The Best Private Schools in Shelby, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shelby. 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 Helena
Great Falls Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from Shelby and surrounding communities. Located approximately 80 miles from Shelby, this college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. With a focus on character development and faith formation, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and provides extensive college counseling services. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic complexes.
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Holy Spirit Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena
Holy Spirit Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and draws families from Shelby and the broader north-central Montana region. The school provides a comprehensive elementary and middle school education with strong emphasis on core academic subjects, faith formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty, technology integration, and enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates continuing to Great Falls Central Catholic High School.
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St. Jude Thaddeus School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena
St. Jude Thaddeus School is a respected Catholic elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, including families from the Shelby area. The school offers a well-rounded education with strong academic foundations, Catholic values, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating technology throughout all grade levels. The school features dedicated music programs, art education, and before/after school care services. With a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, St. Jude provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shelby, Montana
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in Shelby, Montana?
Shelby itself has very limited private school options, with no standalone private elementary or high schools physically located within the town. Families in Shelby typically look to nearby communities. The primary options are in Great Falls, approximately 80 miles southeast. These include **Great Falls Central Catholic High School** (grades 9-12), **Holy Spirit Catholic School** (Pre-K through 8), and **St. Jude Thaddeus School** (Pre-K through 8). This means a significant daily commute is a major consideration for Shelby parents seeking private, faith-based education. Some families may also explore online private academies or homeschooling cooperatives as alternatives.
How does the rural location of Shelby, MT, impact tuition and financial aid for private schools?
While tuition at Montana private schools is generally lower than the national average, Shelby's remote location adds unique financial layers. First, tuition for the Great Falls schools ranges from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 per year, plus registration and fees. However, families must budget extensively for transportation—fuel, vehicle maintenance, and time—for the 160-mile round trip. Importantly, Montana has a **Tax Credit for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations** (up to $150). The participating schools in Great Falls offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members. Planning for both tuition and commuting costs is essential for Shelby residents.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs can Shelby students access through the private schools in Great Falls?
The private schools in Great Falls offer programs that can be particularly valuable for students from a smaller community like Shelby. **Great Falls Central Catholic High School** provides a college-prep curriculum with AP courses, dual-enrollment opportunities with the University of Providence, and a strong emphasis on leadership and service. Athletics (like the Mustangs' sports teams) and clubs offer important socialization. **Holy Spirit** and **St. Jude Thaddeus** offer foundational faith-based education, music, art, and STEM initiatives. For a Shelby student, these programs represent a significant expansion of opportunity, though participation in after-school activities is heavily constrained by the long commute home.
What is the enrollment process and timeline like for a Shelby family applying to a private school in Great Falls?
The process requires early and proactive planning due to the distance. Applications for the Great Falls Catholic schools typically open in January for the following fall, with priority deadlines in February/March. The process includes submitting an application, academic records from your Shelby school, pastor references (for Catholic families), and a family interview. **Shelby parents should schedule tours and interviews well in advance, combining them with other errands in Great Falls.** Transportation must be discussed during enrollment—some families form carpools with other Shelby-based students. It's also crucial to confirm enrollment and understand the school's policies for weather-related delays or closures, which can be more severe along the commute route.
How do the private school options near Shelby compare to the local public school system, Shelby Public Schools?
Shelby Public Schools (K-12) offer the convenience of a local, community-centered education with no commute, robust extracurriculars like athletics and FFA, and potentially smaller class sizes due to the rural district size. The private options in Great Falls provide a specific **faith-based education** integrated into all subjects, which is the primary draw. Academically, the Great Falls private high school offers a structured college-prep path that may have more consistent course offerings than Shelby's smaller high school. The decision ultimately hinges on priorities: if a religious education is non-negotiable, families accept the commute. If proximity, involvement in local community events, and avoiding lengthy travel are higher priorities, then Shelby Public Schools may be the preferred choice.