Custer County Schools & Education
Custer County, Idaho
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
84.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,237
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,288
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 28/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#13
of 44 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Custer County
School Verdict
Custer County faces educational challenges with a school score of 34/100 and a graduation rate of 84.9%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,237 per pupil, Custer County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Custer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 22% above the Idaho average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 15% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Custer County, Idaho
High-Performing Schools in Central Idaho
Custer County hosts five public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total of 559 students. The infrastructure is composed of three elementary schools and two high schools, with no charter options currently available.
Strong Graduation Rates and Strategic Funding
Custer County achieves a graduation rate of 84.9%, outperforming the Idaho state average. Its school score of 51.4 also beats the state average of 48.0, supported by per-pupil spending of $7,237.
Challis and Mackay Joint Districts
The Challis Joint District is the largest provider with 328 students, followed by the Mackay Joint District with 231 students. These districts operate 100% of the local public schools, maintaining a traditional educational focus.
Small Schools in a Wilderness Setting
Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an intimate average school size of 112 students. Challis Elementary is the largest campus with 158 students, while the Stanley Elem/Jr High serves just 19 students in a remote mountain setting.
Your Future Home in Custer County
For families who value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Custer County offers a compelling case for relocation. Use our data to find homes within the high-performing Challis or Mackay school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Custer County
Total Enrollment
559
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Custer County
CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT
MACKAY JOINT DISTRICT
5 Public Schools in Custer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHALLIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 158 |
| CHALLIS JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL | CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 151 |
| MACKAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | MACKAY JOINT DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 123 |
| MACKAY JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL | MACKAY JOINT DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 108 |
| STANLEY ELEM/JR HIGH SCHOOL | CHALLIS JOINT DISTRICT | KG–8 | Primary | 19 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,237
State avg $6,288
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Custer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Custer County?
How much does Custer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Custer County, Idaho — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Custer County, Idaho?
Custer County hosts five public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total of 559 students. The infrastructure is composed of three elementary schools and two high schools, with no charter options currently available.
How do schools in Custer County perform academically?
Custer County achieves a graduation rate of 84.9%, outperforming the Idaho state average. Its school score of 51.4 also beats the state average of 48.0, supported by per-pupil spending of $7,237.
What are the major school districts in Custer County, Idaho?
The Challis Joint District is the largest provider with 328 students, followed by the Mackay Joint District with 231 students. These districts operate 100% of the local public schools, maintaining a traditional educational focus.
What is the school experience like in Custer County?
Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an intimate average school size of 112 students. Challis Elementary is the largest campus with 158 students, while the Stanley Elem/Jr High serves just 19 students in a remote mountain setting.
How can I find homes near good schools in Custer County, Idaho?
For families who value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Custer County offers a compelling case for relocation. Use our data to find homes within the high-performing Challis or Mackay school districts.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.