Photo: Djembayz · CC BY-SA 3.0Lolo’s public schools outscore 58% of Montana districts
The grade covers the two public school districts serving Lolo, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. On the state math tests, 31% of Lolo’s students scored proficient, below the Montana average (35%). 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 91% 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.
Lolo’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 121 Montana towns with household incomes within a quarter of Lolo’s, its schools beat 45%, lower than their 58% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state in reading, below in math
Reading proficiency is 49% and math 31% across both 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 Lolo Elementary $12,277, against $13,570 across Montana (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
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 Lolo’s grade
B: better than 58% of Montana school districts, #23 of 41 Montana towns. Both inputs trail the Montana average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Lolo, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Lolo
Lolo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 293 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Lolo runs its own schools through grade 8 (Lolo Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Missoula High School District, shared with Missoula. Its high school is in Missoula. Parts of Lolo (16% and 6% of its land) are served by Missoula Elementary and Woodman Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Lolo
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
Lolo vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Montana towns that share Lolo’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Lolo | B | Lolo Elementary PK–8 · Missoula High 9–12 |
Every school in Lolo
6 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 Lolo’s schools
Are Lolo’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Montana: the public schools Lolo children attend outscore 58% of Montana’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade, #23 of 41 Montana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 45%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Lolo in?
Two districts: Lolo Elementary School District runs grades PK–8, and Missoula High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Missoula.
Where do Lolo 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 Lolo’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 Lolo spend per student?
$14,071 in Missoula High School District and $12,277 in Lolo Elementary School District (FY2024), against $13,570 across Montana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Lolo families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lolo → 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.