Comprehensive guide to Montana's K-12 schools, universities, colleges, teacher resources, and education programs serving 166,000+ students across Big Sky Country
Montana's education system serves over 166,000 students across K-12 public schools, private institutions, and higher education facilities. Governed by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI), the state operates approximately 400 active school districts, making it unique in its rural character with 75% of schools classified as ruralβthe highest percentage in the nation.
Key Distinction: Montana has more one-room schoolhouses (approximately 50) than any other state in the United States, preserving an important educational tradition in rural communities.
The Montana University System comprises 16 public colleges and universities, including two R1 research institutions (Montana State University and University of Montana), seven tribal colleges serving Native American communities, and eight two-year colleges providing career training and transfer pathways.
Montana ranks 30th nationally in education performance, with NAEP scores above the national average in both reading and math. The state's graduation rate stands at 87%, with students benefiting from small class sizes and personalized attention, particularly in rural districts.
π« K-12 Public Education in Montana
Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI)
The Montana Office of Public Instruction serves as the state education agency, currently led by Superintendent Susie Hedalen. OPI distributes funding to school districts, provides services to Montana's school-age children and teachers, and oversees educational standards and accountability.
2023-2024 Enrollment Statistics
Category
Students
Change from Previous Year
Public School K-12
148,585
Slight decrease
Private Schools
8,584
-382 (-3.6%)
Homeschool
8,524
+725 (+9.3%)
Total Non-Public
17,108
+403 (+2.4%)
Total K-12 Students
165,693
-
Source: Montana Office of Public Instruction, 2023-2024 Enrollment Data
Academic Performance & Rankings
Montana students demonstrate solid academic performance with NAEP scores consistently above national averages:
π NAEP Reading Scores
8th Grade: 40% proficient (10th nationally)
4th Grade: 35% proficient (room for improvement)
Above national average in both categories
π’ NAEP Math Scores
Montana Average: 279
National Average: 273
8th Grade: 40% proficient (13th nationally)
Education Funding
Montana uses the "Base Amount for School Equity" (BASE) formula, representing the legal minimum amount of General Fund money a district must spend each year. The state also defines a MAX fill line dictating the maximum amount a district can budget for general education expenses.
π° Funding Sources (FY 2012-13)
State Funds: 43.68%
Local Property Taxes: 25.71%
Federal Sources: 12.51%
Non-Tax Local Sources: 9.42%
County Sources: 8.68%
Per-Pupil Spending (2020): $12,101
The Guaranteed Tax Base (GTB) equalization provides state aid to districts with less property tax wealth, bringing their revenue-generating capacity to a guaranteed amount. The current GTB multiplier is set at 254%.
Current Challenge: Inflation has left public schools in Montana short by approximately $141 million, or roughly 10% of their general fund budgets, according to the Montana School Boards Association.
π Major School Districts in Montana
Montana operates approximately 400 active school districts, ranging from large urban systems to small rural one-room schoolhouses. Here are the largest districts by enrollment:
Rank
District Name
Location
Students
Schools
1
Billings Elementary School District
Billings
11,079
28
2
Great Falls Elementary School District
Great Falls
7,114
17
3
Billings High School District
Billings
5,610
3
4
Missoula Elementary School District
Missoula
5,280
12
5
Helena Elementary School District
Helena
5,225
13
π« Notable Individual School
Billings West High School is the largest public school in Montana by enrollment, serving 2,210 students.
District Organization Structure
Many Montana communities operate separate elementary and high school districts, as evidenced by Billings having both an elementary district (28 schools) and a high school district (3 schools). This structure allows for specialized administration and resource allocation at different grade levels.
π Charter Schools & School Choice Options
New Development: Montana became the 46th state to pass charter school laws in 2023, marking a significant expansion of school choice options for families.
Charter School Growth
The Montana Board of Public Education unanimously approved 19 new charter schools in January 2024, with all but one beginning operations in fall 2024. In December 2024, proponents of 12 additional proposed charter schools appeared before the Board seeking approval for the 2025-26 school year.
