Helena High School is a public high school for grades 9 through 12 located in Helena, Montana, United States. It is part of the Helena Public School District. Founded in September 1876, it is the oldest high school in the state of Montana.
Serving 979 students in grades 9-12, Helena High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is equal to the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is equal to the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 979 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Top 30% in MT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Helena High School serves the southeast part of Helena, MT, covering an area of approximately 364.7 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 28.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Helena High School's student population of 979 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 32% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
979 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1876
School Calendar
Campus Size
25 acres
School Motto
Striving for Excellence
School Rankings
Helena High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Helena High School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#374 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
White
84%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
86%
85.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.4%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Cardinal and Gold
School Mascot
Bengals
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helena High School's ranking?
Helena High School is ranked #374 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Helena High School often compared to?
Helena High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Capital High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Helena High School?
The graduation rate of Helena High School is 86%, which is higher than the Montana state average of 85.5%.
How many students attend Helena High School?
979 students attend Helena High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Helena High School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Helena High School?
Helena High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Helena High School offer ?
Helena High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Helena High School part of?
Helena High School is part of Helena High School District.
School Reviews
Review Helena High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
