Deer Park 6-8 vs Ruder Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Montana, United States, 8.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Deer Park 6-8
Columbia Falls · Public middle · Grades 6–8
48 students
Ruder Elementary
Columbia Falls · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
487 students
| Measure | Deer Park 6-8 Columbia Falls, Montana | Ruder Elementary Columbia Falls, Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 85 Top 5% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank | – | #135 of 267 |
| National rank | – | #24779 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 48 | 487 |
| Enrollment | 48 | 487 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 25% | 97.5% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 14.3 |
| Reading proficiency | 90% | 60% |
| Math proficiency | 69.5% | 56% |
| city | Columbia Falls | Columbia Falls |
| state | Montana | Montana |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Deer Park 6-8 scores higher on the Success Index (US) (84.8 vs 50.6).
- •Deer Park 6-8 does better on math proficiency (69.5% vs 56%).
- •Deer Park 6-8 does better on reading proficiency (90% vs 60%).
- •Deer Park 6-8 does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (25% vs 97.5%).
- •Ruder Elementary does better on students per teacher (14.3 vs 16.0).
- •Ruder Elementary is the larger school with 487 students compared with 48.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Deer Park 6-8 better than Ruder Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Deer Park 6-8 ranks higher (84.8 vs 50.6 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Deer Park 6-8 and Ruder Elementary?
About 8.4 km in a straight line, between Columbia Falls and Columbia Falls in Montana.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Deer Park 6-8: 48. Ruder Elementary: 487. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Deer Park 6-8 and Ruder Elementary rank in Montana?
Deer Park 6-8 is unranked and Ruder Elementary is 135th of 267 among middle schools in Montana on the 2025 Success Index (US).