For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 1,496 students in Lake County, MT.
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT are Charlo Elementary School, Dayton School and Valley View School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, MT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public preschool average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Preschools in Lake County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Charlo Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
404 1st Ave West
Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2206
Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2206
Gr: PK-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Dayton School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
506 B Street
Dayton, MT 59914
(406) 849-5484
Dayton, MT 59914
(406) 849-5484
Gr: PK-6 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Valley View School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
42448 Valley View Road
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-2208
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-2208
Gr: PK-6 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
K William Harvey Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
221 4th Ave Nw
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Gr: PK-4 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
St. Ignatius Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 Blaine
Saint Ignatius, MT 59865
(406) 745-3811
Saint Ignatius, MT 59865
(406) 745-3811
Gr: PK-5 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Arlee Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
72220 Fyant Street
Arlee, MT 59821
(406) 726-3216
Arlee, MT 59821
(406) 726-3216
Gr: PK-6 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Pablo Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
42080 4th Ave. E.
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Gr: PK-4 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: n/an/a
107 8th Avenue West
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6333
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6333
Gr: PK-1 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Lake County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1602 2nd Street West
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6335
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6335
Gr: 5-6 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT include Charlo Elementary School, Dayton School and Valley View School.
How many public preschools are located in Lake County?
8 public preschools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public preschools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public preschools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Which public preschools in Lake County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Lake County include: Pablo Elementary School vs. K William Harvey Elementary School, K William Harvey Elementary School vs. Pablo Elementary School, Valley View School vs. Dayton School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.