Darby 7-8

Darby 7-8 is a minimally staffed 6-8 campus in Darby, Montana, operated by Darby K-12 Schools. The school educates 48 students in grades 7 through 8. Compared to the state average of about 139 students per school, that is 65% leaner than typical.

Darby 7-8 is one of 3 schools operated by Darby K-12 Schools, a district that instructs 334 students overall.

On demographics, Darby 7-8 shows that nearly all students (85%) are White; the rest breaks down as 6% Native American, 4% Black, 2% Hispanic, 2% multiracial.

Looking at school resources, Darby 7-8 logs 4 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 13.7:1. That figure is higher than the state norm's 11.3:1 average. Roughly 100% of students at Darby 7-8 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. Set against Ravalli County (around 50%), the school's rate is north of typical.

In the broader community, ACS estimates for Ravalli County put median household earnings sit near $71,283, roughly 29% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 5%. In all, Ravalli County runs 30 public schools (combined enrollment of about 5,729 students), of which Darby 7-8 is one.

Darby School is the nearest neighboring public school, about 0.0 miles from this campus. Counting just inside five miles, 2 other public schools cluster around Darby 7-8.

Darby 7-8 operates from a low-density location.

Looking at the recent track record. Over the past 7-year window, the student count contracted 6%: 51 students in 2018 compared to 48 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 94% to 85% across the same window.

In the discussion threads here, the feed for Darby 7-8 typically covers pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.