EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Education

& CHILDCARE

Abig part of why Bozeman is the way it is is thanks to Montana State University, which

has grown into a premier research entity. That standard of educational excellence extends all the way down through the region’s growing K-12 school systems and other educational institutions.

Mountains and Minds

When the state of Montana as we know it today was just beginning to take shape, the powers that be were deciding where to put the state capital. Bozeman leaders fought to host it, but lost out to Helena about 100 miles to the north. As a consolation prize, Bozeman was chosen as the site for Montana’s land-grant university, a move that has shaped the city ever since. Many current Bozeman residents first came to the area to attend Montana State University or to work there, and you’ll find that the Bobcat pride runs deep here. Beyond the Cats athletics teams, there’s a good reason people are proud of MSU. The university has grown in the past decade, from under 12,000 undergraduates in 2000 to nearly 17,000 in 2021. The university attracts a significant number of out of state students, who may be drawn to apply due to the area’s access to great ski hills, and certainly by MSU’s excellent reputation. The university is also one of a few designated to have “very high research activity.” Keep an eye on the exciting research coming out of MSU.

GALLATIN COLLEGE

Housed on Montana State University’s campus, Gallatin College offers two-year associate’s degrees and one-year professional certificates for a range of professions. The college works closely with area industries to develop programs and train workers in areas of study like aviation, bookkeeping, welding, culinary arts, interior design and cyber security, to name just a few. The college also works with area high schools for dualenrollment programs.

Hamilton Hall (406) 994-5536, gallatin.montana.edu

LOCAL LIBRARIES

Public libraries are essential to any reader, young or old. Luckily, southwest Montana has some excellent libraries.

Bozeman Public Library

Bozeman Public Library offers everything you’d expect out of a library and then some. Located in a beautiful building at 626 East Main Street in Bozeman, the library has reading chairs and workspaces. The library also offers public computers, printing, faxing, copying and scanning and meeting rooms.

The library also offers a range of events for children, teens and adults, including live music some Saturdays, book clubs and workshops. Find out more information at bozemanlibrary.org

Belgrade Public Library

The Belgrade Public Library offers a range of programs for people of all ages. The library has public computers, a meeting room and holds events like yoga, storytime and a board game club. The library is located at 106 N. Broadway Ave. in Belgrade.

Find out more at belgradelibrary.org

Livingston-Park County Library

The Livingston-Park County Library is located at 228 W. Callender Street in Livingston and hosts events like preschool storytime and a books and babies program, along with other programming. Find out more at livingstonparkcountylibrary.blogspot.com.

CHILDCARE

Like much of the country, Bozeman struggles to keep up with demands for childcare. Some employers are even exploring providing childcare for their own employees. There are in-home daycares in Bozeman, as well as several daycare businesses. Still, getting in touch with a provider as early as possible will probably be beneficial.

Child Care Connections

Child Care Connections is based in Bozeman, though it works region-wide, covering Gallatin, Park, Meagher, Lewis & Clark, Jefferson and Broadwater counties. Childcare Connections works across the spectrum of childcare, offering financial support and referrals to families as well as nutrition and wellness education. It also works with childcare professionals on education and professional support.

Bozemanccc.org (406) 587-7786, 1143 Stoneridge Dr., Bozeman

KIDSLINK

KidsLINK is an afterschool program run at Bozeman and Belgrade schools by the Greater Gallatin United Way. The program operates in the elementary schools in the Bozeman and Belgrade school districts. They also have a program at the Belgrade Middle School. More information is available at greatergallatinunitedway.org.

