Best Phillips County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 462 students in Phillips County, MT.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Phillips County, MT are Whitewater 6-8, Saco School and Whitewater School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Phillips County, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Phillips County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% 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 Phillips County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Whitewater 6-8
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: 6-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Saco School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
321 Hwy 243
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Gr: PK-6 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Whitewater School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: PK-5 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Malta 6-7-8
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1 High School Lane
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2225
Gr: 6-8 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Malta K-5
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
706 South 3rd Avenue East
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2320
Gr: PK-8 | 246 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Dodson School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
124 First Ave W
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Gr: PK-6 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Loring Colony School
6888 Turner Cutacross Rd
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 674-5525
Gr: PK-8 | 7 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Phillips County, MT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Phillips County, MT include Whitewater 6-8, Saco School and Whitewater School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Phillips County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Phillips County.
What is the racial composition of students in Phillips County?
Phillips County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public elementary schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).

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