The Best Private Schools in Brady, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brady. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ursuline Centre Montessori School
Ursuline Sisters
The Ursuline Centre Montessori School provides exceptional Montessori education for children from preschool through elementary grades, serving families throughout central Montana including Brady. Founded by the Ursuline Sisters, this school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and holistic child development. The program features beautifully prepared Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and specialized enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. With highly trained Montessori teachers and a nurturing environment, the school has earned outstanding parent satisfaction ratings and maintains strong educational outcomes. The historic campus offers a peaceful, natural setting for learning.
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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 students from Brady and surrounding communities. Located approximately 40 miles from Brady, this college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong STEM programs, competitive athletics including football, basketball, and volleyball, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. With a focus on character development and community service, the school maintains high academic standards and has a strong track record of college placements. The campus includes modern science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities.
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C.M. Russell High School (Private Academy Program)
Great Falls Public Schools (Charter/Private Program)
While primarily a public school, C.M. Russell High School offers specialized private academy programs that serve students from surrounding communities including Brady. The school features comprehensive Advanced Placement course offerings, state-of-the-art career and technical education facilities, and exceptional performing arts programs. The campus includes modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and specialized learning spaces for various academic disciplines. With a strong emphasis on college and career readiness, the school provides numerous extracurricular opportunities and maintains high academic standards. The private academy options within the school structure provide enhanced educational opportunities for regional students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brady, Montana
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in Brady, Montana?
Brady itself is a very small, rural community and does not have a private school within its town limits. Therefore, families in Brady typically look to the nearby city of Great Falls, approximately 30 miles away, for private education. The primary options include Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Ursuline Centre Montessori School (preschool and elementary), and specialized private programs like those sometimes offered through public schools such as C.M. Russell High School. Transportation to and from Great Falls is a key logistical consideration for Brady residents.
How does Montana's tuition tax credit program affect the cost of private school for Brady families?
Montana's Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs) can significantly aid Brady families. While not a direct deduction, it allows donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for contributions to SSOs, which then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students attending private schools like those in Great Falls. For a family in Brady, this means applying for scholarship assistance through an SSO partnered with your chosen school can make tuition at Great Falls Central Catholic or Ursuline Centre more accessible, indirectly offsetting the cost.
Are there private school programs in the Great Falls area that cater to specific educational philosophies or needs relevant to Brady families?
Yes, the most distinctive option is the Ursuline Centre Montessori School, which offers a Montessori curriculum for young children—a notable contrast to the traditional public school structure in Brady. For high school students, Great Falls Central Catholic provides a college-preparatory curriculum with a Catholic faith-based education, which may be appealing for families seeking that environment. While specialized programs for agriculture or trades common in rural Montana are more prevalent in public high schools, Central Catholic offers strong academics and extracurriculars that prepare students for diverse post-secondary paths.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Brady students applying to private schools in Great Falls?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Great Falls Central Catholic and Ursuline Centre Montessori typically begin in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to existing families and Catholic parish members. For families in Brady, it is crucial to initiate contact early due to travel for tours, entrance assessments (if required), and scholarship application deadlines. We recommend contacting the admissions office by November of the year prior to desired enrollment. Given the commute, understanding the school's specific late enrollment or mid-year transfer policy is also important.
For a family in Brady, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Great Falls?
The decision hinges on several Brady-specific factors. The primary advantage of Brady's public school is proximity and deep integration with the small community. Choosing a private school in Great Falls involves a daily commute, which adds time and cost, but offers different educational environments: faith-based formation at Central Catholic or child-led Montessori learning at Ursuline Centre. Parents must weigh the value of these specialized programs against the convenience and community connection of the local school. Additionally, the social transition for a student from a very small Brady classroom to a larger private school setting in Great Falls is an important consideration.