For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 707 students in Toole County, MT.
The top-ranked public schools in Toole County, MT are Sunburst 7 - 8, Sunburst High School and Big Rose Colony School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Toole County, MT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Montana public school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Toole County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public school average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Toole County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sunburst 7 - 8
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
220 1st St South
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2816
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2816
Gr: 7-8 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Sunburst High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
414 3rd St South
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2811
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2811
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Big Rose Colony School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
24 Big Rose Colony Lane
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 460-0010
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 460-0010
Gr: PK-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Cam Rose School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
253 Union School Road
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Gr: PK-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #55.
Sunburst Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
220 1st St South
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2816
Sunburst, MT 59482
(406) 937-2816
Gr: PK-8 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Liberty Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
No Address
Galata, MT 59444
(406) 432-5265
Galata, MT 59444
(406) 432-5265
Gr: PK-8 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Rank: #77.
Shelby Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
901 Valley Street
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Gr: PK-5 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #88.
Shelby 6-8
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1001 Valley Street
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Gr: 6-8 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #99.
Shelby High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1001 Valley Street
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Shelby, MT 59474
(406) 424-8910
Gr: 9-12 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Toole County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
10 Divison Avenue
Galata, MT 59444
(406) 432-2123
Galata, MT 59444
(406) 432-2123
Gr: PK-8 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Toole County, MT?
The top-ranked public schools in Toole County, MT include Sunburst 7 - 8, Sunburst High School and Big Rose Colony School.
How many public schools are located in Toole County?
9 public schools are located in Toole County.
What is the racial composition of students in Toole County?
Toole County public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public schools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.