Choosing the right school for your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make – and fortunately, Belgrade provides plenty of options. Whether you’re considering enrolling your child in one of Belgrade’s public schools or exploring the area’s independent schooling options, there’s a range of educational facilities to choose from. And as Belgrade’s population has grown, its education system has expanded to meet the needs of families, providing more opportunities than ever before.

In this article, we’ll explore both the public and private Belgrade schools to help you make the best choice for your family!

Public Schools in Belgrade School District

The Belgrade School District includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Thanks to leftover money from a 2019 bond, the district plans to open a fourth elementary school in the future.

The Belgrade School District actively seeks out grants, and has already secured about $15,000 for the 2024-2025 school year. The district has a great track record for obtaining funding: they received $2,251,154 for the 2023-2024 school year.

Story Creek Elementary School: Kindergarten to 4th grade

If you live in Prescott Ranch and enroll your child in public school, they’ll probably attend Story Creek Elementary School. You can view the Belgrade School District Boundary Map for exact boundaries.

Story Creek Elementary is an excellent school. The U.S. News & World Report recently ranked both Story Creek and the nearby Ridgeview Elementary in the top 20 of 535 Montana elementary schools.

In addition, a fourth grade teacher recently won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This award is the nation’s highest accolade for educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Distance from Prescott Ranch: A short walk! 0.8 miles, 3 minute drive

Saddle Peak Elementary School: Kindergarten to 4th grade

Students living south of Highway I-90 and west of Jackrabbit Lane will most likely attend Saddle Peak Elementary School.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 1.7 miles, 6 minute drive

Ridge View Elementary School: Kindergarten to 4th grade

Students living south of Highway I-90 (and just north of it), but east of Jackrabbit Lane typically attend Ridge View Elementary School. Ridgeview Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2021.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 4.4 miles, 9 minute drive

Belgrade Middle School: 5th to 8th grade

Belgrade Middle School was originally two schools, but was combined into one to create the largest middle school in the state. The institution boasts some unique programs, like robotics and a rock orchestra – the only one in Montana!

The U.S. News & World Report ranks Belgrade Middle School #50 out of 564 Montana Middle Schools, earning the school a Best Middle Schools badge.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 1.4 miles, 4 minute drive

Belgrade High School: 9th to 12th grade

Belgrade High School is ranked #20 out of 171 high schools in Montana. Students can enroll in classes like welding, a STEM course that teaches students to build their own guitar, and culinary arts.

The school offers 20 dual enrollment programs in which students earn college credit, like sports medicine, CAD, and cyber security. They also have a Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, and a life skills course for young adults with disabilities.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 2 miles, 6 minute drive

Private & Independent Belgrade Schools

Belgrade boasts a handful of independent schools that cater to younger children, and one Catholic institution serving students from preschool to 9th grade. In addition, there are more private and independent schools throughout the Gallatin Valley, just a quick drive from Prescott Ranch.

Roots Nature School: Infants to Pre-K

Roots Nature School believes in the power of hands-on learning through nature and play, aiming to foster social and emotional development in each child. Children develop skills through various activities, from baking and crafting to gardening and exploring the natural world.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 0.8 miles, 3 minute drive

Hearts & Hands Montessori School: Infants to Age 6

Hearts & Hands Montessori Schoolutilizes a blend of structured and self-directed learning approaches, where teachers create organized environments that allow for independent exploration while maintaining daily routines. Students also follow weekly themed lessons that incorporate traditional teaching methods.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 4.5 miles, 9 minute drive

Ladybug Preschool: Ages 3-5

Ladybug Preschool is a private Christian preschool serving students 3-5 years of age that emphasizes play and hands-on experiences to help children learn. The curriculum consists of structured classes and time for play and exploration.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 1.4 miles, 4 minute drive

Gallatin Montessori School: Ages 3-6

Gallatin Montessori School embraces traditional Montessori principles, creating an environment where children can develop independence and learn at their own pace through hands-on exploration.

The school’s founder and lead teacher holds a Montessori teaching certification for ages 3-6 from the North American Montessori Center. She aims to create positive, individualized learning experiences for each child.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 2.5 miles, 6 minute drive

Divine Mercy Academy: Preschool to 9th Grade

Divine Mercy Academy is an independent Catholic school that gives students a classical, liberal arts education. Prayer is a central part of each day, and follows St. Patrick’s Curriculum – which teaches Salvation History-based instruction along with traditional subjects – for grades K-8. 

Both preschool (ages 3-4) and Pre-K (ages 4-5) students attend the Early Learning Center, which combines faith with subjects like writing and phonics.

Distance from Prescott Ranch: 1.9 miles, 6 minute drive

We understand that education often plays a crucial role in deciding where to settle down with your family. Belgrade’s exceptional education system is just one of the many reasons families are choosing to make our community their home. If you’re interested in living near these fantastic Belgrade schools, we invite you to explore our available homes at Prescott Ranch.