Skip to Main Content

2019 Best Public High Schools in MontanaAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 167
Best Schools
167 results

  1. Bozeman High School

    • Public School
    • Bozeman, MT
    • 9-12
    • 308
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Alum: Bozeman High School has a lot of opportunities for its students to succeed and prepare for college. While I attended Bozeman High School I was able to participate in AP courses as well as dual enrollment courses which helped prepare me for college and also gave me credits which I was able to apply to my degree. This school also has so many amazing programs for students to participate in. I was a part of the Symphony Band, Marching Band, Symphony, and Dance Team! I had so much fun in these programs, but the programs also helped me become the person I am today. I made lots of friends in this school and I feel that I am truly a better person because of the experiences which I had while attending this school.
    Read 308 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,989 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Choteau High School

    • Public School
    • Choteau, MT
    • 9-12
    • 26
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Choteau High School has many great, caring teachers. There are many opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities also. The atmosphere at Choteau High School is very welcoming. Additionally, there are various choices in accelerated courses that helped me in furthering my education.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 112 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Hellgate High School

    • Missoula High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 170
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Alum: I attended Hellgate Highschool for 4 years. I made great friends and experienced excellent diversity. The school has recently changed to a new administration, which I am happy to see. My overall experience was good, however, the school has so much opportunity to be great. The resources and support from the previous administration and counselors were not efficient. I am excited to see the school accept with new leadership. Go Knights!
    Read 170 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,232 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  4. Sponsored

    Roanoke Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Roanoke, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 58

    Alum: I attended RCS since 5th grade, and absolutely loved it. This school provides an excellent college prep education while being centered on Catholic teaching. The teachers deeply care for their students, and definitely push them to be better students, but also better people. Theology classes certainly teach the beliefs of the Church but also allow for questions and discussion about the Catholic faith, which gives students the opportunity to own their faith rather than know about their faith. I would highly recommend this school to any family interested in a high quality, holistically minded, education.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 501 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Whitefish High School

    • Public School
    • Whitefish, MT
    • 9-12
    • 88
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Alum: I had attended Whitefish High for all four years. Overall, it is a great school with a clean and safe environment. For me, bullying was never a major issue. (Middle school, however, is a different story.) 9/10 of the teachers that I had at WHS were awesome; a couple of them I still stay in contact with to this day. Although I did have handfuls of issues with the higher up staff, the principal and especially the vice principal. This was mainly due to the fact that I was a rebel then, and also because the vice principal is demanding and drilling with a "my way or the highway" kind of attitude, and absolutely zero room to budge. You either loved her or hated her, no in between. Overall, when I reflect on my high school experience, I am thankful that I had gone to WHS and made connections and relationships that continue to flourish today.
    Read 88 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 480 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Lincoln County High School

    • Public School
    • Eureka, MT
    • 9-12
    • 34
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Lincoln County High School is a great school for being located in a town with less than 2,000 people. Our sports teams are great, the teachers are involved with their students, and we have one of the best auditoriums around! Since LCHS is located in such a small town, we don't get as many opportunities here as larger schools would. We make the best and try hard for what we can have though!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Bigfork High School

    • Public School
    • Bigfork, MT
    • 9-12
    • 65
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: The biggest thing I have enjoyed during my time at Bigfork High School has been the family created by staff, students, relatives, alumni, and the community of Bigfork itself. All of the students know each other, and even though it is a high school and has some drama, we all remain a family. Everyone is involved in some form of activity; sports, music, art, etc.; and the school is filled with talented students. The academic programs are very thorough and do not suffice with skipping content. The parents and surrounding community are very supportive and are always jumping at the chance to participate in fundraisers and events - even if it is riding a bus for hours to chaperone a field trip. Overall, Bigfork gives every student the opportunity to learn themselves with as much help as they need. The teachers are never too busy to assist any student, and same goes for the students as well.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 282 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Red Lodge High School

    • Public School
    • Red Lodge, MT
    • 9-12
    • 13
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    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 13 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 157 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Park High School

