Golden Ridge School

Q: Is Golden Ridge School a good school?

Golden Ridge School ranks 243 rd of 332 Montana elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Summary:

Golden Ridge School is a small elementary school in Fairfield, Montana, serving grades PK-8 with a total enrollment of just 44 students. The school stands out for its 100% white student population, which is significantly less diverse than the nearby Fairfield Elementary School and Greenfield School, which have student bodies that are 90-95% white.

Despite its small size, Golden Ridge School has experienced a decline in performance in recent years. The school's statewide ranking has dropped from 104 out of 356 schools in 2020-2021 to 243 out of 332 schools in 2022-2023, and its proficiency rates in mathematics, reading, and science are generally lower than the state averages and the nearby high-performing schools. For example, in 2022-2023, Golden Ridge School's mathematics proficiency rate was just 33.33%, compared to 60% at Fairfield Elementary and 55.26% at Greenfield School.

The contrast between Golden Ridge School and the nearby high-performing schools, such as Greenfield School and Fairfield Elementary School, which consistently rank in the top 30-60 schools in the state, highlights the potential for improvement at Golden Ridge School. Understanding the practices and strategies employed by these higher-performing schools could provide valuable insights for Golden Ridge School to enhance its own educational outcomes and better serve its students.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-8

1374 Hiway 408
Fairfield, MT 59436

(406) 467-2010

District: Golden Ridge Elementary

SchoolDigger Rank:
243^rd of 332 Montana Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,812

Students who attend Golden Ridge School usually attend:

High:

Fairfield High School

Student/teacher ratio: 11.0

Number of students: 44

Racial breakdown:

White:

100.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 91.9%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Golden Ridge School ranks worse than 73.2% of elementary schools in Montana. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 35.05. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (100%). (See more...)

Compare Details

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Golden Ridge School is 11. (See more...)

Compare Golden Ridge School employs 4 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Golden Ridge School is $13,812.

Schooldigger Rankings:

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

Golden Ridge Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Golden Ridge Elementary 226^th of 300 Montana school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Golden Ridge School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MT State Percentile
2015	11.34	266^th	287	7.3%
2021	72.93	104^th	356	70.8%
2022	44.06	222^nd	329	32.5%
2023	35.05	243^rd	332	26.8%

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 Golden Ridge 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	33	33
1991	32	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	32
1992	30	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	30
1993	24	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	24
1994	51	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	51
1995	44	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	44
1996	44	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	44
1997	36	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	36
1998	41	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	41
1999	39	0	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	41
2000	33	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	33
2001	35	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	35
2002	23	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	23
2003	23	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	23
2004	30	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	30
2005	40	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	40
2006	47	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	47
2007	45	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	45
2008	45	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	45
2009	46	0	0	0	1	n/a	n/a	0	47
2010	42	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	42
2011	40	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	40
2012	33	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	35
2013	37	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	39
2014	35	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	35
2015	40	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	40
2016	38	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	38
2017	36	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	36
2018	36	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	36
2019	34	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	34
2020	37	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	37
2021	41	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	41
2022	45	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	45
2023	44	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	44

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 Golden Ridge School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	33	2.5	13.2	21.2
1991	32	2.0	16.0	25
1992	30	1.0	30.0	23.3
1993	24	3.0	8.0	20.8
1994	51	4.0	12.8	17.6
1995	44	5.0	8.8	15.9
1996	44	5.0	8.8	15.9
1997	36	4.0	9.0	11.1
1998	41	4.0	10.3	12.2
1999	41	4.0	10.3	22
2000	33	4.0	8.3	15.2
2001	35	4.0	8.8	17.1
2002	23	4.0	5.8	17.4
2003	23	4.0	5.8	17.4
2004	30	4.0	7.5	10
2005	40	4.0	10.0	20
2006	47	4.0	11.8	8.5
2007	45	5.0	9.0	n/a
2008	45	5.0	9.0	11.1
2009	47	5.0	9.4	6.4
2010	42	5.0	8.4	4.8
2011	40	4.0	10.0	0
2012	35	4.0	8.7	8.6
2013	39	4.0	9.7	7.7
2014	35	4.0	8.7	0
2015	40	4.0	10.0	7.5
2016	38	4.0	9.5	0
2017	36	4.0	9.0	8.3
2018	36	5.0	7.2	0
2019	34	4.0	8.5	8.8
2020	37	4.0	9.2	91.9
2021	41	4.0	10.2	n/a
2022	45	3.0	15.0	n/a
2023	44	4.0	11.0	n/a

