Charles Boles House · Photo: Jon Roanhaus · CC BY-SA 4.0Kalispell’s public schools outscore 76% of Montana districts
55% of students in Kalispell’s public schools are proficient in reading, above the Montana average (46%). The grade covers the three public school districts serving Kalispell, 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 97% 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.
Kalispell’s schools, in brief
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 55% and math 41% across its districts in spring 2022, against 46% and 35% statewide; 81% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Flathead High spends $11,886 per student and Kalispell Elementary $12,834, against $13,570 across Montana (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then one middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Trinity Lutheran School (private), St. Matthew's School (private), Woodland Montessori School (private), Rocky Mountain Education (private) and Oneschool Global Kalispell Campus (private) are 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 Kalispell’s grade
A−: better than 76% of Montana school districts, #8 of 41 Montana towns. 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 Kalispell, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Kalispell
Kalispell Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 1,049 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Kalispell
Kalispell Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 1,049 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Kalispell
Kalispell Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 1,049 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Kalispell · depends on your address
Flathead High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,541 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Glacier High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,402 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Kalispell Rising Wolf Charter
Grades 9–12 · 11 students · 2:1 students per teacher
Parts of Kalispell (5% of its land) are served by Somers Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Three districts serve Kalispell
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
Kalispell vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Montana towns that share Kalispell’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Kalispell | A− | Kalispell Elementary PK–8 · West Valley Elementary PK–8 · Flathead High 9–12 |
Every school in Kalispell
16 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 Kalispell’s schools
Are Kalispell’s schools good?
By Montana’s own tests, yes: the public schools Kalispell children attend outscore 76% of Montana’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #8 of 41 Montana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 77%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Kalispell in?
Flathead High School District, which runs grades 9–12 and enrolls 2,976 students in 4 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Kalispell are served by Somers Elementary.
Where do Kalispell kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Flathead High School, Glacier High School, Flathead Pace Academy and Kalispell Rising Wolf Charter.
What is Kalispell’s graduation rate?
81% of the class of 2023 in Flathead High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Montana.
How much does Kalispell spend per student?
$11,886 in Flathead High School District, $12,834 in Kalispell Elementary School District and $9,716 in West Valley Elementary School District (FY2024), against $13,570 across Montana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Kalispell?
Yes: Trinity Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 267 students), St. Matthew's School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 233 students), Woodland Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 78 students), Rocky Mountain Education (religious, grades 4–11, 13 students) and Oneschool Global Kalispell Campus (nonsectarian, grades 4–11, 13 students).
Parents talk
What Kalispell families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Kalispell → 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.