The Best Private Schools in Great Falls, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Great Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic high school offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes service learning and spiritual formation within the Catholic tradition.
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St. Thomas More Elementary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Thomas More Elementary School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith formation with strong academic foundations. Features include dedicated early childhood classrooms, technology integration, music and art programs, and before/after school care. The school community emphasizes family involvement and character development, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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Our Lady of Lourdes School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Our Lady of Lourdes School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features updated technology resources, including computer labs and classroom technology integration. The curriculum includes comprehensive core subjects complemented by music, art, physical education, and religious studies. The school maintains a safe, nurturing environment with emphasis on developing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Great Falls, Montana
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Great Falls, Montana?
Great Falls offers a small but focused selection of private schools, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. For elementary education, families can consider St. Thomas More Elementary School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and Our Lady of Lourdes School (Pre-K through 8th grade). For high school, the primary option is Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12). This means a continuous Catholic education from Pre-K to 12th grade is available within the city. There are currently no non-religious or independent private day schools at the secondary level, which is an important consideration for families seeking secular private education in Great Falls.
How does tuition at Great Falls private schools compare to the Montana state average, and what financial aid options exist locally?
Tuition at Great Falls' private schools is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for Montana households. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Thomas More is approximately $4,000-$5,000 annually, while Great Falls Central Catholic High School tuition is around $8,000-$9,000. These figures are often lower than private schools in larger Montana cities like Bozeman or Missoula. All local Catholic schools offer need-based financial aid, supported by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings and local parish subsidies. Additionally, Montana's Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations allows donors to fund scholarships, and some families may utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Great Falls, MT, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Great Falls private schools integrate Montana's culture and landscape into their programs. Great Falls Central Catholic High School emphasizes its JROTC program, one of the few in a Montana private school, and its strong science curriculum that can leverage nearby resources like the Missouri River and the Giant Springs State Park for environmental studies. Elementary schools often incorporate Montana history and local field trips as core components. Furthermore, given the strong sense of community in Great Falls, these schools often facilitate partnerships with local businesses and Malmstrom Air Force Base for mentorship and service projects, providing unique real-world learning experiences not always available in larger metropolitan areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Great Falls, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Great Falls private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to registered parishioners of supporting Catholic churches and siblings of current students. Open houses are usually held in the winter. While these schools do not always have extensive waitlists due to the city's size and public school alternatives, popular grades (especially kindergarten and 6th grade) can fill quickly. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. It's highly recommended to contact the school directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as timelines can be specific to each institution in Great Falls.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between private and public schools in Great Falls, Montana?
The key differences in Great Falls center on class size, curriculum, and community. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) offer a wide variety of programs, including career and technical education at the C.M. Russell High School annex, and have larger student populations. Private schools in Great Falls offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a values-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition, which includes daily religion classes and weekly Mass. Academically, private schools like Great Falls Central Catholic often boast a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate. A practical consideration is transportation; GFPS provides busing, while private school families must arrange their own transportation, which can be a significant factor in Montana's climate with its harsh winters.
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