    • Public School
    • Livingston, MT
    • 9-12
    • 60
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Junior: I came here from another school and in comparison Park is excellent. The staff cares and puts effort into each student. The teachers push the students to work hard, and they are willing to stay after school to chat and offer extra help. A lot of the students here don't know what they have. If schools were like this across the country, we'd have a very well educated and highly motivated population.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Lone Peak High School

    • Big Sky School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 17
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    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 17 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Glacier High School

    • Flathead High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 129
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: As a student-athlete at Glacier High School, I am involved in several different programs: basketball, volleyball, softball, National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, and theatre department. I enjoy all of the activities I am involved in, and feel all the administrators and faculty staff create a proactive learning atmosphere for all students. Glacier is centered around their programs, being a new school--11 years old-- coaches, athletes, and students work hard to develop a strong legacy for future programs to follow. Athletic programs strive for state championships and settle for nothing less than optimal effort. Glacier’s academic programs are proud to receive several high and national honors in the short period we have been open. However, we lack exposure to different cultures and viewpoints our evolving world demands; and as a high school senior planning to major in Latin American Studies, I wish the city offered a more diverse group of people to interact with.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,343 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Sweet Grass County High School

    • Public School
    • Big Timber, MT
    • 9-12
    • 20
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Alum: Sweet Grass High is a small town high school. Because of that, class sizes are smaller making connections with peers, teachers, coaches stronger. There might not be as many academic or extracurricular opportunities offered, but I believe having closer relationships with the people around you matters more.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 164 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Colstrip High School

    • Public School
    • Colstrip, MT
    • 9-12
    • 34
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Colstrip high school is a well organized district and doesn't get the praise it deserves. Could there be a few changes yes, but not every school is perfect!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 204 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Big Sky High School

    • Missoula High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 156
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: When compared to the three other main high schools in Missoula, I'd say Big Sky is superior. The atmosphere in the school is great. Everybody really gets a long with everybody and the teachers are very helpful and trustworthy. We are the only school to offer the Health Science Academy which benefits people who are looking to further there knowledge in science and medical fields. If I could improve anything in our school it would have to be the math department. Personally I feel that the education I am getting in math is lacking. This might have an effect on me in the future because I plan to go to college to study engineering. Overall all though Big Sky will always be home to me and I am proud to say that I attended this school for the past four years. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and I hope to hear from you soon!
    Read 156 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Plains High School

    • Public School
    • Plains, MT
    • 9-12
    • 9
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: I have attended Plains School since I was 8 and I couldn’t ask for a better environment and education! The facility becomes your family and they help you to achieve your education goals. I participated in sports during my high school career and became a better student/person for it. We are a very small town and an even smaller school, but you would never know it by how big our hearts are and how much we care for one another! I love my school!
    Read 9 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 133 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Powder River County District High School

    • Public School
    • Broadus, MT
    • 9-12
    • 36
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: I love PRCDHS. Broadus is a friendly town with friendly teachers. With a close connection with my teachers it made my education easier and learning a breeze. The teachers here are well respected and teachers respect us as equals. The only thing I would change is the fact it rains every homecoming. As a senior my teachers have been preparing me for college since day one. I already have a five college plan and am already locked into a major I love. Overall my school is a 9.5/10 just because of the weather.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Glasgow High School

    • Glasgow Public Schools, MT
    • 9-12
    • 36
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: I transferred to Glasgow from a smaller school my junior year, and I was so impressed and excited about how many options I had. The only choice I could make in my old school was If I wanted to take band or art. In the last two years my experience in Glasgow High School has been good. I have learned to go out of my comfort zone. I met my best friends in Glasgow high school. I have never had good experience with teachers either, and in Glasgow the teachers are awesome, most of them get to know each student individually. They also have started to offer dual credit classes which is helping me and other students get a head start on college credits. Transferring to Glasgow is one of the best decisions I have made, and it has been a very good experience overall.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 246 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Flathead High School

    • Flathead High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 176
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Flathead has a great learning environment and had given me a great High School Experience! My teachers are all passionate about what they do and are always ready to encourage me to push myself. Overall, the best thing about Flathead is the positive energy from staff and students. Everyone is encouraged to honor both themselves and other students. Everyone is taught the importance of having personal pride and school pride where everyone does their best for themselves and the community. I have had some amazing experiences from Flathead and would encourage other people attend!
    Read 176 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,474 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Great Falls High School

