The Best Private Schools in Highwood, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montessori School of Great Falls
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Great Falls is an accredited Montessori institution serving students from preschool through middle school, including families from Highwood. Founded in 1997, the school follows authentic Montessori principles with individualized learning plans, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. The school features specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs in art, music, and foreign languages. With highly trained Montessori teachers and a focus on developing independent, lifelong learners, the school has earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings and serves as a regional educational option for families seeking alternative education models.
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Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from Highwood and surrounding communities. Founded in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and faith-based education that emphasizes character development. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school provides excellent academic preparation while maintaining a supportive community environment. Transportation options are available for students from outlying areas like Highwood.
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Holy Spirit Elementary School
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Holy Spirit Elementary School is a well-established Catholic elementary school that serves students from Highwood and the greater Great Falls area. Founded in 1956, the school provides a strong academic foundation integrated with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs, enhanced by technology integration and special classes in music, art, and physical education. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated certified teachers and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities. With nearly 70 years of educational excellence, Holy Spirit has built a reputation for academic rigor and character development that attracts families from surrounding rural communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highwood, Montana
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Highwood, Montana, given that most are located in Great Falls?
As a small rural community, Highwood itself does not host any private K-12 schools. Families typically look to Great Falls, approximately 40 miles away, for options. The primary choices include Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Holy Spirit Elementary School (grades K-8), and the Montessori School of Great Falls (preschool through elementary). This requires a significant daily commute or consideration of boarding options for older students. Many Highwood families form carpools to manage transportation to these Great Falls schools.
How does Montana's "Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations" benefit Highwood parents considering private school?
Montana's tax credit program is a crucial financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for donations to approved Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs). These SSOs then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students, including those from Highwood attending private schools like those in Great Falls. This can effectively reduce the net tuition cost for qualifying families. It's important to apply for scholarships directly through the SSOs that partner with your chosen school, as funds are limited and application deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at Great Falls private schools might appeal to a student from a rural background like Highwood?
Schools like Great Falls Central Catholic High School offer programs that can complement and expand upon a rural student's experience. These include robust agricultural science and FFA chapters that connect directly to Montana's farming heritage, as well as unique travel and exchange programs that provide global perspective. The Montessori School of Great Falls emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning which can be an excellent fit for children accustomed to a more independent, rural lifestyle. These programs offer a blend of familiar values and new opportunities not always available in smaller public school districts.
What is the enrollment timeline for private schools in Great Falls, and how early should a Highwood family apply?
Enrollment timelines are critical due to limited space and the commute from Highwood. Most private schools in Great Falls (e.g., Great Falls Central Catholic, Holy Spirit) begin accepting applications for the following academic year in January, with priority deadlines often in March. For the Montessori school, applications may open even earlier. Highwood families are strongly advised to apply during these priority windows. It's also essential to schedule a campus visit and interview well in advance, factoring in travel time to Great Falls. Waiting lists are common, so early action is recommended.
How do the class sizes and community environments of Great Falls private schools compare to the public school experience in Highwood?
The Highwood public school district offers a very small, close-knit environment where all grades are often familiar with each other. In contrast, private schools in Great Falls, while smaller than large public high schools, are significantly larger than Highwood's schools. Great Falls Central Catholic, for instance, has a student body of around 200-250, offering more specialized courses and a wider range of extracurriculars but a less intimate community than Highwood's K-12 school. The choice often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the ultra-local community of Highwood or seeks a broader, faith-based or pedagogical-specific community with more program variety, despite the commute.