The Best Private Schools in Acton, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Acton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Billings Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Billings Central Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic institution serving southeastern Montana, including the Acton area. Founded by the Ursuline Sisters, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The 15-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community service. Over 98% of graduates attend four-year colleges, and the school consistently ranks among Montana's top private high schools.
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Petra Academy
Independent Christian School
Petra Academy is a classical Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from Acton and surrounding communities. The school's distinctive classical approach emphasizes the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, integrated with Christian worldview. Students study Latin, engage with Great Books, and develop critical thinking skills through Socratic dialogue. The campus features dedicated science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Petra Academy maintains small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college acceptance at selective institutions nationwide.
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St. Anthony Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Located in nearby Laurel, St. Anthony Catholic School serves students from Acton and surrounding communities with a comprehensive PK-8 education program. The school provides a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, dedicated science instruction, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium facilities. With a focus on faith formation and academic excellence, St. Anthony prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Acton, Montana
What are the private school options for families living in Acton, Montana, and are there any schools actually located in Acton?
Acton, Montana, is a small unincorporated community, and there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. Families in Acton typically look to nearby Billings (approximately 15-20 miles away) for private education. The top-regarded options include Billings Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Petra Academy (a classical Christian school offering K-12), and St. Anthony Catholic School (Pre-K through 8). Enrollment from Acton is common, but parents must plan for daily transportation to Billings.
How does tuition at Billings-area private schools compare for Montana residents, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private schools in the Billings area serving Acton families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ annually, with high schools generally at the higher end. Montana offers a unique financial aid opportunity through the "Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations" program. Donations to approved SSOs fund scholarships for private school students, and donors receive a state tax credit. Additionally, schools like Billings Central and Petra Academy have their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Acton, MT, offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the Billings area provide distinct programs. Billings Central Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum alongside faith formation and unique electives like Engineering and Biomedical Science. Petra Academy is notable for its classical, trivium-based education (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric) with a focus on great books and Latin. St. Anthony Catholic School provides a structured, faith-based foundation in early education. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and may offer specific arts, theology, or competitive sports programs tied to their missions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Acton applying to private schools in Billings, MT?
The process typically begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held between November and February). 2) Submitting an application by early spring deadlines (some schools have rolling admission). 3) Providing records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes attending a student assessment or shadow day. 4) Applying for financial aid separately and concurrently. For the most sought-after grades, especially kindergarten and 9th grade, applying early is crucial. Acton families should also inquire about transportation options or carpool networks during the application process.
For Acton residents, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district (likely Acton Elementary and Laurel High School) and a private school in Billings?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The public school route offers proximity, no tuition, and community integration. Choosing a private school in Billings involves a commitment to daily commuting, tuition costs, and a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Catholic, classical Christian). Parents should consider the value of smaller class sizes, religious education, and specialized curricula against the practicalities of distance and expense. Many Acton families choose private schools for a consistent faith-based environment from elementary through high school, which the public system does not provide, or for a particular pedagogical approach like classical education at Petra Academy.