For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public elementary schools serving 2,956 students in Lake County, MT.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake County, MT are Charlo Elementary School, Linderman School and Charlo 6-8. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public elementary school average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools 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: #22.
Linderman School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
312 4th Avenue East
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6229
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6229
Gr: 2-4 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
Charlo 6-8
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
404 1st Ave West
Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2206
Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2206
Gr: 6-8 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #6 - 76. - 7.
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: #6 - 76. - 7.
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: #88.
Polson Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1602 2nd Street West
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6335
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6335
Gr: 5-8 | 495 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #99.
Ronan Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
35885 Round Butte Road W
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Gr: 5-8 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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: #1212.
St. Ignatius Middle School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
76 3rd Avenue
Saint Ignatius, MT 59865
(406) 745-3811
Saint Ignatius, MT 59865
(406) 745-3811
Gr: 6-8 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
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 elementary schools in Lake County, MT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake County, MT include Charlo Elementary School, Linderman School and Charlo 6-8.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lake County?
13 public elementary schools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public elementary schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Lake County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools 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. Linderman 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.
