The Best Private Schools in Havre, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Havre. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ursuline Centre Preschool & Kindergarten
Ursuline Sisters
The Ursuline Centre offers exceptional early childhood education serving families from Havre and the surrounding region. This highly-regarded preschool and kindergarten program provides a Montessori-inspired approach with focus on whole-child development. The program features dedicated classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized learning materials. With experienced teachers and low student-teacher ratios, the school emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the strong foundation students receive for future academic success. The school serves as a feeder to elementary programs throughout the region.
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St. Jude Thaddeus School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Jude Thaddeus School is Havre's premier private Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on core subjects, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes for individualized attention and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Private Catholic School
Great Falls Central Catholic High School serves students from Havre and surrounding communities as a regional Catholic college preparatory school. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized education and strong college counseling. Many Havre families choose this school for its excellent college acceptance rates and strong community values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Havre, Montana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Havre, Montana, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Havre, Montana, the primary private school option is St. Jude Thaddeus School, which is a Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families often look to Great Falls Central Catholic High School, located about 110 miles south in Great Falls, which serves grades 9-12. Additionally, the Ursuline Centre in Great Falls offers a Preschool & Kindergarten program. The limited number of options within Havre city limits means many families consider commuting or boarding arrangements for secondary private education, making school choice a significant logistical consideration in this region of Montana.
How does tuition for private schools in the Havre, Montana area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Havre area is generally below the national average but is a significant consideration for many Montana families. For example, St. Jude Thaddeus School has a structured tuition rate that is often more affordable than larger urban private schools. Montana offers a unique tax credit scholarship program through the Montana Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide financial assistance to eligible families. Additionally, individual schools like St. Jude typically offer parish subsidies for active members, sibling discounts, and need-based financial aid. It's crucial to inquire directly with the school's administration about current rates and all available aid, as local fundraising and scholarship endowments can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Havre, Montana area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Havre area often emphasize small class sizes and values-based education. St. Jude Thaddeus School integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and offers sacramental preparation for students. Given Montana's rural character, these schools may also place a strong emphasis on community service and outdoor education, aligning with the local lifestyle. While specific advanced STEM or arts programs may be more limited than in large urban centers, the personalized attention allows for tailored learning. Great Falls Central Catholic High School offers college preparatory courses, athletics, and clubs that provide a broader extracurricular slate for high school students commuting from Havre.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Jude Thaddeus School in Havre, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for St. Jude Thaddeus School in Havre typically begins in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year. Priority is often given to current students, siblings of enrolled students, and active parishioners of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. The process involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. An interview or meeting with the principal may also be part of the process. Due to the school's small size, certain grades can fill quickly, so early inquiry is recommended. It is rare for there to be extensive, multi-year waitlists like those in major cities, but popular entry grades like Kindergarten may have limited space.
For a family in Havre, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like St. Jude Thaddeus?
Key considerations for Havre families include: **1. Logistics & Cost:** St. Jude Thaddeus is a K-8 school, so high school would require a transition to Havre High School (public) or a commute to Great Falls Central Catholic, adding transportation complexity and cost. **2. Educational Philosophy:** St. Jude offers a faith-based, structured environment with typically smaller class sizes than Havre public schools. **3. Extracurriculars:** Public schools in Havre, like Havre High School, offer a wider array of sports, clubs, and activities due to their larger size. **4. Community:** St. Jude provides a tight-knit community centered on shared values, which is a major draw for many local families. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on the value placed on religious education, the desire for small-class personalization, and the family's readiness to manage the logistics for grades 9-12.