The Best Private Schools in Denton, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly respected private school serving the Denton area from Lewistown, offering a comprehensive education from kindergarten through 8th grade. Known for its strong academic foundation, the school integrates faith-based learning with a rigorous curriculum that includes STEM enrichment and religious studies. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community, it emphasizes character development and academic excellence. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and spaces for extracurricular activities, contributing to high parent satisfaction and a nurturing environment for students.
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Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a top-rated private high school that serves students from Denton and the surrounding region, providing a robust college preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. The school boasts experienced faculty, advanced placement courses, and a wide range of extracurriculars, including competitive athletics and fine arts programs. Facilities feature science labs, a gymnasium, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With a focus on holistic development and high graduation rates, it has a strong track record of parent and student satisfaction, making it a premier choice for secondary education in central Montana.
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St. Jude Thaddeus School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Jude Thaddeus School is a well-established private school serving the Denton area from Havre, offering education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. It is acclaimed for its balanced curriculum that combines core academics with music, arts, and sports programs, fostering a well-rounded student experience. The school features dedicated teachers, a safe and inclusive environment, and facilities such as a playground, music room, and computer lab. With an emphasis on academic achievement and community values, it has garnered positive reviews for its family-oriented approach and consistent educational outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denton, Montana
What are the private school options available for families living in Denton, Montana?
Denton, Montana, is a very small rural community, so there are no private schools physically located within the town itself. Families in Denton seeking private, faith-based education typically look to schools in larger nearby cities, primarily Great Falls, which is about an hour and a half drive away. The top options include St. Mary's Catholic School (Pre-K-8), St. Jude Thaddeus School (K-8), and Great Falls Central Catholic High School (9-12). This means commuting or arranging transportation is a significant and necessary consideration for Denton residents choosing private education.
How does the rural setting of Denton, MT, impact tuition and financial aid for private schools?
The cost of private school in Montana is generally lower than the national average, but for Denton families, the total cost must include substantial transportation expenses (fuel, vehicle maintenance, or boarding arrangements). Tuition at schools like St. Mary's or St. Jude Thaddeus is often scaled by parish membership, with lower rates for active Catholic families. Montana also 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. Denton parents should inquire directly with the Great Falls schools about need-based financial aid, diocesan scholarships, and their eligibility for the state tax-credit program to offset both tuition and commuting costs.
What academic or extracurricular programs might attract a Denton student to a private school in Great Falls?
For students from a small K-12 public school in Denton, private schools in Great Falls offer expanded academic and extracurricular opportunities. Great Falls Central Catholic High School provides a college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dedicated fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams in the Northern C division—options that are often limited in very small rural schools. St. Mary's and St. Jude Thaddeus offer strong foundational programs with integrated technology and faith-based character education. These schools can provide a broader peer network and specialized instruction that complements the close-knit, agricultural community values of Denton.
What is the enrollment process and timeline like for a family from Denton applying to a Great Falls private school?
The process requires proactive planning due to the distance. Enrollment typically opens in January or February for the following academic year at schools like St. Mary's, St. Jude, and Great Falls Central Catholic. Denton families should prioritize early contact with the admissions office, as some grades have waiting lists. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records from Denton School, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. A key consideration is arranging transportation; some families form carpools with others from outlying areas. It's also advisable to schedule shadow days for your child to experience the commute and school environment before committing.
How do the private school options near Denton, MT, uniquely support students from agricultural communities?
Private Catholic schools in the Great Falls area understand and value the agricultural lifestyle of surrounding communities like Denton. They often demonstrate flexibility for families during critical times like planting and harvest seasons. The values taught—hard work, stewardship, community, and integrity—directly align with rural Montana life. Furthermore, the smaller class sizes in these schools can provide more individualized attention, which can be beneficial for students who may need to balance schoolwork with family responsibilities on the farm or ranch. The community within the school often becomes an extended network, connecting Denton families with a wider support system in Central Montana.
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