For the 2025-26 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 667 students in Phillips County, MT.
The top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, MT are Saco 7-8, Whitewater 6-8 and Saco High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Phillips 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 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Phillips County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public school average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Phillips County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Saco 7-8
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
321 Hwy 243
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Gr: 7-8 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Whitewater 6-8
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: 6-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Saco High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
321 Hwy 243
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Saco School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
321 Hwy 243
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Gr: PK-6 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Whitewater School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: PK-5 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Dodson High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
124 First Ave W
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #77.
Malta 6-7-8
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1 High School Lane
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2225
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2225
Gr: 6-8 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #88.
Malta K-5
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
706 South 3rd Avenue East
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2320
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2320
Gr: PK-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #99.
Dodson School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
124 First Ave W
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Gr: PK-6 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1010.
Malta High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1 High School Lane
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2002
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2002
Gr: 9-12 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1111.
Dodson 7-8
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
124 First Ave W
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Gr: 7-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
6888 Turner Cutacross Rd
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 674-5525
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 674-5525
Gr: PK-8 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: n/an/a
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: 9-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Phillips County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
30miles South Of Malta Content
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 658-2643
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 658-2643
Gr: PK-8 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
123 School Lane
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 673-3386
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 673-3386
Gr: K-6 | 1 student Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, MT?
The top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, MT include Saco 7-8, Whitewater 6-8 and Saco High School.
How many public schools are located in Phillips County?
13 public schools are located in Phillips County.
What is the racial composition of students in Phillips County?
Phillips County public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public schools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Phillips County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Phillips County include: Saco High School vs. Malta High School, Malta High School vs. Saco High School, Malta High School vs. Dodson High School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.
