Capital High School is a four-year public high school in the western United States, located in Helena, Montana. The building was originally built in the 1960s as a Catholic high school, but closed following the graduation of the class of 1969.
Serving 1,293 students in grades 9-12, Capital High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,293 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 20% in MT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Capital High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Capital High School's student population of 1,293 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,293 students
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Year Founded
1973
Colors
Brown, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Capital High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Capital High School is 0.24, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#373 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
6%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
87%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bruin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Capital High School's ranking?
Capital High School is ranked #373 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Capital High School often compared to?
Capital High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Helena High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Capital High School?
The graduation rate of Capital High School is 88%, which is higher than the Montana state average of 86%.
How many students attend Capital High School?
1,293 students attend Capital High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Capital High School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Capital High School?
Capital High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Capital High School offer ?
Capital High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Capital High School part of?
Capital High School is part of Helena High School District.
School Reviews
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