Shields Valley Elem

Located in the scenic countryside of Clyde Park, Montana, Shields Valley Elementary School District serves as a vital educational foundation for its rural remote community. Operating as an active, traditional public school district managing two operational facilities, it provides early childhood and elementary through middle school education, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. According to federal education data for the 2024–2025 academic year, the district maintains a total enrollment of 139 students, comprising 72 female and 67 male learners. The student population includes 131 White students, five Hispanic students, and three students of two or more races, creating a close-knit, tight-knit educational environment characteristic of Montana's rural valleys.

A primary strength of the district lies in its exceptionally strong staffing context and favorable educator-to-student ratios. Shields Valley employs a total workforce of over 43 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff members, including nearly 25 full-time equivalent teachers, nearly three instructional aides, and close to 16 support staff professionals. This substantial staffing commitment yields a remarkably low student-to-teacher ratio of roughly six to one, allowing for individualized academic attention and tailored instruction across all grade levels. Headquartered at 405 1st Street East in Clyde Park (ZIP code 59018), the district remains an essential institution for local families and researchers interested in small-school rural education models, with community resources and district updates available through their official website.