Hellgate High School is a four-year public high school in the western United States, located in Missoula, Montana. The second largest high school in the Missoula County Public Schools District, Hellgate has approximately 1300 students and a faculty of approximately 90.
Serving 1,262 students in grades 9-12, Hellgate High School ranks in the top 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 55% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,262 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Top 50% in MT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hellgate High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Hellgate High School's student population of 1,262 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,262 students
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Year Founded
1908
Colors
Scarlet, Gold
School Rankings
Hellgate High School ranks within the top 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hellgate High School is 0.27, 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
#235 out of 696 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
10%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
5%
7%
Black
2%
1%
White
85%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hellgate High School's ranking?
Hellgate High School is ranked #235 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Hellgate High School often compared to?
Hellgate High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sentinel High School, Big Sky 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 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hellgate High School?
The graduation rate of Hellgate High School is 84%, which is lower than the Montana state average of 86%.
How many students attend Hellgate High School?
1,262 students attend Hellgate High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Hellgate High School students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hellgate High School?
Hellgate High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Hellgate High School offer ?
Hellgate High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hellgate High School part of?
Hellgate High School is part of Missoula High School District.
In what neighborhood is Hellgate High School located?
Hellgate High School is located in the University District neighborhood of Missoula, MT. There are 1 other public schools located in University District.
School Reviews
Review Hellgate High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