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 Golden Ridge School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	33	2.5	13.2	21.2
1991	32	2.0	16.0	25
1992	30	1.0	30.0	23.3
1993	24	3.0	8.0	20.8
1994	51	4.0	12.8	17.6
1995	44	5.0	8.8	15.9
1996	44	5.0	8.8	15.9
1997	36	4.0	9.0	11.1
1998	41	4.0	10.3	12.2
1999	41	4.0	10.3	22
2000	33	4.0	8.3	15.2
2001	35	4.0	8.8	17.1
2002	23	4.0	5.8	17.4
2003	23	4.0	5.8	17.4
2004	30	4.0	7.5	10
2005	40	4.0	10.0	20
2006	47	4.0	11.8	8.5
2007	45	5.0	9.0	n/a
2008	45	5.0	9.0	11.1
2009	47	5.0	9.4	6.4
2010	42	5.0	8.4	4.8
2011	40	4.0	10.0	0
2012	35	4.0	8.7	8.6
2013	39	4.0	9.7	7.7
2014	35	4.0	8.7	0
2015	40	4.0	10.0	7.5
2016	38	4.0	9.5	0
2017	36	4.0	9.0	8.3
2018	36	5.0	7.2	0
2019	34	4.0	8.5	8.8
2020	37	4.0	9.2	91.9
2021	41	4.0	10.2	n/a
2022	45	3.0	15.0	n/a
2023	44	4.0	11.0	n/a

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 Golden Ridge School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$8,767
2021	$12,090
2022	$11,897
2023	$13,812

Data source: Montana Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Golden Ridge 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.

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	34	44	29.4%
African American	0	0
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	0	0
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	34	44	29.4%
Two or More Races	0	0

Schools Near Golden Ridge 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
Golden Ridge School	Public	PK, KG-8	1374 Hiway 408	Fairfield	59436	Teton County	Golden Ridge Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 467-2010	44	4	11.0		44 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35	243^rd of 332 public elementary schools	26.8%		44.1	222^nd of 329 public elementary schools	32.5%	21	33.3	36.4	25.0	$13,812
Augusta Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	410 Broadway	Augusta	59410	Lewis and Clark County	Augusta Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 562-3384	71	7	10.8		63 (88.7%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (4.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (5.6%)	68.4	106^th of 332 public elementary schools	68.1%		86.8	53^rd of 329 public elementary schools	83.9%	53	45.5	45.5	50.0	$13,650
Fairfield Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	13 7th Street	Fairfield	59436	Teton County	Fairfield Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 467-2425	172	11	15.6		163 (94.8%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.5%)	89.5	31^st of 332 public elementary schools	90.7%		84.8	60^th of 329 public elementary schools	81.8%	29	60.0	65.6	55.6	$12,045
Auchard Creek School	Public	PK, KG-8	9605 Hwy 287	Wolf Creek	59648	Lewis and Clark County	Auchard Creek Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(406) 562-3528	13	1	13.2		13 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)				$15,400
Choteau School	Public	PK, KG-8	102 7th Ave NW	Choteau	59422	Teton County	Choteau Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 466-5364	200	15	13.3		181 (90.5%)	5 (2.5%)	5 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.5%)	31.3	252^nd of 332 public elementary schools	24.1%		64.4	136^th of 329 public elementary schools	58.7%	116	37.2	33.6	15.4	$12,735
Greenfield School	Public	PK, KG-6	590 Hwy 431	Fairfield	59436	Teton County	Greenfield Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 467-2433	51	8	6.7		46 (90.2%)	1 (2.0%)	1 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (3.9%)	1 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	89.6	30^th of 332 public elementary schools	91.0%		96.2	12^th of 329 public elementary schools	96.4%	18	55.3	68.4		$17,673
Fort Shaw Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	School Loop Road	Fort Shaw	59443	Cascade County	Sun River Valley Elementary	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(406) 264-5110	105	9	11.3		95 (90.5%)	1 (1.0%)	1 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (5.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.9%)	78.2	74^th of 332 public elementary schools	77.7%		86.9	52^nd of 329 public elementary schools	84.2%	22	55.6	50.0	52.6	$17,517

Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Ridge School

What schools do graduates of Golden Ridge School attend?

Students who attend Golden Ridge School usually go on to attend:

High : Fairfield High School

How many students attend Golden Ridge School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 44 students attended Golden Ridge School.

What is the racial makeup of Golden Ridge School?

Students at Golden Ridge School are 100% White.

What district is Golden Ridge School in?

Golden Ridge Elementary

Is Golden Ridge School a good school?

Golden Ridge School ranks 243^rd of 332 Montana elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

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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.