For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,756 students in Columbia Falls, MT.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia Falls, MT are Deer Park School, Deer Park 6-8 and Columbia Falls Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia Falls, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia Falls have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% 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 Columbia Falls, MT (2026)
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.
Deer Park 6-8
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2105 Middle Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-5388
Gr: 6-8 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Columbia Falls Jr High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1805 Talbot Road
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-6530
Gr: 6-8 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
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 Public Schools (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 elementary schools in Columbia Falls, MT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia Falls, MT include Deer Park School, Deer Park 6-8 and Columbia Falls Jr High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia Falls?
5 public elementary schools are located in Columbia Falls.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia Falls?
Columbia Falls public elementary schools minority enrollment is 14% 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 Columbia Falls are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbia Falls include: Ruder Elementary School vs. Glacier Gateway Elementary School, Glacier Gateway Elementary School vs. Ruder Elementary School
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