For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,403 students in Silver Bow County, MT (there are , serving 372 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Silver Bow County, MT are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Silver Bow County, MT are Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Silver Bow County, MT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Montana public school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Silver Bow County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public school average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Silver Bow County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3000 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2850
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2850
Gr: PK-6 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Margaret Leary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1301 4 Mile Vue Rd
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2550
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2550
Gr: PK-6 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Whittier School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2500 Sherman
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2890
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2890
Gr: PK-6 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
West Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 S Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2700
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2700
Gr: PK-6 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Emerson School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1924 Phillips Ave
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2800
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2800
Gr: PK-6 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Ramsay School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3 Russell St
Ramsay, MT 59748
(406) 782-5470
Ramsay, MT 59748
(406) 782-5470
Gr: PK-5 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
Kennedy School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1000 N Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2450
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2450
Gr: PK-6 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #88.
Ramsay Middle School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3 Russell St
Ramsay, MT 59748
(406) 782-5470
Ramsay, MT 59748
(406) 782-5470
Gr: 6-8 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #99.
East Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2600 Grand Avenue
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2600
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2600
Gr: 7-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1010.
Butte High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 S Wyoming
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2220
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2220
Gr: 9-12 | 1,272 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
50 Schoolhouse Road
Divide, MT 59727
(406) 267-3347
Divide, MT 59727
(406) 267-3347
Gr: PK-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: n/an/a
Hecla Street
Melrose, MT 59743
(406) 835-2811
Melrose, MT 59743
(406) 835-2811
Gr: PK-8 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Silver Bow County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
111 North Montana
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2950
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2950
Gr: K-6 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Silver Bow County, MT?
The top ranked public schools in Silver Bow County, MT include Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School.
How many public schools are located in Silver Bow County?
12 public schools are located in Silver Bow County.
What percentage of students in Silver Bow County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Silver Bow County are educated in public schools (compared to the MT state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Silver Bow County?
Silver Bow County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public schools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Silver Bow County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Silver Bow County include: East Middle School vs. Hillcrest School, Kennedy School vs. West Elementary School, West Elementary School vs. Kennedy School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.