19
Charter Schools Approved (2024)
12
Additional Applications (2025-26)
FREE
Tuition for Charter Schools
Charter School Features
Public and Free: Charter schools are public institutions with no tuition charges
No Entry Requirements: Typically no requirements for admission
Curriculum Innovation: Extra freedom to innovate with teaching methods and learning approaches
Specialized Focus: Recent proposals include schools emphasizing virtual learning, trades education, and Hutterite colony instruction
School Choice Options Available
Public School Open Enrollment
Effective 2024-2025 School Year: New legislation standardizes open enrollment in public schools across the state, making it easier and free for families to choose the best public school fit for their child. The child's home district is now responsible for fees, removing financial barriers to school choice.
Virtual Schools
Bills passed in 2023 make it easier for districts and other groups to form virtual schools. In fall 2024, Missoula County Public Schools launched Connect Academy for students in grades 6-12, offering online-only learning and remote-classroom hybrids.
Example: Bozeman Charter serves students in grades 3-8 using online-only learning or remote-classroom hybrid models.
Homeschooling in Montana
Montana is considered a "homeschool-friendly" state with relatively straightforward requirements:
Requirements
Annual Notification: Notify county superintendent yearly
No Testing Required: State does not require standardized testing
No Teacher Qualifications: Parents don't need specific credentials
Recordkeeping: Maintain immunization and attendance records
Statistics & Support
Current Students: 8,524 (2023-24)
Growth Rate: +9.3% from previous year (+725 students)
Percentage: 4-5% of K-12 students
Special Needs ESA: $5,000-$8,000 per family for eligible students with IEPs
Private Schools
Montana has 137 private schools serving students across the state, with 61% being religiously affiliated (primarily Catholic or Christian).
Type
Number of Schools
Students
Average Tuition
Total Private Schools
137
8,584
$10,630 (elementary) $12,105 (high school)
Christian Schools
19
2,806
Varies
Catholic Schools
Multiple
-
$6,668 (average)
Top-Rated Private Schools:
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula) - Catholic
Foothills Community Christian High School (Great Falls) - Christian
Petra Academy - Classical education, established 1995
Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings) - Catholic
Heritage Christian School (Bozeman) - Non-denominational evangelical, ~180 students
St. Matthew's Catholic School (Northwest Montana) - Catholic
Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls) - Catholic
Stillwater Christian School - Christian
Billings Christian School (Billings) - Christian
π Higher Education in Montana
Montana's higher education landscape offers diverse opportunities through 16 public institutions in the Montana University System, 7 tribal colleges, and numerous private colleges. The state is home to two prestigious R1 research universities and provides accessible pathways through community colleges and career training programs.
ποΈ Montana University System (MUS)
The Montana University System was created on July 1, 1994, when the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education restructured the state's public colleges and universities. The 16 colleges and universities offer both two-year and four-year programs across diverse fields.
Four-Year Universities
Montana State University (MSU) - Bozeman
Classification: R1: Doctoral Universities β Very high research activity (one of only two in Montana)
Status: Public land-grant research university, enrolls more students than any other college or university in the state
Great Falls College MSU (Vocational-Technical Center)
Gallatin College MSU (Bozeman, two-year)
University of Montana (UM) - Missoula
Classification: R1: Doctoral Universities β Very high research activity (as of 2022)
Status: Public flagship research university, second largest campus in Montana University System
Fall 2024 Enrollment (Record Growth):
Total Enrollment: 10,811 (highest since 2018)
Four-Year Undergraduates: 6,494
Graduate Students: 1,847
Law Students: 269
Missoula College: 1,397
Partnership Programs: 804
Montana Residents: 65.9%
Colleges and Schools:
College of Humanities & Sciences
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Alexander Blewett III School of Law
UM College of Business
UM School of Journalism
Missoula College
Bitterroot College
Recent Achievement: Fall 2024 enrollment is up nearly 6% at the flagship campus and nearly 5% overall, marking the largest year-over-year jump in 15 years.
Two-Year Colleges
Montana has 8 two-year and community colleges in the Montana University System, providing career training, workforce development, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
MSU-Affiliated Two-Year Colleges
Gallatin College MSU (Bozeman)
Great Falls College MSU (Great Falls)
UM-Affiliated Two-Year Colleges
Missoula College (Missoula)
Bitterroot College
πͺΆ Montana Tribal Colleges
Montana has tribal colleges located on each of the state's seven Indian reservations, providing culturally-grounded education that honors the traditions and languages of Montana's Native American communities while offering comprehensive academic and career programs.
