Montana Schools (Billings, Missoula, Hamilton: homes, public school, university)

[talibkwali]

There have been some questions involving Montana schools. Having traveled extensively to MT schools and having two teacher parents in the MT school system i can answer some questions.

If you're moving to MT and want to know where to go for better education or safer schools, just post questions here and I can try to answer them.

[Starfishlady]

I live in Florida and am looking for better quality of life. I have a 8 and 9 year old that I currently homeschool. Our school system is tearing at the seams. We are just too populated. Can you tell me about the schools and hospitals? My little girl needs a good neurologist and my son needs alot of room (land) to explore.

[talibkwali]

Actually, i can. Most Montana schools are not overcrowded. Schools in Billings and Missoula would be most crowded. Most hospitals in MT would hire a good neurologist.
www.mdmh.org/
That's the site for the Hospital in Hamilton, They are expanding and would probably love a neurologist.
Lot's of land to explore: I love the nearby mountains, and you can still explore here without any problems.
If you're looking at a specific town or city in montana, i can tell you which school you should check out.

[lorelei2873]

I have also been to almost every high school in the state. I am interested to hear your opinions and see if they match up with my perceptions.

[Starfishlady]

oh I'm sorry, I meant my daughter needs a good nuerologist. I'll can school my children if needed, I guess medical is our primary concern.

[talibkwali]

lorelei2873 where are you from?

starfishlady, sorry. I misread that. Most hospitals in larger towns have neurologists, stay away from the Butte hospital though!

[talibkwali]

Anybody else want to post questions or opinions on different schools in MT?

[lesliegrace]

I'm just curious: are high schools in Montana organized according to size for purposes of athletic and academic competition? About what size would you estimate most Montana high schools to be?

For example, in Texas, public high schools that have 194 or fewer students are called 1A schools, and they generally compete against other 1A schools; high schools with 195 to 414 students are considered to be 2A; 415 to 949 students are 3A; 950 to 1984 are 4A; and high schools with 1985 or more students are 5A schools. I think they update these numbers and realign the schools every couple of school years.

In Texas, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) sets rules and regulations for public school competitions. Does Montana have a similar organization?

Thanks.

[lorelei2873]

Yes, and most Montana Schools would be B or C. Class AA is 826+, Class A is 340-825, Class B is 120-339, and Class C is 1-119. Factors influencing classification include geography, district/divisional alignment, and enrollment, which can include grades 5-8. The governing body is Montana High School Association, or MHSA. Sometimes two class C schools will get together to have a cooperative football team.

[lesliegrace]

Thanks for the info, lorelei! I am just curious about how the education system works in other states. I have always lived in Texas, and most of my kinfolks live here as well.

I also wonder whether there is mandatory testing of students in Montana; I'm assuming every state has instituted some sort of statewide testing system due to "No Child Left Behind," but maybe a few states figured out different ways to measure student progress.

Just personally, I think testing has gone too far in Texas. We now have the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test. Kids must pass the reading and math TAKS tests at 3rd and 5th grades or they will be retained(unless a committee recommends that they be placed); next year, I think this extends to 8th graders. In 11th grade, students must pass math, reading, social studies, science, and writing TAKS tests to be able to graduate.

The emphasis on testing is crazy; I think it would be better to figure out how to turn out informed, well-rounded kids instead of obsessing about tests!