Bissell 7-8

Bissell 7-8, a very small junior high in Whitefish, Montana, one of the schools within Olney-Bissell Elem, caters to 17 students, covering grades 7 through 8. That puts it 88% below the typical public school in Montana, which averages around 139 students.

Across the 2 schools in Olney-Bissell Elem (95 students total), Bissell 7-8 accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

For racial and ethnic makeup, Bissell 7-8 reports that nearly all students (94%) are White; the rest breaks down as 6% Pacific Islander. Compared to Flathead County overall, the school's racial mix sits in roughly the same range.

On the income-and-resources front, On paper, Bissell 7-8 has 2 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 10.2:1. The state averages around 11.3:1, so this campus is tighter than the state norm typical. Roughly 35% of students at Bissell 7-8 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, often used as a Title I proxy. Set against Flathead County (around 75%), the school's rate is south of typical.

In the broader community, ACS estimates for Flathead County put median household earnings sit near $73,925, 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 5%. Bissell 7-8 is one of 48 public schools in Flathead County (combined enrollment of about 14,957 students).

The closest other public school is Bissell School, roughly 0.0 miles away. Within ten miles, there are 6 other public schools, a sparser pattern than typical urban areas.

Geographically, the school is in a small-town area.

Five-year trend. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Bissell 7-8 has contracted 11%, going from 19 students in 2018 to 17 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 63% to 94% across the same window. The student-to-teacher ratio rose from 6.6:1 in 2018 to 10.2:1 today.

Within the allk12 community for this school, the feed for Bissell 7-8 typically covers enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.