The Best Private Schools in Ashland, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashland. 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
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
As the premier Catholic high school in eastern Montana, Billings Central serves students from Ashland and surrounding communities, approximately 130 miles away. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 15+ Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM program, and outstanding fine arts facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, the school maintains exceptional academic standards. Campus features include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, modern athletic facilities, and technology-rich classrooms. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with particular praise for the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive student support services.
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St. Labre Indian School
St. Labre Indian Catholic Schools
St. Labre Indian School is a highly respected Catholic institution serving the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations. Founded in 1884, it offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and cultural preservation. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. It provides boarding options for students and maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty. The curriculum blends rigorous college preparatory courses with Native American cultural education, creating a unique educational environment that has received high marks from parents and educational organizations alike.
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Sacred Heart School
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Located in Miles City, approximately 60 miles from Ashland, Sacred Heart School serves families throughout southeastern Montana. This established Catholic school provides a strong foundation in faith-based education with a comprehensive PreK-8 program. The school features dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience, modern classroom technology, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values. The school maintains active partnerships with local organizations and offers transportation options for regional families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashland, Montana
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Ashland, Montana?
Ashland, MT, is a small, rural community, so local private school options within the town itself are limited. The primary local option is Sacred Heart School, a Catholic K-8 school. For high school, families often look to nearby communities. Notably, St. Labre Indian School, located in Ashland, is a unique and significant institution offering a Catholic education with a profound commitment to serving Native American students, particularly from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow nations. Many Ashland families also consider Billings Central Catholic High School, approximately 120 miles away, which may involve boarding or a significant commute. Exploring these options requires understanding the distinct missions and logistical considerations of each.
How does the tuition at private schools in the Ashland, Montana area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Montana?
Tuition structures vary significantly between the schools serving Ashland. Sacred Heart School, as a local parish school, typically has a lower tuition rate, often with discounts for parish members. St. Labre Indian School, as a mission school, generally does not charge tuition for eligible Native American students and is funded through donations and grants; arrangements for non-Native students would differ. Billings Central Catholic High School has a higher tuition rate reflective of a larger regional high school. Montana offers the "Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations" program, which can provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. Additionally, many Montana private schools participate in diocesan aid programs and offer their own need-based scholarships.
What unique academic or cultural programs are offered by private schools in the Ashland area that reflect the local community?
The private schools accessible to Ashland families offer deeply rooted local programs. St. Labre Indian School is exceptional in its integration of Northern Cheyenne culture and language into its curriculum, alongside standard college-prep courses. This includes cultural studies, traditional arts, and ceremonies, providing an education that affirms indigenous identity. Sacred Heart School, while having a standard Catholic curriculum, operates within the close-knit Ashland community, often incorporating local history and values. For students commuting to Billings Central, programs may include robust agriculture/FFA tracks relevant to Montana's rural economy, as well as strong theology and service learning components aligned with its Catholic identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Sacred Heart or St. Labre in Ashland, MT?
Due to their smaller size and specific missions, enrollment processes in Ashland's private schools are highly personalized. For Sacred Heart School (K-8), interested families should contact the school office directly, often in the early spring prior to the desired fall enrollment. The process usually involves a school tour, submission of records, and a meeting with the principal. For St. Labre Indian School, the process is more complex due to its specific mission and potential boarding options. Families should initiate contact with the admissions office well in advance, as placement may involve tribal affiliation considerations and eligibility assessments. Neither school typically has large, anonymous lottery systems; early and direct communication is key.
For an Ashland resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school, Sacred Heart, or St. Labre?
The decision hinges on logistics, mission, and educational approach. Ashland Public Schools offer proximity and no tuition. Sacred Heart School provides a faith-based, K-8 education with small class sizes in the heart of the community, ideal for families seeking a Catholic environment without a long commute. St. Labre offers a culturally specific education deeply tied to the Northern Cheyenne heritage, which can be a decisive factor for Native American families. A major consideration for high school is the commute; choosing Billings Central means a 2+ hour daily drive or boarding, which is a significant family commitment. Parents must weigh the value of religious/cultural identity, academic environment, and daily logistics unique to rural southeastern Montana.