1. Aaniiih Nakoda College
Location: Harlem
Programs:
Ecology
2-year programs in Nursing
Sciences
Industrial Trades
2. Blackfeet Community College
Location: Browning
Programs:
Business and Information Technology
Education
Liberal Studies
Human Services
Math and Science
Nursing
3. Chief Dull Knife College
Location: Lame Deer
Programs:
Early Childhood Education
Agriculture
Native American Studies
Business
Special Education
Biology/Pre-Med
Information Systems
Entrepreneurship
4. Fort Peck Community College
Locations: Poplar and Wolf Point (two campuses)
Service Area: Northern Montana
Programs: 25+ associate and certificate programs including:
Tribal Governance
Nursing
Automotive Technology
Paralegal
Information Technology
5. Little Big Horn College
Location: Crow Agency
Founded: 1980 (chartered by Crow Tribe of Indians)
Status: Public two-year community college
Offers associate degree and certificate programs serving the Crow Nation and surrounding communities.
Cultural Significance: Montana's seven tribal colleges preserve and promote Native American languages, traditions, and knowledge systems while providing accessible higher education on reservations. They serve as vital community anchors and economic development engines for tribal nations.
π¨βπ« Teacher Information & Careers
Teacher Salaries in Montana
$50,557
Average Teacher Salary
$34,476
Starting Salary
$69,362
Top Salary Range
Teachers with advanced degrees earn significantly higher salaries. Those with an elementary education online master's degree earn an average annual wage of $62,350.
Teacher Shortage Crisis
Critical Staffing Challenge
Current Shortage: Montana faces a shortage of 1,039 teachers with 7,866 teachers currently employed.
Annual Need: Montana requires approximately 900 new teachers each year to keep up with rising school enrollment and teachers leaving their careers.
2023 Licensing: Montana granted 1,207 new teaching licenses, falling short of the annual need.
Teacher Certification Requirements
Traditional Certification Route
Requirements for Class 2 β Standard Teacher's License:
Four-Year Educator Preparation Program: Complete a program from an accredited Montana university or equivalent institution
Bachelor's Degree: Must be awarded from accredited institution
Indian Education Course: First-time certification candidates must complete a free, online course in Indian Education
Praxis Testing: Complete appropriate Praxis subject area test and achieve minimum score
MACK Assessment: Achieve minimum score in Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge prior to recommendation for licensure
License Types Available
License Type
Description
Provisional License
For candidates completing preparation requirements
Career and Technical License
For industry professionals teaching vocational subjects
Class 2 Standard License
Standard teaching license for fully qualified teachers
Professional License
Advanced license for experienced educators
π― Special Programs & Resources
Special Education Services
Montana provides comprehensive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All public schools have an affirmative responsibility to identify and serve students with disabilities.
Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA)
Program Launch: Created in 2023
Award Amount (2025-26): $5,000 to $8,000 per family
Eligibility Requirements:
Student must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Must be identified as having special needs under IDEA definition of "child with a disability"
Covered Expenses:
Private school tuition
Tutoring services
Therapy and related services
Educational materials and curriculum
Parent Rights in Montana Special Education
In Montana, parents hold the right to:
"Approve" the IEP completely
"Approve with Exceptions" β IEP team will implement agreed-upon services and continue meeting to resolve exceptions
Resources:
Office of Public Instruction: (406) 444-5661
Montana Parent Information & Training Center: 1-877-870-1190
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Montana's Career and Technical Education programs prepare K-12 students for diverse careers and post-secondary education through hands-on, real-world training.
485
Approved CTE Programs
150+
High Schools with CTE
3,150
Active Apprenticeships
Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program
Program Structure:
Minimum 2,000 hours (1 year) of On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Minimum 144 hours of related college-level coursework per 2,000 hours of OJT
Growth: Montana has nearly 3,150 active apprenticeships as of September 2024, a 25% increase over five years ago.
Earnings: One year after graduation, apprentices earned an average annual salary of $69,000β$13,100 higher than the statewide average wage.
Career Fields Available:
Traditional Trades: Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical
Information Technology
Healthcare
Automotive Technology
Agriculture
Advanced Manufacturing
Work-Based Learning: Through Montana's Work Based Learning program, students as young as 16 can work in many career fields and even get paid as apprentices.
Early Childhood Education
Montana is investing significantly in early childhood education through federal grants and state initiatives.
