Photo: A-Reck · CC BY-SA 3.0East Missoula’s public schools outscore 76% of Montana districts
In East Missoula, 55% of tested students read at a proficient level, above the Montana average (46%). The grade covers the three public school districts serving East Missoula, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Montana, not nationally.
From Montana state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
East Missoula’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 149 Montana towns with household incomes within a quarter of East Missoula’s, its schools beat 81%, higher than their 76% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 55% and math 42% across its districts in spring 2022, against 46% and 35% statewide; 85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Missoula High spends $14,071 per student and Missoula Elementary $14,035, against $13,570 across Montana (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
11 elementary schools, then four middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind East Missoula’s grade
A−: better than 76% of Montana school districts. Test scores are above the Montana average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve East Missoula, with each school’s own grade.
To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Three districts serve East Missoula
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
East Missoula vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Montana towns that share East Missoula’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| East Missoula | A− | Missoula Elementary PK–8 · Bonner Elementary PK–8 · Missoula High 9–12 |
| Missoula | A− | Missoula Elementary PK–8 · Hellgate Elementary PK–8 · Missoula High 9–12 |
Every school in East Missoula
19 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Montana’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about East Missoula’s schools
Are East Missoula’s schools good?
By Montana’s own tests, yes: the public schools East Missoula children attend outscore 76% of Montana’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 81%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is East Missoula in?
Missoula High School District, which runs grades 9–12 and enrolls 3,959 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do East Missoula kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Sentinel High School, Hellgate High School, Big Sky High School and Seeley-Swan High School.
What is East Missoula’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Missoula High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Montana.
How much does East Missoula spend per student?
$14,071 in Missoula High School District, $14,035 in Missoula Elementary School District and $13,749 in Bonner Elementary School District (FY2024), against $13,570 across Montana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What East Missoula families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near East Missoula → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Montana. Stars are from neighbors.