    • Great Falls High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 144
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Great falls high is a great school, that is modern in its appriach ro teaching but makes you feel like you are going to one of those romanticized high schools of the fifties. Everything you would expect and want high school to be can be achieved here. In some ways it feels like the same school my grandmother would've gone but it also includes all the modern things a 21st century student needs.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,480 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Charlo High School

    • Public School
    • Charlo, MT
    • 9-12
    • 29
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: I love Charlo School it has been the best school i have been to. What makes Charlo special is how all the teachers make you feel welcome and they work with you with whatever you need. Our sports program is amazing and everybody works there hardest everyday to better themselves, In sports or in school. We are like a family everybody takes care of everbody i wouldnt chang a thing about Charlo High School.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. St. Ignatius High School

    • St. Ignatius Public Schools, MT
    • 9-12
    • 31
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Niche User: For small town Montana -- St. Ignatius HIGH School is one of the best in the Mission Valley! This school has come SO FAR! The current admin & teachers are ALL very invested in this school with many alumni returning! If you are looking for a school that has teachers that will help your children achieve an education that will help them succeed in LIFE & COLLEGE this is the school. ALL the teachers are willing to give ANY student EXTRA help when needed. While St. Ignatius may not have the funding for fancy sports, arts etc.... they excel in many other clubs such as MBI, Tech Club, SSC etc....... and most of these clubs the students must raise the money to function. My kids have also enjoyed the foreign exchange students each year that come to St. Ignatius, which averages from 2 to 7 per year. For a rural area St. Ignatius High School is GREAT and offers a "real life" education to those students who are WILLING to LEARN! So far our families overall experience has been fun & has been an asset to our children's future!
    Read 31 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 139 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Seeley-Swan High School

    • Missoula High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 29
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    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 29 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 107 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Chinook High School

    • Public School
    • Chinook, MT
    • 9-12
    • 42
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Chinook High school has been my school for the past 6 years, junior high is in the high school, and I believe that even though it is a pretty small school compared to others it really has a sense of home in it. All of the teachers have really helped me grow and evolve throughout my entire school career and I like to think I've made plenty of friends from the faculty and staff to. The classes educated me very well and we're great places of discussions happening in the real world. Altogether Chinook High school is an amazing place and has helped me learn about myself and the world while I went to the school.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 117 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Hamilton High School

    • Hamilton Public Schools, MT
    • 9-12
    • 27
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Junior: Lots of classes, and activities to choose from. There's countless little clubs, with some activity going on nearly every day. We have Band, Choir, and many different sports going on all year. Numerous AP and Dual Credit courses are offered, which gives you a jump start on college. Great place overall!
    Read 27 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 505 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Victor High School

    • Victor K-12 Schools, MT
    • 9-12
    • 5
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Alum: The small classroom, more of a 1 on 1 setting with teachers, was very helpful to me when I attended. Most of the teachers are wanting nothing but the kids to succeed and go far and that is an awesome quality in a teacher. With that being said, not having a huge student body made it harder to make friends. I would rate overall a 7/10.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 108 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Sentinel High School

    • Missoula High School District, MT
    • 9-12
    • 188
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Montana

    Senior: Sentinel is a very positive, engaging, safe, and fun learning environment! Students are given very many opportunities with all of the AP classes offered, allowing them to learn to the best of their abilities. Sentinel also offers many amazing extracurricular activities to help shape students into responsible and hardworking individuals.
    Read 188 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 12

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • 1-12
    • 130

    Parent: Norfolk Academy provided an extraordinary educational journey for my two children, fueling their curiosity and inspiring them to explore new avenues that they might not have discovered without the incredible teachers and coaches at this school. My oldest child, who came in sixth grade, now studies engineering at an Ivy League university; he particularly loved the robotics team, as well as soccer, swimming, and crew teams. My youngest child, who is a senior at NA, came in first grade, and she has developed a passion for medicine and health, largely through the school's Global Health Fellows program and the Medical Scholars program.
    Read 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,203 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 7