For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 709 students in Sanders County, MT.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT are Plains Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School and Trout Creek School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sanders County, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Sanders County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary school average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Sanders County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Plains Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
412 Rittenour
Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3642
Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3642
Gr: PK-6 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Thompson Falls Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
315 Columbia
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
(406) 827-3592
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
(406) 827-3592
Gr: PK-6 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Trout Creek School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4 School Lane
Trout Creek, MT 59874
(406) 827-3629
Trout Creek, MT 59874
(406) 827-3629
Gr: PK-6 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
411 B Street
Dixon, MT 59831
(406) 246-3566
Dixon, MT 59831
(406) 246-3566
Gr: PK-6 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Hot Springs School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Broadway
Hot Springs, MT 59845
(406) 741-2014
Hot Springs, MT 59845
(406) 741-2014
Gr: PK-6 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #66.
Noxon School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 Noxon Avenue
Noxon, MT 59853
(406) 847-2442
Noxon, MT 59853
(406) 847-2442
Gr: PK-6 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Sanders County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Paradise, MT 59856
(406) 826-3344
Paradise, MT 59856
(406) 826-3344
Gr: PK-8 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT include Plains Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School and Trout Creek School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Sanders County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Sanders County.
What is the racial composition of students in Sanders County?
Sanders County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Sanders County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Sanders County include: Plains Elementary School vs. Thompson Falls Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School vs. Plains Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.