For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,167 students in Columbia Falls, MT.
The top ranked public preschools in Columbia Falls, MT are Deer Park School, Ruder Elementary School and Glacier Gateway Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia Falls, MT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbia Falls have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschool average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Preschools in Columbia Falls, MT (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Deer Park School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2105 Middle Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Gr: PK-5 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Ruder Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1500 12th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6570
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6570
Gr: PK-5 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Glacier Gateway Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
440 4th Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6540
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6540
Gr: PK-5 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Columbia Falls, Montana 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1805 Talbot Rd
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Gr: 6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Columbia Falls, MT?
The top ranked public preschools in Columbia Falls, MT include Deer Park School, Ruder Elementary School and Glacier Gateway Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbia Falls?
3 public preschools are located in Columbia Falls.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia Falls?
Columbia Falls public preschools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Which public preschools in Columbia Falls are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbia Falls include: Ruder Elementary School vs. Glacier Gateway Elementary School, Glacier Gateway Elementary School vs. Ruder Elementary School
Recent Articles

10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.

COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.