2023 Best Public High Schools in Montana

• Bozeman High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  379 reviews

Alum: I didn't realize just how great the education I received at Bozeman High School was until my first semester in college. I was comfortable and thriving in a prestigious collegiate environment thanks to BHS. The teachers are fantastic, and prepared me well for college and beyond! The academic programs include plenty of AP and honors courses, and extracurriculars are well maintained.... Read 379 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,463

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Flathead High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  162 reviews

Senior: I love Glacier High School because of the amount of courses they offer. I can take Forensics or Astronomy or Creative Writing or Civil Engineering. Almost anything, really, and it's so much fun to learn from these teachers. They really love what they do and they're passionate about their subjects. But if you just moved into the school, it can be lonely. There's a huge amount of students, and a lot of them have been there since Freshman year. But there's also a lot of move ins right now so you're bound to find someone to connect with! I have several friends that just moved in like me, and we all love Glacier!... Read 162 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,345

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Whitefish, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  105 reviews

Junior: I have learned so much while attending this school. Not only have I been given a great academic education, but I’ve also received a personal one from all the phenomenal teachers and staff. This school doesn’t have the largest or newest selection of academic opportunities, that’s hard to get in Montana, but in makes up for it with the quality of people it employs. The teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and are always willing to offer one on one assistance. Students are respected and given a voice that continues to grow. Couldn’t be happier with my time there.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Red Lodge, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: Red Logde High Schools small town institution with great access to academics with few shortfalls. RLHS is packed with involved staff and eager students. RLHS also has some of the most advanced technology in the state for its size. The high school was built quite recently, so most of its features are modern. The school does have some features that might make some uncomfortable. These include, but are not limited to, lack of diversity, random drug testing, and a disconnect between students and administration. Overall, RLHS is a positive place to learn and prepare for college.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Missoula High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  195 reviews

Senior: The 4 years that I have spent smiling, laughing, and working at Hellgate High School have been WONDERFUL. I can't imagine growing both mentally and academically in any other Highschool in the nation. The people I have met and the opportunities that I have been granted here are what make me the woman I am today. Hellgate has a plethora of sports teams that feel more like family than friends along with the supportive coaches. The majority of teachers make the lessons interesting and prepare you well for exams. Unfortunately at Hellgate there were no computer science or coding clubs until I arrived. Seeking to increase the minimal opportunity for students to interface with computer science at my school, I had to contact the head of the University of Montana’s Computer Science department. Despite this circumstance, Hellgate Highschool has a wide variety of clubs, areas of study, and students who together create a positive atmosphere!... Read 195 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,210

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Frenchtown Public Schools, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  101 reviews

Middle School Student: I love all the teachers here because they are all so dedicated to their work. They have lots of hands-on learning experience. I love participating in all sports and clubs. They have amazing academic opportunities. They prepare you for everything in life from college readiness to child care. They teach culinary and food. The school prides itself on 3 things responsibility, respect, and safety. Coming to school every day is welcoming with a coffee shop and breakfast café. They pride themselves on everything they teach no matter what they teach. All of the teachers love and appreciate each other. I am proud to go to such an amazing school.... Read 101 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hamilton Public Schools, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  36 reviews

Junior: Hamilton High School is a very clean place with relatively low drama. The size is such that everyone knows everyone, but you don't always see the same people every day. The teachers are kind and charismatic, and it's easy for everyone to find a place and role. There's no other school in Montana I'd rather attend.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Plains High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: Plains High School was a great place to receive an education. Plains is a very small town. But, for a small town, Plains High School is better than most other public schools out there. They offered plenty of courses in the core classes, and they had great arts, music, and shop classes. Being a small school means having smaller class sizes. This allows the teachers at Plains High School to focus on the students and makes it easier to reach every student individually. They have always had great sports programs and have had many athletes go on to continue their athletics at a higher level. Many students that graduate from Plains High School continue their education at a higher level or institution. Plains was a great town to grow up in, and Plains High School was a great school to attend.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Missoula High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  231 reviews

Alum: Sentinel High School is one of the best schools in Missoula County. They provide great academic opportunities for students, and have several activities to be involved in! This school’s rigorous classes prepared me for university courses.... Read 231 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,278

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Ennis Public Schools, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: I've had one of the best experiences I possible could've with everything going on right now, however I think our school could do more for school spirit. We are pretty moderate in spirit, and our school pretty much does just the minimum of what we can do.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Helena High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  227 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Helena High have been some of the most amazing in my lifetime. I have been through so many struggles and learning moments that these teachers have become a home away from home and teachers that guided me in my toughest times. I have learned so much from the school experience and without some of these teachers I would of never figured out my future, decided my college pathways, and maybe would of never felt like my dreams are possible. The teachers and faculty at Helena High bring hope to the students and help them achieve their dreams. I would hope to see the school grow and for them to get enough funding to keep their amazing staff, while allowing them to improve the building and other parts of the schools department.... Read 227 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,254

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairfield, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: Fairfield High School is a great place to spend high school, albeit a bubble. While the culture is athletic, the school is working to create more opportunities for students, from independent research to online AP and MTDA classes. Fairfield offers activities from athletics to STEM groups, gives computers to all students, and has a culture of collaboration between students, staff, and administration. The teachers are excellent, going above and beyond in the classroom to differentiate learning. And, they care deeply about their students, supporting them academically and personally. Small class sizes allow students to form strong relationships with their teachers, with many keeping in touch with students long after they graduate. Excellent advising, college prep opportunities, and many community scholarships help students feel prepared when they pursue higher education at trade schools, military academies, and universities across the country.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 123

