Gallatin County Schools & Education
Gallatin County, Montana
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
88.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,894
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,334
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#49
of 56 counties (1 = best)
Explore Gallatin County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Gallatin County, Montana
Fast-Growing Districts in Gallatin Valley
Gallatin County supports 47 public schools and 21 districts to serve a student population of 14,236. The network is composed of 27 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and eight high schools. There are no charter schools currently in operation, as the public system continues to expand to meet rapid population growth.
Academic Excellence Despite Lean Budgets
Students in Gallatin County boast an 88.2% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,894, significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. A school score of 52.4 indicates that local schools are performing well while maintaining high fiscal efficiency.
Bozeman and Belgrade Lead the Region
Bozeman Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 11 schools and 4,651 students. Belgrade Elementary also plays a major role, serving 2,374 students across four schools. Gallatin High School and Bozeman High School are the largest individual institutions, each enrolling over 1,200 students.
A Dynamic Mix of Rural and Town Life
The county balances 34 rural schools with 13 town-based facilities, offering diverse environments for families. While the average school size is 303 students, the largest high schools exceed 1,300 students, creating a collegiate atmosphere. This variety allows families to choose between quiet rural settings and large, resource-rich town schools.
Settling in Montana's Education Hub
Families moving to Bozeman or Belgrade will find some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Proximity to major campuses like Gallatin High or Belgrade Middle School is a top priority for many local homebuyers. The area's strong schools and efficient spending make it one of the most attractive markets for growing families.
School Overview
Total Schools
47
in Gallatin County
Total Enrollment
14,236
students
School Districts
21
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
21 School Districts in Gallatin County
Bozeman Elem
Bozeman H S
Belgrade Elem
Belgrade H S
Monforton Elem
Three Forks Elem
Manhattan School
Big Sky School K-12
West Yellowstone K-12
Three Forks H S
47 Public Schools in Gallatin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin High School | Bozeman H S | 9–12 | High | 1,351 |
| Bozeman High School | Bozeman H S | 9–12 | High | 1,280 |
| Belgrade Middle School | Belgrade Elem | 5–8 | Middle | 1,052 |
| Belgrade High School | Belgrade H S | 9–12 | High | 994 |
| Sacajawea Middle School | Bozeman Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 826 |
| Chief Joseph Middle School | Bozeman Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 752 |
| Emily Dickinson School | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 519 |
| Hyalite Elementary | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 512 |
| Meadowlark Elementary | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 495 |
| Ridge View Elementary | Belgrade Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 461 |
| Saddle Peak Elementary | Belgrade Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 458 |
| Morning Star School | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 424 |
| Story Creek Elem | Belgrade Elem | PK–4 | Primary | 403 |
| Hawthorne School | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 348 |
| Three Forks Elem School | Three Forks Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 337 |
| Longfellow School | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 298 |
| Three Forks High School | Three Forks H S | 9–12 | High | 278 |
| Whittier School | Bozeman Elem | PK–5 | Primary | 249 |
| Manhattan 5-8 | Manhattan School | 5–8 | Middle | 245 |
| Manhattan H S | Manhattan High School | 9–12 | High | 239 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,894
State avg $9,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Gallatin County, Montana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Gallatin County, Montana?
Gallatin County supports 47 public schools and 21 districts to serve a student population of 14,236. The network is composed of 27 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and eight high schools. There are no charter schools currently in operation, as the public system continues to expand to meet rapid population growth.
How do schools in Gallatin County perform academically?
Students in Gallatin County boast an 88.2% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,894, significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. A school score of 52.4 indicates that local schools are performing well while maintaining high fiscal efficiency.
What are the major school districts in Gallatin County, Montana?
Bozeman Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 11 schools and 4,651 students. Belgrade Elementary also plays a major role, serving 2,374 students across four schools. Gallatin High School and Bozeman High School are the largest individual institutions, each enrolling over 1,200 students.
What is the school experience like in Gallatin County?
The county balances 34 rural schools with 13 town-based facilities, offering diverse environments for families. While the average school size is 303 students, the largest high schools exceed 1,300 students, creating a collegiate atmosphere. This variety allows families to choose between quiet rural settings and large, resource-rich town schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Gallatin County, Montana?
Families moving to Bozeman or Belgrade will find some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Proximity to major campuses like Gallatin High or Belgrade Middle School is a top priority for many local homebuyers. The area's strong schools and efficient spending make it one of the most attractive markets for growing families.
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.