The Best Private Schools in Colstrip, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Colstrip. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School is the only private school located directly in Colstrip, serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. This established Catholic school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes core academic subjects, religious education, music, and arts. The school is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many families choosing it for its moral foundation and academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
Billings Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Billings Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded regional private school that serves students from Colstrip and surrounding eastern Montana communities. Located approximately 120 miles from Colstrip, this college-preparatory school offers rigorous academics including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Many Colstrip families choose Central for its strong academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
Programs:
Laurel School District - Laurel High School
Laurel Public Schools
While technically a public school, Laurel High School serves as a regional education option for Colstrip families seeking alternatives to their local public school. Located approximately 100 miles from Colstrip, the school offers robust academic programs including dual enrollment opportunities with Montana State University Billings, comprehensive career technical education pathways, and strong athletic programs. The school is known for its quality facilities, experienced teaching staff, and diverse extracurricular opportunities that attract students from surrounding communities including Colstrip.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Colstrip, Montana
What are the actual private school options for families living in Colstrip, Montana, given the listed schools are in other cities?
It's important for Colstrip parents to know that there are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town of Colstrip itself. The schools listed, such as St. Margaret Mary Catholic School and Billings Central Catholic High School, are located in Billings (approximately 110 miles away), and Laurel High School is a public school in Laurel. Therefore, "private school options" for Colstrip residents typically involve considering boarding options, long-distance commuting (which is challenging), or online private academies. Some families may also explore the possibility of relocating to Billings for access to a wider range of private institutions.
How do Montana's tax credit and scholarship programs affect the affordability of private schools for Colstrip families considering schools in Billings?
Montana offers the Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations, which allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to approved SSOs. These organizations then provide need-based scholarships to students, including those attending private schools. For a Colstrip family considering a school like Billings Central, applying for these scholarships is a crucial step. Additionally, some private schools in Billings offer their own financial aid. The distance adds significant costs (fuel, potential boarding), so leveraging these Montana-specific programs is essential to make private education feasible from Colstrip.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might justify the commute from Colstrip to a private school in Billings, Montana?
Private schools in Billings, such as Billings Central Catholic High School, offer programs not typically available in smaller public school districts like Colstrip's. These can include robust college preparatory (AP/Advanced) course sequences, specific faith-based education, distinctive arts programs (like dedicated theater or music institutes), and competitive athletic leagues. For a student with a specific talent or academic goal, these programs may be worth the commute. However, parents must weigh these opportunities against the 2+ hour daily drive, which significantly impacts family time and the student's ability to participate in after-school activities.
What is the enrollment process and timeline like for a Colstrip student applying to a private high school in Billings, such as Billings Central Catholic?
The process requires early and proactive planning due to the distance. Typically, applications for the following academic year open in the fall, with deadlines in January or February. The process for a Colstrip student involves: 1) Attending a remote or in-person open house (a significant trip), 2) Submitting application forms, transcripts from Colstrip schools, teacher recommendations, and often taking an entrance exam, 3) Possibly scheduling a shadow day where the student spends a day at the Billings school (requiring overnight travel). It's critical to contact the admissions office well in advance to discuss the unique circumstances of applying from a remote community.
How does the environment and community of a Colstrip public school compare to a private school in a larger Montana city like Billings?
Colstrip Public Schools offer a close-knit, community-centered environment where students are often in classes with peers they've known their entire lives, and teacher-student ratios can be favorable. The culture is deeply tied to the local energy industry and rural lifestyle. In contrast, a private school in Billings offers a more diverse (though still largely regional) student body, a specific religious or pedagogical ethos, and a focus on preparing students for a wider array of colleges and careers. The choice hinges on whether a family prioritizes the familiar, community-based model of Colstrip or seeks a different social/academic environment, despite the logistical and financial hurdles of accessing it.