Recently, there has been a steady stream of inquiries from people moving to Billings from other states. In one case, a family chose a location based solely on the assigned school score displayed on the property page, only to reassess their decision after checking the student-to-teacher ratio later. The score was a 6, which is average, but the number of students per class was higher than expected.

This case illustrates that a single score does not provide a complete picture of the classroom situation. The GreatSchools score is a composite result of test scores, growth metrics, and equity indicators, but it does not directly include information like class size or teacher allocation. These two items are separate pieces of information displayed in different places.

To summarize the scoring system, it is rated from 1 to 10 and indicates the relative position compared to other schools within the same state. A score of 7 or above is considered above average, 5 to 6 is average, and 4 or below is below average.

The components include test scores, academic growth over the year, and equity indicators that assess whether good outcomes are achieved for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities. High schools also reflect college readiness. The student-to-teacher ratio and class size are separate information that does not directly factor into this score. Since the 2020 revision, the weight of these indicators has been adjusted to ensure they are not solely dependent on test scores.

Looking at the actual ratings in the Billings area, there is a clear variance. According to GreatSchools, Central Heights School received a score of 9, Meadowlark School received an 8, while Alkali Creek School and Arrowhead School scored 7. Big Sky School, Boulder School, Bitterroot School, and Highland School scored 6, Washington School scored 5, Orchard School scored 4, and Ponderosa School remained at 3. (As of 2026, greatschools.org)

Therefore, after checking the scores, it is essential to also look at the student-to-teacher ratio, enrollment numbers, and recent rating trends on the school page. Relying on just one number can lead to missing out on important information. Particularly, schools with low enrollment can see significant fluctuations in ratings based on just a year or two of test score changes. In areas like Billings, where the overall population is not very large, these fluctuations tend to be more pronounced.

The student-to-teacher ratio can be found in the overview section of the school page, and there can be quite a difference between schools even within the same city. A low ratio does not automatically mean a good school, but it can be a useful reference for getting a sense of how many students are in each class. If you are comparing several properties, it can be helpful to note this figure for each school side by side.

• Student-to-teacher ratio
• Recent rating trends
• Parent reviews
• Verification of actual assigned school addresses

If you are coming from another state, it is especially wise not to directly apply the school district standards from your previous location. Since the rankings are relative within Montana, the criteria differ from what you may have experienced in other states. Property tax rates and homeowners insurance premiums also vary by state, so it is good to check those as well. Recently, there has been a notable number of inquiries about moving to Montana due to remote work, and in such cases, it is easy to rely solely on online information, so it is safer to be more diligent in your checks. If you cannot visit in person to see homes, checking the school website or the school district's Facebook page for recent updates can help you understand the atmosphere that scores alone may not reveal. Recent market trends indicate that families who cross-reference multiple sources in this way tend to have higher satisfaction after moving in. Even if it takes a little longer, going through this process can lead to a more stable choice in the long run.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to verify assigned school and district information with a professional before finalizing any contracts.