Flathead County Schools & Education
Flathead County, Montana
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,328
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,334
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#50
of 56 counties (1 = best)
Explore Flathead County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Flathead County, Montana
Massive School Infrastructure in the West
Flathead County operates a large-scale system of 46 public schools serving 15,270 students across 23 districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and five high schools. While the county handles high enrollment, it currently operates zero charter schools, relying on its expansive public network.
High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
Students here achieve an 85.6% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 83.7%. The county operates efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,328, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Despite the leaner spending, the school score of 51.9 remains competitive with state benchmarks.
Kalispell and Columbia Falls Drive Growth
Kalispell Elementary is the largest district, managing seven schools and over 3,000 students. Flathead High School is the county's largest single campus with 1,626 students, followed closely by Glacier High School. These major districts provide a wide array of specialized programs and competitive sports that smaller districts cannot offer.
Blending Rural Vistas with Large Campuses
The county features 30 rural schools and 16 town schools, reflecting its mix of wild landscapes and growing urban centers. The average school size is 332 students, significantly larger than the Montana average. Students can experience everything from massive high schools of 1,600 peers to smaller rural elementary schools.
Live Near Top-Rated Northwest Schools
For families looking for the best amenities, homes in Kalispell or Whitefish provide access to some of the state's largest and most diverse schools. Graduation rates above the state average make this a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Consider the school district boundaries carefully as you explore the booming Flathead Valley real estate market.
School Overview
Total Schools
46
in Flathead County
Total Enrollment
15,270
students
School Districts
23
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
23 School Districts in Flathead County
Flathead H S
Kalispell Elem
Columbia Falls Elem
Whitefish Elem
West Valley Elem
Columbia Falls H S
Evergreen Elem
Bigfork Elem
Whitefish H S
Somers Elem
46 Public Schools in Flathead County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead High School | Flathead H S | 9–12 | High | 1,626 |
| Glacier High School | Flathead H S | 9–12 | High | 1,475 |
| Kalispell Middle School | Kalispell Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 1,045 |
| Columbia Falls High Schl | Columbia Falls H S | 9–12 | High | 687 |
| Whitefish Middle 5-8 | Whitefish Elem | 5–8 | Middle | 660 |
| L A Muldown School | Whitefish Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 653 |
| Whitefish High School | Whitefish H S | 9–12 | High | 581 |
| Ruder Elementary | Columbia Falls Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 563 |
| Columbia Falls Jr HS | Columbia Falls Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 526 |
| Edgerton School | Kalispell Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 495 |
| Glacier Gateway Elem | Columbia Falls Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 473 |
| Bigfork Elementary | Bigfork Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 461 |
| Jeannette Rankin Elementary Sc | Kalispell Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 435 |
| West Valley School | West Valley Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 424 |
| East Evergreen School | Evergreen Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 360 |
| Bigfork High School | Bigfork H S | 9–12 | High | 354 |
| West Valley Middle School | West Valley Elem | 5–8 | Middle | 338 |
| Lillian Peterson School | Kalispell Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 337 |
| Cornelius Hedges School | Kalispell Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 319 |
| Lakeside Elementary School | Somers Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 302 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,328
State avg $9,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Flathead County, Montana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Flathead County, Montana?
Flathead County operates a large-scale system of 46 public schools serving 15,270 students across 23 districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and five high schools. While the county handles high enrollment, it currently operates zero charter schools, relying on its expansive public network.
How do schools in Flathead County perform academically?
Students here achieve an 85.6% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 83.7%. The county operates efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,328, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Despite the leaner spending, the school score of 51.9 remains competitive with state benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in Flathead County, Montana?
Kalispell Elementary is the largest district, managing seven schools and over 3,000 students. Flathead High School is the county's largest single campus with 1,626 students, followed closely by Glacier High School. These major districts provide a wide array of specialized programs and competitive sports that smaller districts cannot offer.
What is the school experience like in Flathead County?
The county features 30 rural schools and 16 town schools, reflecting its mix of wild landscapes and growing urban centers. The average school size is 332 students, significantly larger than the Montana average. Students can experience everything from massive high schools of 1,600 peers to smaller rural elementary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Flathead County, Montana?
For families looking for the best amenities, homes in Kalispell or Whitefish provide access to some of the state's largest and most diverse schools. Graduation rates above the state average make this a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Consider the school district boundaries carefully as you explore the booming Flathead Valley real estate market.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.