For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 709 students in Sanders County, MT.
The top-ranked public preschools 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 preschools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Sanders County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschool average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Preschools in Sanders County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Plains Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
412 Rittenour
Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3642
Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3642
Gr: PK-6 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Thompson Falls Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
315 Columbia
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
(406) 827-3592
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
(406) 827-3592
Gr: PK-6 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Trout Creek School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4 School Lane
Trout Creek, MT 59874
(406) 827-3629
Trout Creek, MT 59874
(406) 827-3629
Gr: PK-6 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
411 B Street
Dixon, MT 59831
(406) 246-3566
Dixon, MT 59831
(406) 246-3566
Gr: PK-6 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Hot Springs School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Broadway
Hot Springs, MT 59845
(406) 741-2014
Hot Springs, MT 59845
(406) 741-2014
Gr: PK-6 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #66.
Noxon School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 Noxon Avenue
Noxon, MT 59853
(406) 847-2442
Noxon, MT 59853
(406) 847-2442
Gr: PK-6 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Sanders County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Paradise, MT 59856
(406) 826-3344
Paradise, MT 59856
(406) 826-3344
Gr: PK-8 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Sanders County, MT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Sanders County, MT include Plains Elementary School, Thompson Falls Elementary School and Trout Creek School.
How many public preschools are located in Sanders County?
6 public preschools are located in Sanders County.
What is the racial composition of students in Sanders County?
Sanders County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Montana public preschools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.