The Best Private Schools in Sun River, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sun River. 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 premier private Catholic school serving the central Montana region, including Sun River. Founded in 1965, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes character development and faith formation alongside academic excellence. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and has earned recognition for its academic programs and community involvement.
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Montessori School of Great Falls
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Great Falls has been serving families in central Montana, including Sun River, since 1993. As an American Montessori Society accredited institution, the school offers authentic Montessori education for children from preschool through elementary grades. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and development of independence. The school features specially designed Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs in art, music, and foreign languages. With highly trained Montessori teachers and a child-centered approach, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and holistic child development.
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St. Thomas Aquinas School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Thomas Aquinas School is a well-established Catholic elementary and middle school that has served the Great Falls area and surrounding communities like Sun River since 1955. The school provides a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, focusing on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. The curriculum includes strong foundational programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, complemented by music, art, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. With dedicated teachers and a supportive community, St. Thomas Aquinas maintains high academic standards and prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sun River, Montana
Are there any private schools physically located in Sun River, Montana, or will we need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Sun River, MT. Families seeking private education typically commute to nearby Great Falls, which is approximately a 15-20 minute drive. The primary private options serving the Sun River community include Great Falls Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), St. Thomas Aquinas School (grades PreK-8), and the Montessori School of Great Falls (ages 3-12). Transportation is generally the responsibility of the family, so factoring in the daily commute to Great Falls is an important local consideration.
What is the average annual tuition for private schools accessible from Sun River, MT, and are there any Montana-specific financial aid options?
For the schools in Great Falls accessible to Sun River families, tuition varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Great Falls Central Catholic High School tuition is approximately $8,500-$9,500, while St. Thomas Aquinas School is roughly $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. Montana offers a unique tax-credit scholarship program through the Montana Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. Additionally, many Montana private schools participate in the "AAA Scholarship" tax credit program, and individual schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
How does the academic focus of Great Falls private schools compare to Sun River's public school options?
Sun River students attend Sun River Elementary (K-8) and then move on to public high school in a neighboring district. The private schools in Great Falls offer distinct educational approaches not available locally. Great Falls Central Catholic provides a college-prep curriculum infused with Catholic teachings and often smaller class sizes. St. Thomas Aquinas offers a continuous faith-based education from PreK through 8th grade. The Montessori School of Great Falls provides a child-led, hands-on learning environment. For Sun River parents, the choice often centers on a desire for a specific pedagogical or religious foundation that necessitates the commute to Great Falls.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for applying to private schools like Great Falls Central Catholic from Sun River?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February for schools like Great Falls Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas. Many Montana private schools, including these, host open houses in the fall and winter. Application deadlines are often in early spring (March/April), but rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. It is highly recommended for Sun River families to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. A key local step is to schedule a shadow day for your child, which involves planning for the commute to Great Falls for a full school day visit.
For a Sun River family, what are the notable benefits and challenges of choosing a Great Falls-based private school over the local public system?
The primary benefit is access to specialized education—religious formation, Montessori, or a dedicated college-prep environment—that aligns closely with family values. The smaller, close-knit community feel of these schools can also be appealing. The significant challenge is the daily commute, which adds time, transportation costs, and complexity for extracurricular activities. Weather is a major factor; Montana winters can make the drive to Great Falls challenging. Parents must weigh the consistency of the educational philosophy against the logistical demands of being a "commuter family" to the city for schooling.