	430 Madison Avenue	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(406) 324-1370	210	14	15.0	12.9%	174 (82.9%)	1 (0.5%)	16 (7.6%)	1 (0.5%)	8 (3.8%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (4.8%)	65.8	120^th of 332 public elementary schools	63.9%		70.4	116^th of 329 public elementary schools	64.7%	4	49.5	52.7	35.7	$13,655
Central School	Public	PK, KG-5	1325 Poplar	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 324-1230	284	21	13.3	41.5%	237 (83.5%)	4 (1.4%)	20 (7.0%)	1 (0.4%)	17 (6.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.8%)	57.9	154^th of 332 public elementary schools	53.6%		78.8	79^th of 329 public elementary schools	76.0%	75	38.7	49.7	37.3	$15,562
Broadwater School	Public	PK, KG-5	900 Hollins	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 324-1130	247	17	14.8	44.5%	203 (82.2%)	4 (1.6%)	21 (8.5%)	1 (0.4%)	11 (4.5%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.8%)	58.2	152^nd of 332 public elementary schools	54.2%		34.7	253^rd of 329 public elementary schools	23.1%	101	33.9	45.5	46.9	$14,023
Four Georgians School	Public	PK, KG-5	555 Custer Avenue	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(406) 324-1300	459	27	17.0	18.3%	389 (84.7%)	4 (0.9%)	34 (7.4%)	6 (1.3%)	11 (2.4%)	1 (0.2%)	14 (3.1%)	81.8	56^th of 332 public elementary schools	83.1%		76.1	88^th of 329 public elementary schools	73.3%	32	47.7	56.7	60.3	$12,106
Kessler Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2420 Choteau Street	Helena	59601	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(406) 324-1700	248	17	14.3	21.0%	208 (83.9%)	4 (1.6%)	25 (10.1%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (3.2%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.2%)	42.4	216^th of 332 public elementary schools	34.9%		55.6	171^st of 329 public elementary schools	48.0%	45	27.6	36.2	40.5	$13,004
Warren School	Public	PK, KG-5	2690 Old York Road	Helena	59602	Lewis and Clark County	Helena Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 324-1600	307	17	18.4	30.6%	271 (88.3%)	2 (0.7%)	16 (5.2%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (4.6%)	1 (0.3%)	3 (1.0%)	67.3	114^th of 332 public elementary schools	65.7%		83.6	66^th of 329 public elementary schools	79.9%	48	48.3	44.3	46.8	$13,083
Radley Elementary School	Public	3-5	226 E Clinton	East Helena	59635	Lewis and Clark County	East Helena K-12	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 227-7710	421	23	18.1	40.6%	352 (83.6%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (7.4%)								(n/a)

Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson School

What is the racial makeup of Jefferson School?

Students at Jefferson School are 87% White, 8% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races, 2% American Indian.

What schools do graduates of Jefferson School attend?

Students who attend Jefferson School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Helena Middle School
High : Helena High School

Is Jefferson School a good school?

Yes! Jefferson School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 5^th of 332 Montana elementary schools.

What district is Jefferson School in?

Helena Elementary

How many students attend Jefferson School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 247 students attended Jefferson School.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.