For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,290 students in Butte, MT.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte, MT are Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butte, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Butte have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary school average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Butte, MT (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3000 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2850
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2850
Gr: PK-6 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Margaret Leary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1301 4 Mile Vue Rd
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2550
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2550
Gr: PK-6 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Whittier School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2500 Sherman
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2890
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2890
Gr: PK-6 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
West Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 S Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2700
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2700
Gr: PK-6 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Emerson School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1924 Phillips Ave
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2800
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2800
Gr: PK-6 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Kennedy School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1000 N Emmett
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2450
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2450
Gr: PK-6 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Butte, Montana Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
111 North Montana
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2950
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 533-2950
Gr: K-6 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte, MT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte, MT include Hillcrest School, Margaret Leary School and Whittier School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Butte?
6 public elementary schools are located in Butte.
What is the racial composition of students in Butte?
Butte public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public elementary schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Butte are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Butte include: Kennedy School vs. West Elementary School, West Elementary School vs. Kennedy School, Emerson School vs. Hillcrest School
Recent Articles
Understanding School Safety Policies in 2026
Learn how school safety policies are evolving in 2026, including mental health support, AI monitoring, emergency planning, and parent rights.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at School
Practical guidance for parents and educators on supporting child mental health during the school year, with expert strategies and 2026 insights.
What a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction Means in 2026
Understand what a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction means, how schools earn it, and why it matters for academic quality in 2026.