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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Butte Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,195 students in Butte, MT (there are 4 private schools, serving 363 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Butte, MT are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Butte, MT are Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butte, MT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Montana public school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Butte have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public school average of 24% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Butte, MT (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
3000 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2850
Gr: PK-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Margaret Leary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1301 4 Mile Vue Rd
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2550
Gr: PK-6 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Whittier School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2500 Sherman
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2890
Gr: PK-6 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
West Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
800 S Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2700
Gr: PK-6 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
Emerson School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1924 Phillips Ave
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2800
Gr: PK-6 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
Kennedy School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 N Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2450
Gr: PK-6 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #77.
East Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 Grand Avenue
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2600
Gr: 7-8 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #88.
Butte High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
401 S Wyoming
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2220
Gr: 9-12 | 1,266 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Butte, MT?
The top-ranked public schools in Butte, MT include Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School.
How many public schools are located in Butte?
8 public schools are located in Butte.
What percentage of students in Butte go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Butte are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Butte?
Butte public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Butte are often viewed compared to one another?

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