“Bozeman Public Schools exist to provide an outstanding education that inspires and ensures high achievement so every student can succeed and make a difference in a rapidly changing world community” - District core purpose As Bozeman grows and evolves, so too does the school district. The district reached a new enrollment record in 2019 with 7,111 students spread throughout eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools - one of which opened in 2020 to handle the large student population. The COVID-19 pandemic caused numbers to drop a bit (though some districts have recovered) and a recent dip in enrollment at the elementary school level has caused the district to push back plans for a ninth elementary school. No matter how many students Bozeman School District is serving, the high quality education is staying the same. The district has a goal to ensure 85% of children entering kindergarten by 2025 have the requisite literacy skills. That same year, the district is striving to ensure that 90% of third-graders have gradelevel reading skills. From it’s high quality education to the excellent sports and extra-curricular activities, Bozeman schools earn their sterling reputation.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Bozeman High School

Mascot: The Hawks With almost $30 million in new renovations, Bozeman High School sits squarely in the middle of town. The recent renovations include a new classroom building and a 750-seat auditorium. The Van Winkle Stadium on the Bozeman High campus was renovated in 2018 and hosts Friday night football under the lights. With a four-year graduation rate just above the states, Bozeman High School is known for excellence. During the 2018-2019 school year - the last in which data was available due to the COVID-19 pandemic - Bozeman High students outperformed the state in mathematics, reading and science proficiency.

Gallatin High School

Mascot: The Raptors Newly opened in 2020, Gallatin High School serves west Bozeman. The shiny new building sits at the edge of town near Oak Street and Cottonwood Road. Students are quickly establishing a culture at Gallatin High School, which includes playing the theme from “Jurassic Park” before some sporting events. The roughly $93 million high school features tennis courts, softball fields and a running track.

Bridger Charter School

The former Bridger Alternative Program originally started in 1993 to serve students who had issues with the law or some other obstacle preventing them from attending typical high school classes. The move to change it to a charter school in 2016 opened up the program to any student who may learn better in its competency-based approach, which allows learners to earn credits when they can show they’ve mastered a skill. Students learn at their own pace with personalized instruction. The program operates as a “school within a school” and is located in Bozeman High, though it is open to students zoned into either high school. About 115 students in grades 9-12 are enrolled in the program at present.

Bozeman Online Charter School

Bozeman Online Charter is a stand-alone school born out of the remote learning instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of its kind in the state, it serves elementary and middle-school aged students. In late 2021 about 120 students were enrolled. The school uses both in-person and remote learning in a competency-based model.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Chief Joseph Middle School

Located in west Bozeman, Chief Joseph Middle School leans into its motto, “Make connections... Make a difference... Make learning real!” and enrolls about 750 students. 4255 Kimberwicke St., (406) 522 - 6300, cjms.bsd7.org

Sacajawea Middle School

Located in south Bozeman, Sacajawea Middle School has a student population between 750 and 800 students and focuses on being a “compassionate community that honors grit and celebrates growth in order to face the future with a level head and a critical eye.” 3525 South 3rd Ave.,(406) 522 - 6400, sms.bsd7.org

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson serves about 500 kids in west Bozeman and strives to teach kids academic and behavioral skills “to reason and communicate responsibly.” The school also emphasizes fostering a safe and caring environment and accepting differences.

Motto: “Bright Beginnings”

2435 Annie St., (406)522-6650, ed.bsd7.org

Hawthorne

Mascot: The Hedgehogs With an enrollment of about 350 kids, Hawthorne sits right near downtown Bozeman. The school focused on active learning, respect, teamwork and safety.

Motto: “Celebrating children, lifelong learning and the arts!”

405 E. Mendenhall St., (406)522-6700, ha.bsd7.org

Hyalite

Hyalite Elementary serves about 500 students in west Bozeman and is named for the reservoir and recreation area just to the south of Bozeman. True to its name, each grade level at the school has its own garden plot, and students take field trips to Hyalite Canyon.

Motto: “Outdoor Education”

3600 W. Babcock St., (406) 582-6800 hy.bsd7.org

Meadowlark

Located near the new Gallatin High School in west Bozeman, Meadowlark Elementary serves about 530 students. It is one of the newer schools, having just opened in 2013.

Motto: “Where your song will soar.”

4415 Durston Rd. (406) 582-6860, ml.bsd7.org

Longfellow

With just over 300 students, Longfellow strives to encourage lifelong learning with a focus on literacy, creative expression and scientific thinking. The school also aims to celebrate individual student’s strengths and talents.

