Sanders County Schools & Education
Sanders County, Montana
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,551
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,334
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#19
of 56 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Sanders County, Montana
Eight Districts Power the Clark Fork Valley
Sanders County educates 1,432 students across 16 public schools. The infrastructure includes a balanced mix of six elementary, six middle, and four high schools managed by eight local districts. This decentralized system keeps schools close to the small communities dotting the river valley.
Academic Excellence in a Rural Setting
The county achieves an 88.4% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. While spending $8,551 per pupil—less than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 56.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency and student success relative to the investment.
Plains and Thompson Falls Anchor Education
Plains K-12 is the largest district with 453 students, followed by Hot Springs K-12 with 166. Thompson Falls Elementary and High School also serve as major hubs for the county's western half. There are no charter schools, ensuring the 16 traditional public schools remain the primary focus of community support.
Personalized Education in Rural Montana
Every single school in Sanders County is located in a rural locale, emphasizing the area's rugged character. Schools are very small, with an average enrollment of only 90 students per campus. Plains Elementary and Thompson Falls Elementary are the largest individual schools, each serving 247 students.
Top Grad Rates in a Scenic Setting
Families moving to Sanders County often look for homes near Plains or Thompson Falls to access the largest school programs. With graduation rates beating national averages, your investment in a home here is backed by a strong educational foundation. Enjoy the peace of rural living without compromising on your children's academic future.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Sanders County
Total Enrollment
1,432
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Sanders County
Plains K-12
Thompson Falls Elem
Thompson Falls H S
Hot Springs K-12
Noxon Elem
Noxon H S
Trout Creek Elem
Dixon Elem
16 Public Schools in Sanders County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plains Elementary School | Plains K-12 | PK–6 | Primary | 247 |
| Thompson Falls Elem Schl | Thompson Falls Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 247 |
| Thompson Falls High Schl | Thompson Falls H S | 9–12 | High | 201 |
| Plains High School | Plains K-12 | 9–12 | High | 138 |
| Hot Springs School | Hot Springs K-12 | PK–6 | Primary | 98 |
| Noxon School | Noxon Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 82 |
| Thompson Falls 7-8 | Thompson Falls Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 73 |
| Plains 7-8 | Plains K-12 | 7–8 | Middle | 68 |
| Noxon High School | Noxon H S | 9–12 | High | 67 |
| Trout Creek School | Trout Creek Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 51 |
| Dixon Elementary | Dixon Elem | PK–6 | Primary | 46 |
| Hot Springs High School | Hot Springs K-12 | 9–12 | High | 46 |
| Hot Springs 7-8 | Hot Springs K-12 | 7–8 | Middle | 22 |
| Noxon 7-8 | Noxon Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 21 |
| Trout Creek 7-8 | Trout Creek Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 15 |
| Dixon 7-8 | Dixon Elem | 7–8 | Middle | 10 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,551
State avg $9,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Sanders County, Montana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Sanders County, Montana?
Sanders County educates 1,432 students across 16 public schools. The infrastructure includes a balanced mix of six elementary, six middle, and four high schools managed by eight local districts. This decentralized system keeps schools close to the small communities dotting the river valley.
How do schools in Sanders County perform academically?
The county achieves an 88.4% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. While spending $8,551 per pupil—less than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 56.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency and student success relative to the investment.
What are the major school districts in Sanders County, Montana?
Plains K-12 is the largest district with 453 students, followed by Hot Springs K-12 with 166. Thompson Falls Elementary and High School also serve as major hubs for the county's western half. There are no charter schools, ensuring the 16 traditional public schools remain the primary focus of community support.
What is the school experience like in Sanders County?
Every single school in Sanders County is located in a rural locale, emphasizing the area's rugged character. Schools are very small, with an average enrollment of only 90 students per campus. Plains Elementary and Thompson Falls Elementary are the largest individual schools, each serving 247 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Sanders County, Montana?
Families moving to Sanders County often look for homes near Plains or Thompson Falls to access the largest school programs. With graduation rates beating national averages, your investment in a home here is backed by a strong educational foundation. Enjoy the peace of rural living without compromising on your children's academic 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.