Great Falls Public Schools (District #1) is Montana’s second-largest school district, serving more than 10,000 students across Great Falls, Black Eagle, Gibson Flats, Malmstrom Air Force Base, and portions of Sun Prairie and Ulm. As the city’s third-largest employer, the district plays a central role in both education and the local economy.
Founded in 1886, the district reflects over a century of community investment in public education. It includes both the Great Falls Elementary School District (Pre-K–8) and the Great Falls High School District, which share geographic boundaries and administrative leadership. Community support remains strong, demonstrated by voter-approved funding initiatives such as the $1.75 million elementary levy passed in 2020.
The district operates 22 neighborhood schools, employing hundreds of teachers, administrators, and specialized staff. Programs span rigorous academics, competitive athletics, performing arts, career and technical education, and comprehensive special education services designed to support a wide range of student needs.
Meadow Lark School stands out as Great Falls’ highest-performing public school, earning a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools and an A- rating from Niche. Other strong performers include Loy Elementary and Sacajawea School, demonstrating that families can find high-quality public education within the district.
District-wide academic performance tracks closely with Montana averages, with math proficiency at 34% (Montana average 37%) and reading proficiency at 47% (Montana average 46%). Outcomes vary meaningfully by school, making individual school selection an important consideration for academically focused families.
Great Falls is home to two comprehensive public high schools—Great Falls High School and C.M. Russell High School. Each enrolls approximately 1,600 students (grades 9–12) and offers Advanced Placement courses, career and technical pathways, competitive athletics, performing arts, and college preparation. While each school maintains its own traditions and culture, academic and extracurricular offerings are comparable.
Great Falls offers seven private schools serving approximately 820 students, representing about 8% of local K–12 enrollment, consistent with Montana statewide patterns. All private schools in Great Falls are religiously affiliated, primarily Catholic or Christian; there are currently no secular private schools.
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools is the largest private education system in the city, comprising Our Lady of Lourdes (elementary), Holy Spirit (elementary/middle), and Great Falls Central Catholic High School. These schools integrate Catholic faith formation with academics, emphasizing character development, leadership, and community service.
Annual tuition typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, significantly lower than metropolitan private schools. Parishioner discounts and financial aid are commonly available, though families should factor tuition into long-term planning.
Additional private options include Foothills Community Christian High School, Heritage Baptist School, Five Falls Christian School, and similar institutions. These schools emphasize biblical integration, character development, smaller class sizes, and close-knit community environments.
Educational philosophies vary widely, ranging from classical education models to college-preparatory and career-oriented approaches. Families are encouraged to visit campuses, review curricula, and speak with administrators to ensure alignment with academic expectations and family values. Treasure State Academy represents another private option, with details best obtained directly from the school.
Great Falls Public Schools provides comprehensive special education services in compliance with IDEA and Montana law. The district serves students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral challenges, speech and language impairments, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
Services include specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, counseling, and adapted physical education as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The district offers both self-contained classrooms for students needing intensive support and inclusion models that integrate students into general education with appropriate accommodations.
Families relocating with children who have special needs are encouraged to contact the district’s special education department early to coordinate IEP transfers and ensure continuity of services. Private schools typically offer more limited special education resources, making public schools the preferred option for some families.
Students in Great Falls benefit from extensive extracurricular opportunities. Athletics include all major Montana High School Association sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, wrestling, soccer, tennis, and golf, supported by quality facilities and a strong community sports culture.
Performing arts programs include band, orchestra, choir, drama, and musical theater, with regular productions and concerts throughout the year. Academic enrichment includes math team, science olympiad, speech and debate, quiz bowl, student government, honor societies, and service clubs.
University of Providence, a private Catholic university, offers associate through master’s degrees with flexible in-person and online formats. Health professions programs align closely with the region’s healthcare workforce needs.
Great Falls College Montana State University serves as the public two-year college, offering associate degrees, certificates, career and technical education, and transfer pathways. Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine–Montana, opened in 2023, is the state’s first medical school. Its presence strengthens local medical education, clinical training, and long-term physician recruitment.
Physician families relocating to Great Falls should evaluate schools based on children’s ages, academic goals, and support needs. Strong-performing public schools coexist with variable district-wide outcomes, making individual school research important.
Catholic and Christian private schools offer faith-based alternatives with moderate tuition, while homeschooling remains an option under Montana law, often paired with access to public school extracurriculars.
Overall, Great Falls provides a complete educational ecosystem—robust public schools, faith-based private options, comprehensive special education, and multiple higher education institutions—supporting families from early childhood through professional training.