Motto: C.A.R.E.S. Cooperates. Accepts. Respects. Encourages. Shares.”

516 S. Tracy St. (406) 522-6150, lo.bsd7.org Located near the Montana State University campus, Irving Elementary is small in comparison to other elementary schools, with just over 250 students. The school focuses on diversity and emphasizes embracing students from different cultures, countries and backgrounds.

Motto: “Unity through Diversity.”

811 W. Alderson St., (406) 522-6600, ir.bsd7.org

Morningstar

Located in south Bozeman near Sacajawea Middle School, Morningstar is named after Northern Cheyenne Chief Morning Star. The school educates about 500 students and emphasizes creating a sense of dignity and responsibility for the individual and the whole.

Motto: “Learning Today for Tomorrow”

830 Arnold Street, (406) 522-6500, ms.bsd7.org

Whittier

With an enrollment of about 280 students, Whittier Elementary is located in central Bozeman. The school places an emphasis on educational technology.

Motto: “A wonderful place to grow”

511 N. 5th St., (406) 522-6750, wh.bsd7.org

BOZEMAN RURAL SCHOOLS

LaMotte School

Just five miles east of Bozeman, LaMotte serves about 70 students in grades K-8.

Motto: “Where education and the environment meet”

841 Bear Canyon Rd., (406) 586-2838

Monforton School

Mascot: The Wildcats Monforton educates K-8 students near Four Corners and has an elementary and middle school. 6001 Monforton School Rd., (406) 586-1557

Anderson School

Anderson eduates about 200 students in grades PK-8 and is located southwest of Bozeman. The school aims to foster both a challenging and nurturing learning environment through small class sizes and community involvement. 10040 S. Cottonwood Rd., (406) 587-1305

Belgrade Schools consists of one high school, a middle school and three elementary schools , as well as an alternative high school. The district offices are located at 312 N. Weaver Street. Enrollment information can be found on the district’s website: www.bsd44.org

Belgrade High School

Mascot: Panthers There are about 900 students enrolled at Belgrade High School. The school boasts a four-year graduation rate of 89%, which is higher than the rest of the state. The number of students who are college-ready is in-line with the rest of Montana. 303 North Hoffman Belgrade, 406-388-6862

Belgrade Middle School

Enrollment: 1,088 Grades: 5-8 410 Triple Crown Rd., Belgrade, 406-388-1309

Saddle Peak Elementary School

Enrollment: 460 400 Jackrabbit Road, Belgrade, 406 924 2760

Heck-Quaw Elementary School

Enrollment: 438 308 N Broadway, Belgrade, 406 388 4104

Ridge View Elementary School

Enrollment: 450 117 Green Belt Drive, Belgrade, 406-924-2037

Story Creek Elementary

807 Bolinger Road, Belgrade, MT

LIVINGSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Livingston School District has two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and has a mission to provide a safe environment for students to learn how to become lifelong learners contributing members of society. Enrollment information can be found on the district’s website, livingston.k12.mt.us

Mascot: Rangers Park High School serves kids in grades 9-12 and strives to be known for “quality of education, its exceptional faculty, and the close interactions between students and faculty.” Over 400 students are enrolled at the school. 102 View Vista Dr., Livingston (406) 222-0448, parkhigh.org

Sleeping Giant Middle School

Sleeping Giant educates kids in grades 6-8 and enrolls over 300 kids. 301 View Vista Dr., (406) 222-3292

East Side Elementary School

East Side enrolls over 300 kids in grades 3-5. 132 South B. Street., (406) 222-0861

B.A. Winans Elementary School

Winans educates kids in first and second grades and enrolls over 300 students. 1015 W. Clark St., (406) 222-0192

Washington School

Washington School Early Foundations Center has a part-time preschool, a special 2YK program, and a fullday kindergarten. 315 N. 8th St., Livingston (406) 222-1231

Park Online Education Expedition

The Park Online Education Expedition is an online schooling option for students K-12. Students have a flexible schedule with regular check-ins with a teacher. More information can be found on the districts’ website.

