The Best Private Schools in Loma, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Loma. 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
Catholic Schools of Great Falls
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from Loma and surrounding communities. Founded by the Ursuline Sisters, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from a strong emphasis on character development, community service, and spiritual formation alongside academic excellence. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges.
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Ursuline Academy Elementary School
Catholic Schools of Great Falls
Ursuline Academy Elementary School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Loma and the greater Great Falls area. The school maintains a strong academic foundation with comprehensive literacy and mathematics programs, supplemented by specialized instruction in music, art, physical education, and technology. The faith-based environment emphasizes moral development and community values while delivering rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated library, science lab, and playground areas. The school is known for its dedicated faculty and strong parent community involvement.
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Montessori School of Great Falls
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Great Falls offers an authentic Montessori education serving children from Loma and surrounding communities. The school provides individualized learning experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and natural curiosity. Their carefully prepared environments include specialized Montessori materials, outdoor learning spaces, and age-appropriate classrooms. The certified Montessori teachers guide students through hands-on learning experiences in practical life, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school emphasizes whole-child development and maintains small class sizes with mixed-age groupings that allow for peer learning and social development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Loma, Montana
Are there any private schools physically located in Loma, Montana, and if not, what are the closest options for Loma residents?
There are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Loma, MT. Loma is a very small community, and families seeking private education typically look to schools in the larger regional hub of Great Falls, approximately 30 miles away. The top options for Loma residents include Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Ursuline Academy Elementary School (grades PreK-8), and the Montessori School of Great Falls (ages 3-12). Transportation is a key consideration, as parents must arrange for daily commuting to Great Falls.
What is the average tuition for private schools near Loma, Montana, and are there financial aid options specific to Montana families?
Tuition for private schools serving the Loma area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Great Falls Central Catholic High School tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000, while Ursuline Academy Elementary is roughly $5,000-$6,000. Montessori schools often have tuition based on age, ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 annually. Montana offers specific financial aid through the "Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations" program. This allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to SSOs, which then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students attending private schools, a crucial resource for rural families in areas like Loma.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Great Falls private schools cater to students from rural communities like Loma?
Private schools in Great Falls are accustomed to serving students from surrounding rural towns like Loma. Their programs often emphasize a close-knit community, which can ease the transition for rural students. Academically, schools like Great Falls Central Catholic offer college-prep curricula and smaller class sizes for individualized attention. Extracurriculars are designed to be accessible, with later practice start times or carpool coordination to accommodate commuters. Some schools also leverage Montana's natural environment through outdoor education programs, which resonate deeply with students from rural backgrounds.
What are the key enrollment timelines and application steps for private schools in Great Falls for a family living in Loma?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority deadlines often in March. The process for Loma families is similar to in-district applicants but requires early planning for logistics. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses or virtual tours (often held in fall/winter), 2) Submitting an application with transcripts and teacher recommendations, 3) Scheduling a student assessment or shadow day (factoring in the commute), and 4) Applying for financial aid simultaneously. It's highly recommended to initiate contact with the admissions office by November to discuss the commute and any specific considerations for out-of-town families.
From a Loma parent's perspective, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Great Falls?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Loma public school (part of the Choteau School District) offers extreme proximity and a tight-knit, rural community environment. Choosing a private school in Great Falls involves a significant daily commitment to transportation (60+ miles roundtrip) and associated time and fuel costs. In return, private schools offer different educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Catholic), often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs not available in a very small rural school. Parents must weigh the value of a specific educational approach against the practicalities and community ties of their local public school, which may consolidate with other small towns for some sports and activities.
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