Bright Futures B-5 Project
Funding: Montana received a PDG B-5 Renewal Grant of $24 million over three years (2023-2025)
Focus: Building the early childhood system for children birth through age 5
Support: The Montana Early Childhood Project (ECP), established in 1985, provides scholarships for teachers, directors, owners, and family/group providers to complete early childhood education coursework.
Child Care Statistics
Children Ages 5 and Under: 71,000
Parents in Workforce: 63%
CCDBG Reach: Only 9% of eligible families
Parents Unable to Work: 66,000+ due to lack of child care
Child Care Deserts: 59% of counties
Programs Available
Montana Head Start
Montana Public Preschool Programs
Special Education Preschool Services
Local Preschools (Billings, Bozeman, Missoula)
ποΈ Rural Education in Montana
National Leadership: Montana has the highest percentage of rural schools of any state in the nation at 75%, and the largest number of one-room schoolhouses still in operation.
One-Room Schoolhouses: A Montana Tradition
Montana once had upwards of 2,600 one-room schools. Today, that number is around 50 actively operating as schools, representing one of roughly 100 still active rural schoolhouses nationwideβmore than any other state.
~50
Active One-Room Schools
812
Historical Schoolhouses Documented
75%
Schools Classified as Rural
Importance of Rural Schools
According to Jayne Downey, director of Montana State University's Center for Research on Rural Education, one-room schools are essential in Montana, one of the least densely populated states. They allow rural kids to receive an education without spending hours commuting and serve as vital community hubs.
"There's a real concern that in these rural towns, if the schoolhouse ceases to exist the town would cease to exist."
Challenges Facing Rural Schools
School Closures
Since 2016, the Montana Office of Public Instruction reports that 15 rural school districts across the state have spent time in non-operational status. Eight of them have closed permanently, as required by law after three years.
Teacher Recruitment & Retention
Many small schools struggle to attract teachers. Rural towns like Florence, located 30 minutes from two districts that pay teachers more, have dealt with staffing gaps that left positions near impossible to fill.
Legislative Impact: House Bill 203 (2023)
Sponsor: Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton
Purpose: Made it easier for families living in one school district to have their students attend public school in another district
Supporters: Increased educational choice for families
Opponents: Puts small districts at a disadvantage, potentially accelerating rural school closures
Four-Day School Weeks
Many Montana rural schools have adopted four-day school weeks to address budget constraints and teacher recruitment challenges. This trend is spreading across the state, though some communities have resisted the change.
Preservation Efforts
Preserve Montana has documented 812 one- or two-room schoolhouses across the state and aims to preserve as many as possible by:
Helping secure grants for restoration
Training crews in historic preservation techniques
Raising awareness of the cultural and historical significance
Supporting communities in maintaining these landmarks
Represents: Public school teachers, support personnel, faculty and staffers at colleges and universities, retired educators, and college students preparing to become teachers
Special Education Resources
Montana Parent Information & Training Center: 1-877-870-1190
OPI Special Education: (406) 444-5661
Ed Navigate MT:ednavigatemt.com - Guidance on special education services and ESA programs
Montana serves 148,585 students in K-12 public schools as of the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, 17,108 students attend non-public schools (8,584 in private schools and 8,524 homeschooled), bringing the total K-12 student population to 165,693. The state operates approximately 400 active school districts, ranging from large urban systems like Billings Elementary (11,079 students) to small rural one-room schoolhouses.
Yes. Montana became the 46th state to pass charter school laws in 2023. The Montana Board of Public Education unanimously approved 19 new charter schools in January 2024, with all but one beginning operations in fall 2024. In December 2024, 12 additional proposed charter schools sought approval for the 2025-26 school year. Charter schools in Montana are public, free, typically have no entry requirements, and offer extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Recent charter school proposals include schools emphasizing virtual learning, trades education, and specialized cultural instruction.
Montana is considered a "homeschool-friendly" state with straightforward requirements. Parents must: (1) Notify the county superintendent of schools annually of their intention to homeschool; (2) Provide instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, civics, history, literature, and science; (3) Keep immunization and attendance records. Montana does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers, and parents don't need specific teaching qualifications. Currently, 8,524 students are homeschooled in Montana (2023-24), representing a 9.3% increase (+725 students) from the previous year. Families with special needs students may qualify for the Special Needs Equal Opportunity ESA program, providing $5,000-$8,000 per family for educational expenses.
