Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Columbia Falls, MT (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbia Falls Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,364 students in Columbia Falls, MT (there are 1 private school, serving 1 private student). 100% of all K-12 students in Columbia Falls, MT are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia Falls, MT are Deer Park School, Deer Park 6-8 and Columbia Falls Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia Falls, MT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Montana public school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Columbia Falls have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public school average of 24% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Columbia Falls, MT (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Deer Park School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2105 Middle Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Gr: PK-5 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Deer Park 6-8
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2105 Middle Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Gr: 6-8 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Columbia Falls Jr High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1805 Talbot Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Gr: 6-8 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Ruder Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1500 12th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6570
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Columbia Falls High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
610 13th Street West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6500
Gr: 9-12 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Glacier Gateway Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
440 4th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6540
Gr: PK-5 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbia Falls, MT?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia Falls, MT include Deer Park School, Deer Park 6-8 and Columbia Falls Jr High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia Falls?
6 public schools are located in Columbia Falls.
What percentage of students in Columbia Falls go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Columbia Falls are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia Falls?
Columbia Falls public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Columbia Falls are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MT):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: