The Best Private Schools in Frazer, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frazer. 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
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Billings Central Catholic High School is a top-rated private school renowned for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. It features advanced STEM programs, vibrant arts and athletics, and a strong emphasis on community service. Serving students from across Montana, including rural areas like Frazer, the school fosters academic excellence, leadership, and moral development in a supportive, faith-based environment.
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St. Matthew's School
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Matthew's School is a private Catholic institution serving students from kindergarten to 8th grade, known for its strong academic foundation and faith-based learning environment. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a focus on community involvement, it provides a nurturing educational experience for families in the Glasgow area, including those from Frazer. The school emphasizes core subjects, religious studies, and extracurricular activities to support holistic student development.
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Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Great Falls Central Catholic High School offers a faith-based education focused on academic achievement, character building, and college readiness. With a curriculum that includes religious studies, advanced courses, and diverse extracurriculars, the school prepares students for future success. It attracts families from various regions, including Frazer, and is praised for its dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frazer, Montana
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Frazer, Montana?
No, there are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Frazer, MT. Frazer is a very small, rural community. Families in Frazer seeking private education typically look at options in larger regional hubs. The schools often considered include St. Matthew's School and Billings Central Catholic High School in Billings (approximately 200 miles southeast) and Great Falls Central Catholic High School in Great Falls (approximately 200 miles west). This necessitates planning for significant commuting or boarding arrangements.
What are the main financial aid or tuition assistance resources for Montana families considering distant private schools like those in Billings or Great Falls?
For Montana families, the primary source of financial aid is directly from the schools themselves, often based on need. Additionally, Montana has a unique state tax credit program that can significantly reduce the net cost. Donations to Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs) qualify for a 100% state tax credit, and these SSOs provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. It's crucial to ask each school (e.g., Billings Central or Great Falls Central) about their partnership with specific SSOs. Furthermore, some schools may offer multi-child discounts or parish subsidies for affiliated Catholic families.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at regional private schools accommodate students from remote areas like Frazer?
Schools like Billings Central Catholic and Great Falls Central Catholic are accustomed to serving students from rural Eastern Montana. Academically, they often provide robust college preparatory curricula with Advanced Placement (AP) courses that may not be available in Frazer's public school. To accommodate long-distance students, some families utilize weekly boarding with host families in the school's city or carpool networks. Extracurricularly, these schools offer a wide range of sports, clubs, and arts programs, but participation requires careful scheduling around lengthy commutes. Schools may have flexibility with practice times for students traveling great distances.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Frazer student applying to a Catholic high school like Billings Central or Great Falls Central?
The process begins early, often in the fall of the student's 7th or 8th grade year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or shadow day, which requires planning for a long-distance trip. 2) Submitting an application by the winter deadline (usually January or February). 3) Providing transcripts, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations from the Frazer school. 4) Completing a family interview, which may be conducted virtually to accommodate distance. It's vital to initiate contact with the admissions office well over a year in advance to understand specific requirements and scholarship deadlines, especially for the Montana SSO tax credit scholarships.
From a Frazer perspective, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school and a distant private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Frazer public school offers the immense convenience of a local community school with no commute. Choosing a private school in Billings or Great Falls involves a major commitment: a 3-4 hour daily commute or arranging boarding, which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. Parents must weigh the broader academic offerings, specialized religious education (if desired), and different social environments of the larger private schools against the logistical and financial challenges. For some families, the decision is made in middle school, with the private school option sought for high school to access a wider range of advanced courses and college counseling.