Richland County Schools & Education
Richland County, Montana
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,720
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,334
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#21
of 56 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Richland County, Montana
Small Districts Serving Eastern Montana
Richland County manages 1,865 students across 15 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. A high number of districts for the population size, totaling 10, ensures that local communities maintain direct control over their schools. This structure supports a wide geographic area with localized educational hubs.
Consistent Performance Above State Averages
The county's 87.6% graduation rate exceeds the Montana state average of 83.7% and aligns closely with the national average. Local districts invest $8,720 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $9,334 but supports a respectable school score of 56.0. This score reflects a solid academic foundation compared to the national median of 50.0.
Sidney Schools Anchor the County
Sidney Elementary is the largest district by far, educating 856 students across three specialized campuses. Fairview Elementary follows as the second-largest, serving 182 students. All 15 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the region.
Small-Town Feel in a Rural Setting
The average school size in Richland County is just 124 students, fostering a tight-knit environment where everyone knows your name. While 11 schools are strictly rural, four are located in town centers like Sidney. Sidney High School is the largest facility with 387 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural primary schools.
Invest in a Community-Focused Education
Families looking for a balance of small-town safety and solid academic performance will find Richland County appealing. Homebuyers often target the Sidney area to access the county's largest schools and most diverse extracurricular programs. Strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for your family's future.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Richland County
Total Enrollment
1,865
students
School Districts
10
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
10 School Districts in Richland County
Sidney Elem
Sidney H S
Fairview Elem
Fairview H S
Savage Elem
Lambert Elem
Rau Elem
Lambert H S
Savage H S
Brorson Elem
15 Public Schools in Richland County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney High School | Sidney H S | 9–12 | High | 387 |
| West Side Elementary | Sidney Elem | PK–2 | Primary | 321 |
| Sidney Middle School | Sidney Elem | 6–8 | Middle | 284 |
| Central Elementary | Sidney Elem | 3–5 | Primary | 251 |
| Fairview School | Fairview Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 146 |
| Fairview High School | Fairview H S | 9–12 | High | 116 |
| Savage School | Savage Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 76 |
| Rau School | Rau Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 69 |
| Lambert School | Lambert Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 66 |
| Lambert High School | Lambert H S | 9–12 | High | 43 |
| Fairview 7-8 | Fairview Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 36 |
| Savage High School | Savage H S | 9–12 | High | 29 |
| Savage 7-8 | Savage Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 24 |
| Lambert 7-8 | Lambert Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 13 |
| Brorson School | Brorson Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 4 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,720
State avg $9,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Richland County, Montana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Richland County, Montana?
Richland County manages 1,865 students across 15 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. A high number of districts for the population size, totaling 10, ensures that local communities maintain direct control over their schools. This structure supports a wide geographic area with localized educational hubs.
How do schools in Richland County perform academically?
The county's 87.6% graduation rate exceeds the Montana state average of 83.7% and aligns closely with the national average. Local districts invest $8,720 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $9,334 but supports a respectable school score of 56.0. This score reflects a solid academic foundation compared to the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Richland County, Montana?
Sidney Elementary is the largest district by far, educating 856 students across three specialized campuses. Fairview Elementary follows as the second-largest, serving 182 students. All 15 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the region.
What is the school experience like in Richland County?
The average school size in Richland County is just 124 students, fostering a tight-knit environment where everyone knows your name. While 11 schools are strictly rural, four are located in town centers like Sidney. Sidney High School is the largest facility with 387 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural primary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Richland County, Montana?
Families looking for a balance of small-town safety and solid academic performance will find Richland County appealing. Homebuyers often target the Sidney area to access the county's largest schools and most diverse extracurricular programs. Strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for your family's future.
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.