The Montana University System comprises 16 public colleges and universities created on July 1, 1994. The system includes two R1 research universities: Montana State University (Bozeman) with 60 bachelor's programs, 68 master's programs, and 35 doctoral programs; and University of Montana (Missoula) with 10,811 students enrolled in fall 2024 across 11 colleges and schools. The system also includes MSU satellite campuses in Billings, Havre, and Great Falls; UM's Missoula College and Bitterroot College; seven tribal colleges serving Native American communities; and eight two-year colleges providing career training and transfer pathways. Both MSU and UM hold the prestigious R1 classification for "Very high research activity."
The average salary for public school teachers in Montana is $50,557 per year. Starting salaries begin at $34,476, while experienced teachers can earn up to $69,362 at the top of the salary scale. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as a master's degree in elementary education, earn an average annual wage of $62,350. However, Montana faces a critical teacher shortage of 1,039 teachers and requires approximately 900 new teachers each year to keep up with enrollment growth and teacher attrition. In 2023, Montana granted 1,207 new teaching licenses. Rural schools particularly struggle with teacher recruitment and retention due to lower salaries compared to nearby districts and geographic isolation.
Montana has seven tribal colleges located on each of the state's seven Indian reservations: Aaniiih Nakoda College (Harlem), Blackfeet Community College (Browning), Chief Dull Knife College (Lame Deer), Fort Peck Community College (Poplar and Wolf Point), Little Big Horn College (Crow Agency), Salish Kootenai College (Pablo), and Stone Child College (Rocky Boy's Reservation). These institutions provide culturally-grounded education honoring Native American traditions, languages, and knowledge systems while offering comprehensive academic programs including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees (at some institutions), and master's degrees (at Salish Kootenai College). Programs range from nursing, business, and information technology to Native American studies, tribal governance, and education. Tribal colleges serve as vital community anchors and economic development engines for tribal nations.
Montana uses the "Base Amount for School Equity" (BASE) formula, which represents the legal minimum amount of General Fund money a district must spend each year. The state also defines a MAX fill line that dictates the maximum amount a district can budget for general education expenses. Funding comes from multiple sources: 43.68% from state funds, 25.71% from local property taxes, 12.51% from federal sources, 9.42% from non-tax local sources, and 8.68% from county sources (FY 2012-13 data). The Guaranteed Tax Base (GTB) equalization provides state aid to districts with less property tax wealth, with the current GTB multiplier set at 254%. Montana spent an average of $12,101 per pupil in 2020. However, inflation has left schools approximately $141 million short (roughly 10% of general fund budgets) according to the Montana School Boards Association.
Montana offers 485 approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across more than 150 high schools. Programs include traditional trades (plumbing, carpentry, electrical), information technology, healthcare, automotive technology, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Montana Registered Apprenticeship provides employer-designed training consisting of at least 2,000 hours (1 year) of On-the-Job Training and 144 hours of college-level coursework per year. The state has nearly 3,150 active apprenticeships as of September 2024, representing a 25% increase over five years. One year after graduation, apprentices earn an average annual salary of $69,000β$13,100 higher than the statewide average wage. Through Work-Based Learning programs, students as young as 16 can work in many career fields and get paid as apprentices.
Montana has the highest percentage of rural schools (75%) of any state in the nation and the largest number of one-room schoolhouses still in operation (approximately 50 out of 100 nationwide). Montana once had upwards of 2,600 one-room schools. These schools remain essential in one of the least densely populated states, allowing rural children to receive education without spending hours commuting. They also serve as vital community hubsβaccording to the Montana History Foundation, "if the schoolhouse ceases to exist the town would cease to exist." However, rural schools face significant challenges including teacher recruitment difficulties, funding constraints, and closures. Since 2016, 15 rural school districts have spent time in non-operational status, with eight closing permanently. Preserve Montana has documented 812 historical one- or two-room schoolhouses and works to preserve them through grants and restoration training.
Montana provides comprehensive special education services under IDEA and Section 504. All public schools have an affirmative responsibility to identify and serve students with disabilities, and every eligible student is entitled to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Montana created the Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA) program in 2023, providing $5,000-$8,000 per family (2025-26) for students with IEPs to cover private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, and educational materials. In Montana, parents have the right to "Approve" the IEP or "Approve with Exceptions," with the IEP team implementing agreed-upon services while continuing to resolve exceptions. Resources include the Office of Public Instruction at (406) 444-5661 and the Montana Parent Information & Training Center at 1-877-870-1190.