For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,007 students in Jefferson County, MT. The top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, MT are Cardwell School, Clancy School and Montana City School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, MT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschool average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Preschools in Jefferson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cardwell School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
80 Highway 359
Cardwell, MT 59721
(406) 287-3321
Cardwell, MT 59721
(406) 287-3321
Gr: PK-8 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Clancy School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
18 Clancy Creek Rd
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 933-5531
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 933-5531
Gr: PK-6 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Montana City School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11 Mcclellan Creek Road
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 442-6779
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 442-6779
Gr: PK-5 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Basin School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 North Quartz
Basin, MT 59631
(406) 225-3211
Basin, MT 59631
(406) 225-3211
Gr: PK-6 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Boulder Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 So Washington
Boulder, MT 59632
(406) 225-3316
Boulder, MT 59632
(406) 225-3316
Gr: PK-6 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Whitehall Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
401 N Division
Whitehall, MT 59759
(406) 287-3882
Whitehall, MT 59759
(406) 287-3882
Gr: PK-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, MT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, MT include Cardwell School, Clancy School and Montana City School. Jefferson County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Montana.
How many public preschools are located in Jefferson County?
6 public preschools are located in Jefferson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public preschools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Which public preschools in Jefferson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Jefferson County include: Boulder Elementary School vs. Clancy School, Whitehall Elementary School vs. Cardwell School, Cardwell School vs. Whitehall Elementary School
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.
