Helena Valley Southeast’s public schools outscore 66% of Montana districts
The grade covers the three public school districts serving Helena Valley Southeast, 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.
Helena Valley Southeast’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 155 Montana towns with household incomes within a quarter of Helena Valley Southeast’s, its schools beat 59%, lower than their 66% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 49% and math 37% across its districts in spring 2022, against 46% and 35% statewide; 87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Helena High spends $13,476 per student and East Helena K-12 $10,159, against $13,570 across Montana (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then 13 elementary, four middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Helena Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
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 Helena Valley Southeast’s grade
B+: better than 66% of Montana school districts, #17 of 41 Montana towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Montana average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Helena Valley Southeast, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Helena Valley Southeast
Eastgate School
Grades PK–K · 161 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in East Helena
Kindergarten in Helena Valley Southeast
Eastgate School
Grades PK–K · 161 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in East Helena
To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Three districts serve Helena Valley Southeast
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Helena Valley Southeast vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Montana towns that share Helena Valley Southeast’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Helena Valley Southeast | B+ | East Helena K-12 PK–12 · Helena Elementary PK–8 · Helena High 9–12 |
| East Helena | B | East Helena K-12 |
| Helena | B+ | Helena Elementary PK–8 · Helena High 9–12 |
Every school in Helena Valley Southeast
24 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 Helena Valley Southeast’s schools
Are Helena Valley Southeast’s schools good?
By Montana’s own tests, yes: the public schools Helena Valley Southeast children attend outscore 66% of Montana’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #17 of 41 Montana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 59%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Helena Valley Southeast in?
Helena High School District, which runs grades 9–12 and enrolls 2,373 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Helena Valley Southeast kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Capital High School, Helena High School, East Helena High School, 227 Academy- HS and Helena P.A.L..
What is Helena Valley Southeast’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Helena High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Montana.
How much does Helena Valley Southeast spend per student?
$13,476 in Helena High School District, $10,159 in East Helena K-12 and $13,260 in Helena Elementary School District (FY2024), against $13,570 across Montana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Helena Valley Southeast?
Yes: Helena Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 212 students).
Parents talk
What Helena Valley Southeast families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Helena Valley Southeast → 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.