OTHER AREA SCHOOLS

Manhattan Public Schools

Manhattan Public Schools serves students in grades K-12. About 260 elementary students are enrolled, 225 middle school students and 270 high schoolers.

Grades K-12, 416 N. Broadway, (406) 284-6460 mt01000571.schoolwires.net

N

4

Chief Joseph Middle School

BRIDGERS N. 19TH ST. Schools

Meadowlark Elementary 9

3

Gallatin High School

8

Hyalite Elementary

6

Emily Dickenson Elementary

Bozeman High School 2 7TH ST. 13

Whittier Elementary

E. MAIN ST.

7

Hawthorne Elementary

W. MAIN ST. Irving Elementary 11 10

Longfellow Elementary

S. 19TH ST.

Gallatin College 1

Montana State University

12

Morning Star Elementary

Sacajawea Middle School 5

The Gateway Gators have a motto of ‘educating the future.” About 130 students in grades K-6 are enrolled, and about 30 in grades 7-8. The school is well over 100 years old.

Grades K-8, 100 Mill St., (406) 763-4415 www.gallatingatewayschool.com/

Three Forks Public Schools

Three Forks Public Schools enrolls students in grades Preschool-12 with an enrollment of about 320 kids in grades PK-5, 190 kids in grades 6-8 and 200 in grades 9-12. 210 E. Neal St., (406) 285-3224, www.tfschools.com/

BIG SKY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Big Sky schools include Ophir Elementary and Middle schools and Lone Peak High School. Just about 100 kids are enrolled at the high school. Grades K-12 45465 Gallatin Rd., Gallatin Gateway (406) 995-4281 www.bssd72.org

Mount Ellis Academy

Mount Ellis is located east of Bozeman and is a private boarding school with boys and girls dormitories. 3641 Bozeman Trail Rd., Bozeman (406) 587-5178 mtellis.org

Headwaters Academy

Headwaters is a private middle school, serving kids in grades six through eight. 1005 Durston Rd., Bozeman (406) 585-9997 headwatersacademy.org

Heritage Christian School

Heritage Christina is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian school. About 225 students are enrolled in grades K-12. 4310 Durston Road, (406) 587-9311 heritage-christian.org

Bozeman Field School

Bozeman Field School is a private high school with students in grades 9-12.The school has plans to build a new campus in 2023. 2006 Stadium Dr. Suite 102, (406)577-2492 bozemanfieldschool.org Manhattan Christian School

Manhattan Christian is a private school that is over 100 years old and serves students in grades Pre-K to 12. 8000 Churchill Rd., Manhattan (406) 282-7261 manhattanchristian.org

Petra Academy

Petra was founded in 1995 and is a private Christian school serving kids in preschool and grades K-12. 4720 Classical Way, Bozeman, (406) 582-8165 petraacademy.com

ARTS AND EDUCATION

The Emerson

The Emerson offers a range of classes, studios and summer art camps, to name a few things that go on in the old-school building designed by famed Bozeman architect Fred Willson 111 S. Grand Ave.,Bozeman (406) 587-9797

Theemerson.org

Bozeman Art Museum

The Bozeman Art Museum works with local schools and homeschool families to ensure arts education is strong in the K-12 school system. The museum also holds workshops and lectures. 2612 W. Main St. Suite B., Bozeman. (406) 570-1419

More information can be found at: bozemanartmuseum. org/classes-and-education/

Bozeman Public Schools Adult Ed

The Community Education Program is on hold for the 2021 to 2022 school year, but information can be found at: bsd7.org/teaching_and_learning/adulted

Bozeman Adult Learning Center

The Adult Learning Center has opportunities for adults looking to learn English and those looking to take the HiSET high school equivalency exam.

Information can be found at: www.bsd7.org/teaching_ and_learning/bozeman_adult_learning_center

Adult and Community Education program (Livingston)

The LivingstonACE program is located at 132 South B Street in Livingston. (406-671-5446)

More information can be found at its website: http:// livingstonace.org