For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 390 students in Butte County, ID (there are 1 private school, serving 17 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Butte County, ID are educated in public schools (compared to the ID state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Butte County, ID are Butte County Middle/high School, Howe Elementary School and Arco Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butte County, ID public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Idaho public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 55% statewide average). Schools in Butte County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Idaho public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Butte County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Butte County Middle/high School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
120 South Water Street
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-8237
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-8237
Gr: 7-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Howe Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3512 Little Lost River Highway
Howe, ID 83244
(208) 767-3422
Howe, ID 83244
(208) 767-3422
Gr: K-2 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Arco Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
250 South Water Street
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-8503
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-8503
Gr: PK-6 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Butte County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
120 South Water Street
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-3077
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-3077
Gr: 6-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Butte County, ID?
The top-ranked public schools in Butte County, ID include Butte County Middle/high School, Howe Elementary School and Arco Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Butte County?
3 public schools are located in Butte County.
What percentage of students in Butte County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Butte County are educated in public schools (compared to the ID state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Butte County?
Butte County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.