The Best Private Schools in Black Eagle, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Black Eagle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ursuline Academy Montessori
Private Montessori School
Ursuline Academy Montessori is a highly-rated private Montessori school serving families in Black Eagle and the greater Great Falls area. Founded in 1998, the school offers authentic Montessori education for children from preschool through elementary grades. The school features individualized learning plans, hands-on Montessori materials, and a child-centered approach to education. With certified Montessori teachers and low student-teacher ratios, the school emphasizes academic excellence, independence, and social development. The facility includes specially designed Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and enrichment programs in art, music, and foreign languages.
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Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Black Eagle and Great Falls area. Established in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts offerings. With a 100% college acceptance rate and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence in a faith-based environment. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources.
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Mount Calvary Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Mount Calvary Lutheran School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Black Eagle community and greater Great Falls area since 1976. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement within a Christian worldview. The curriculum includes core academic subjects enhanced by music, art, physical education, and technology integration. With small class sizes and experienced teachers, the school provides individualized attention and maintains high academic standards. The campus features modern classrooms, a gymnasium, playground facilities, and technology resources to support student learning and development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Black Eagle, Montana
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Black Eagle, Montana, given that many are located in neighboring Great Falls?
While Black Eagle itself has a very limited number of private schools, families commonly access well-regarded institutions in adjacent Great Falls, just minutes away. Your primary options include Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Ursuline Academy Montessori (preschool through 8th grade), and Mount Calvary Lutheran School (preschool through 8th grade). These schools are considered part of the Greater Great Falls educational community and are standard choices for Black Eagle residents. Transportation logistics, often via parent carpool, are a key local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools in the Great Falls/Black Eagle area compare to the Montana state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in the Great Falls area is generally below national private school averages but aligns with Montana's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $4,000-$8,000 annually for K-8 schools like Ursuline Academy and Mount Calvary Lutheran. Great Falls Central Catholic High School tuition is higher, often around $9,000-$10,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Montana has a unique tax-credit scholarship program—the Montana Tax Credit for Innovative Educational Programs—which can provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. Actively applying for aid and exploring these state-specific programs is crucial for Montana families.
What specialized academic or faith-based programs define the private school landscape serving Black Eagle students?
The private schools accessible to Black Eagle families offer distinct specializations. Great Falls Central Catholic provides a college-preparatory curriculum with a strong Catholic identity, including theology classes and sacramental preparation. Ursuline Academy is the region's premier Montessori program, emphasizing individualized, hands-on learning from preschool through middle school. Mount Calvary Lutheran offers a Christ-centered education with a strong emphasis on core academics and character development. This means parents in Black Eagle can choose between classical Montessori, traditional Lutheran, and college-prep Catholic models without needing to relocate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Great Falls area, and how competitive is admission for Black Eagle residents?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority deadlines often in March. While these schools do not have the extreme competitiveness of large metropolitan areas, popular grades—especially early childhood at Ursuline Academy and freshman year at Great Falls Central Catholic—can fill quickly. The process usually involves an application, student records review, family interview, and possibly an assessment. As a Black Eagle resident, you are considered part of the local applicant pool. It's advisable to initiate contact with admissions offices by early winter to secure a spot and understand any parish membership requirements (for the Catholic school) that may affect priority.
For a Black Eagle family, what are the key practical and philosophical considerations when comparing the local public school (Paris Gibson Education Center and Great Falls High School districts) with nearby private options?
The key consideration is the choice between designated public schools and a selected private community. Black Eagle students are typically districted for Paris Gibson Education Center (a 6-8 middle school) and then Great Falls High School. Comparing these with private options involves evaluating: class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. larger public classes), specific educational philosophy (Montessori, religious), and consistency of environment from K-8 or 9-12. A major practical factor is daily commuting to Great Falls for private school, versus potentially longer bus rides to the designated public schools. Philosophically, it centers on whether a family values a faith-based or alternative pedagogical foundation, which the Great Falls private schools provide, versus the diverse, tax-funded programs of the public system.
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