Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0Laurel’s public schools score below 69% of Montana districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Laurel’s districts is 28%, below the Montana average (35%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Laurel, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Montana, not nationally.
From Montana state tests taken in spring 2022, when 99% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Laurel’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 158 Montana towns with household incomes within a quarter of Laurel’s, its schools beat 21%, lower than their 31% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Laurel runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
South School (PK–K), Fred W Graff School (3–4) and Laurel Middle School (5–8) are Laurel’s own. From grade 9, students attend the Laurel High School District: Laurel High School. The high school’s own results earn a C. See the path ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 37% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 46% and 35% statewide; 99% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across Montana (the state reports Laurel’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Laurel Elementary spends $12,447 per student and Laurel High $12,555, against $13,570 across Montana (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
New Life School of Light (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Laurel’s grade
C: better than 31% of Montana school districts, #33 of 41 Montana towns. Graduation is above the Montana average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Laurel, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Laurel
South School
Grades PK–K · 158 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Laurel
West School
Grades 1–2 · 248 students · 14:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Laurel
West School
Grades 1–2 · 248 students · 14:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Laurel
Fred W Graff School
Grades 3–4 · 245 students · 16:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Laurel
Fred W Graff School
Grades 3–4 · 245 students · 16:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Laurel
Laurel Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Laurel
Laurel Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Laurel
Laurel Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Laurel
Laurel Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Laurel
Laurel High School
Grades 9–12 · 578 students · 16:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Laurel
Laurel High School
Grades 9–12 · 578 students · 16:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Laurel
Laurel High School
Grades 9–12 · 578 students · 16:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Laurel
Laurel High School
Grades 9–12 · 578 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Laurel runs its own schools through grade 8 (Laurel Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Laurel High School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Laurel
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Laurel vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Montana towns that share Laurel’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel | C | Laurel Elementary PK–8 · Laurel High 9–12 |
Every school in Laurel
6 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Montana’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Laurel’s schools
Are Laurel’s schools good?
On Montana’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Laurel children attend score below 69% of Montana’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #33 of 41 Montana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 21%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Laurel in?
Two districts: Laurel Elementary School District runs grades PK–8, and Laurel High School District runs grades 9–12.
Where do Laurel kids go to high school?
Laurel High School, with 578 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Laurel’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Laurel High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Montana.
How much does Laurel spend per student?
$12,447 in Laurel Elementary School District and $12,555 in Laurel High School District (FY2024), against $13,570 across Montana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Laurel?
Yes: New Life School of Light (religious, grades PK–8, 33 students).
Parents talk
What Laurel families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Laurel → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Montana. Stars are from neighbors.