Best Sanders County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 709 students in Sanders County, MT.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT are Plains Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School and Trout Creek School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sanders County, MT public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Montana public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Sanders County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Sanders County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Plains Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
412 Rittenour
Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3642
Gr: PK-6 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Thompson Falls Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
315 Columbia
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
(406) 827-3592
Gr: PK-6 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Trout Creek School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4 School Lane
Trout Creek, MT 59874
(406) 827-3629
Gr: PK-6 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
411 B Street
Dixon, MT 59831
(406) 246-3566
Gr: PK-6 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #55.
Hot Springs School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
301 Broadway
Hot Springs, MT 59845
(406) 741-2014
Gr: PK-6 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
Noxon School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Noxon Avenue
Noxon, MT 59853
(406) 847-2442
Gr: PK-6 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Sanders County, MT include Plains Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School and Trout Creek School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Sanders County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Sanders County.
What is the racial composition of students in Sanders County?
Sanders County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% 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 Sanders County are often viewed compared to one another?

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