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Joliet, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Joliet High School is a small rural school with a 12:1 student teacher ratio. This provides an opportunity for academic success. I have a wide variety of classes and extra-curricular activities available to me to participate. I have been able to experience FFA, MBI, and student planning groups. My school was recognized for outstanding leadership success by earning the Aim Higher MHSA award. Joliet High School was also recognized by US News Best High Schools and ranked 43rd in Montana. We have a great faculty and administration. The Joliet community is supportive of our schools' accomplishments and future goals.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 121

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Billings High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  261 reviews

Senior: Billings West High School has a very engaging and inspiring atmosphere and encourages its students to participate in extracurricular activities. The teachers care about their work and make sure that their students learn the content that is being taught to them. This school makes sure that their students are ready and prepared for the ACT exams in order for them to score their highest scores possible. Sports are also taken very seriously in this establishment and a lot of athletes are given the resources for them to succeed in their competitions. In Billings West High School, Art programs are also given a lot of priority for students to take part in.... Read 261 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,098

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Broadus, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.22 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: I liked the classes and the teachers. Some classes were dual credit and tougher than others, but the small tight-knit community is there to help when you need it. It was hard to leave at graduation.... Read 41 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 69

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Billings High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  336 reviews

Freshman: I have had a great experience so far at Billings Senior High School. The diverse staff and students here are both very welcoming and friendly. With numerous clubs and sports, it’s easy to get involved! There are many options for classes, which caters to every students personal goals and needs. The teachers all do a great job of accommodating to every student they teach. As well, the counselors are reliable and helpful when presented with student’s questions. As my academic career in high school continues, I know I will be supported along the way by Billings Senior High School.... Read 336 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,806

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Simms, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy my life at Simms High School. I get along with all the teachers, and they will all help me with my work individually. The lunches are the highest quality I have ever experienced at a school! There isn't anything I would change.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 119

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Chinook, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  46 reviews

Niche User: Chinook High School has a wonderful faculty and student population. With the small student population, it allows for more one on one instruction from the teachers. This school harbors a safe space to develop friendships, and find a place within the community.... Read 46 reviews

• grade B

• Students 109

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Missoula High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.23 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: I have spent six years observing activities at SSHS and one year as a substitute teacher. I feel that the teaching staff and administration have been excellent. Parents readily support the students and the staff. In the substitute teaching activities, I could always count on the students to support me whether it was computer software applications, woodworking equipment, or established protocol at the school. We did have some fun times together. The girls basketball team went five years as District champions. Last year the team had a record of twenty-two wins and two losses. At the end of the season, the head coach retired. At the awards ceremony, it was announced and the team members mobbed him with embraces and hugs. The photo of this event spoke more than a thousand words.... Read 30 reviews

• grade B

• Students 92

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Big Sky School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: Gets students outdoors as much as possible! Lets students go skiing every Wednesday in January to get students moving and immersed in small town culture.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• Students 111

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Manhattan, MT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: First of all, MHS has great teachers! At least one teacher in every subject can teach the curriculum to you in your learning language. Second, it’s a small school and most of the students are very nice. MHS’s only shortcoming is that it’s small size limits the amount of clubs and activities the school can provide.... Read 51 reviews

• grade B

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Great Falls High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: My experience with Great Falls High School is good. Many of the teachers are very involved and enthusiastic, they are almost always willing to offer a helping hand. The new addition is nice and it is always becoming a better, safer place for students. There are some downfalls though, a lack of room in many classrooms leads to overcrowding especially in classes with 30 students. There is also little funding or help given to advanced students, there is only a limited number of advanced classes and most career focused classes are industrial which not every student wants to pursue.... Read 159 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,555

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Helena High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  265 reviews

Junior: Capital High School has an excellent learning environment. I am loving my time here. The teachers are dedicated and hard-working, and are always willing to answer questions and give personal attention to each student. The extra-curricular activities are also amazing. Our sports coaches push us to do our best in school and out of school, and are ready to help us when we need. The theatre, art, and music programs are also very nice. They help students be well-rounded and introduce us to new talents and ideas. This school is fun and focused!... Read 265 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,366

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Great Falls High School District, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  187 reviews

Senior: My high school provided many amazing opportunities to myself and my peers. This includes clubs, sports, academic competitions, internships and many other activities. Aside from the online years, it provided me with and encouraging school environment and college readiness. With all of these amazing opportunities, the thing that I wish could be improved would be involvement. It would be beneficial to advertise more of the unique opportunities to all students to give them options, so that many people don’t get stuck thinking that there is never anything to do.... Read 187 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,426

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Victor K-12 Schools, MT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: What I really like about Victor is how close everyone is. I like how laid back the school is, but also they push you to do your best. The main reason I came to victor was that it was a small school with lots of great people. The only thing I dislike about Victor is it is run very poorly. The administration office runs the school a bit weird and doesn't always make the best decisions. However, our students fight through adversity and just continue to learn and have fun at our school.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• Students 85

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1