Glacier Gateway Elem vs Ruder Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Montana, United States, 1.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Glacier Gateway Elem
Columbia Falls · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
471 students
Ruder Elementary
Columbia Falls · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
487 students
| Measure | Glacier Gateway Elem Columbia Falls, Montana | Ruder Elementary Columbia Falls, Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 31 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank | #218 of 267 | #135 of 267 |
| National rank | #37874 of 50,301 | #24779 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 471 | 487 |
| Enrollment | 471 | 487 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.9% | 97.5% |
| Students per teacher | 14.7 | 14.3 |
| Reading proficiency | 45% | 60% |
| Math proficiency | 35% | 56% |
| city | Columbia Falls | Columbia Falls |
| state | Montana | Montana |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Ruder Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (50.6 vs 31.0).
- •Ruder Elementary does better on math proficiency (56% vs 35%).
- •Ruder Elementary does better on reading proficiency (60% vs 45%).
- •Ruder Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (97.5% vs 98.9%).
- •Ruder Elementary does better on students per teacher (14.3 vs 14.7).
- •Ruder Elementary is the larger school with 487 students compared with 471.
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 Glacier Gateway Elem better than Ruder Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Ruder Elementary ranks higher (50.6 vs 31.0 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 Glacier Gateway Elem and Ruder Elementary?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Columbia Falls and Columbia Falls in Montana.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Glacier Gateway Elem: 471. Ruder Elementary: 487. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Glacier Gateway Elem and Ruder Elementary rank in Montana?
Glacier Gateway Elem is 218th of 267 and Ruder Elementary is 135th of 267 among elementary schools in Montana on the 2025 Success Index (US).