Custer County Schools & Education
Custer County, Montana
School Score
60/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,567
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,334
School Score
60/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#17
of 56 counties (1 = best)
Explore Custer County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Custer County, Montana
A Regional Hub for Eastern Montana Education
Custer County operates 12 public schools across seven distinct districts to serve a total enrollment of 1,617 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, reflecting a commitment to broad educational access. While the county hosts two alternative schools, there are currently no charter schools in operation.
High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages
Students here achieve an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the Montana state average of 83.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite this success, per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,567, which remains well below the national average of $13,000. The county earns a 55.8 school score, slightly higher than the state median of 53.7.
Miles City Districts Lead the Way
The Miles City Elementary district is the largest in the county, managing five schools and 953 students. Custer County High School serves as the primary secondary institution with 495 students enrolled. Smaller specialized districts like the Department of Corrections-Youth also contribute to the local educational landscape.
Town Centers and Rural Classrooms
The county features an even split between town and rural school settings, providing a mix of community environments. The average school size is 135 students, ranging from Custer Co District High with 495 students to much smaller rural facilities. Attending school here offers a close-knit experience where students and teachers maintain strong personal connections.
Plan Your Future Near Custer Schools
Families looking for high-performing secondary options often focus on homes near the high-ranking Custer County District High. With graduation rates well above the state average, the local school system remains a major draw for prospective homebuyers. Explore residential opportunities in Miles City to take advantage of these established educational resources.
School Overview
Total Schools
12
in Custer County
Total Enrollment
1,617
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Custer County
Miles City Elem
Custer County H S
Kircher Elem
Kinsey Elem
Dept of Corrections-Youth
Trail Creek Elem
S Y Elem
12 Public Schools in Custer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer Co District High | Custer County H S | 9–12 | High | 495 |
| Washington Middle School 6-8 | Miles City Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 349 |
| Garfield School | Miles City Elem | KG–5 | Primary | 229 |
| Lincoln School | Miles City Elem | 3–5 | Primary | 154 |
| Highland Park School | Miles City Elem | PK–2 | Primary | 118 |
| Jefferson School | Miles City Elem | PK–2 | Primary | 103 |
| Kircher School | Kircher Elem | PK–8 | Primary | 65 |
| Kinsey School | Kinsey Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 61 |
| Pine Hills Youth Corr Facil HS | Dept of Corrections-Youth | 9–12 | Alternative | 29 |
| Riverview School | Trail Creek Elem | PK–8 | Primary | 7 |
| S Y School | S Y Elem | PK–8 | Primary | 6 |
| Pine Hills Youth Corr Facil El | Dept of Corrections-Youth | 6–8 | Alternative | 1 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,567
State avg $9,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Custer County, Montana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Custer County, Montana?
Custer County operates 12 public schools across seven distinct districts to serve a total enrollment of 1,617 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, reflecting a commitment to broad educational access. While the county hosts two alternative schools, there are currently no charter schools in operation.
How do schools in Custer County perform academically?
Students here achieve an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the Montana state average of 83.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite this success, per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,567, which remains well below the national average of $13,000. The county earns a 55.8 school score, slightly higher than the state median of 53.7.
What are the major school districts in Custer County, Montana?
The Miles City Elementary district is the largest in the county, managing five schools and 953 students. Custer County High School serves as the primary secondary institution with 495 students enrolled. Smaller specialized districts like the Department of Corrections-Youth also contribute to the local educational landscape.
What is the school experience like in Custer County?
The county features an even split between town and rural school settings, providing a mix of community environments. The average school size is 135 students, ranging from Custer Co District High with 495 students to much smaller rural facilities. Attending school here offers a close-knit experience where students and teachers maintain strong personal connections.
How can I find homes near good schools in Custer County, Montana?
Families looking for high-performing secondary options often focus on homes near the high-ranking Custer County District High. With graduation rates well above the state average, the local school system remains a major draw for prospective homebuyers. Explore residential opportunities in Miles City to take advantage of these established educational resources.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.