ChoiceFunded What your state pays

Private schools in Montana

Montana scholarship organizations set each award. Montana residents who are 5 or older by September 10 of the school year and have not yet turned 19. Each scholarship organization sets its own criteria and priorities.

104 schools listed
9,425 students (2023-24)
MT
Montana Tax Credits for Contributions to Student Scholarship Organizations Tax-credit scholarship
Set by each scholarship organization EdChoice reports an average of $2,190 in 2022-23. By law a scholarship cannot exceed the state per-pupil average of total public school spending (MCA 15-30-3103).

Figures read from each program’s official pages, October 2, 2026. Sources and how to apply

EdChoice counted 1,050 students in 2022-23. Donor credits are capped at $7.2 million for 2026.

Worth knowing: A small program funded by donations under a yearly cap. Montana's separate special needs education savings account is not included here: a court ruling blocks it and the appeal is pending.

How SSO tax credit works, start to finish

By city

The number is how many private schools sit within 6 miles of each town (12 miles for smaller towns), so nearby towns can overlap.

By kind of school

By county

The largest private schools in Montana

SchoolCityGradesStudentsPer teacherAffiliation
St. Francis Catholic SchoolBillingsK-860313.1Roman Catholic
Billings Christian SchoolBillingsPreK-124437.9Christian (nondenominational)
St. Labre SchoolsAshlandPreK-124225.1Roman Catholic
Stillwater Christian SchoolKalispellPreK-1238010.7Christian (nondenominational)
Butte Central Elementary SchoolButtePreK-1237213.3Roman Catholic
Billings Central Catholic High SchoolBillings3-123444.9Roman Catholic
Valley Christian SchoolMissoulaPreK-1232610.9Christian (nondenominational)
Nelson Academy of Agricultural Sciences OnlineScobey7-12318not reportedNonsectarian
Manhattan Christian SchoolManhattanPreK-1229511.4Christian (nondenominational)
St. Joseph SchoolMissoulaPreK-828312.4Roman Catholic
Trinity Lutheran SchoolBillingsPreK-821920.9Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod)
Trinity Lutheran SchoolKalispellPreK-821914.5Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod)
Foothills Community Christian High SchoolGreat FallsPreK-1221211.8Christian (nondenominational)
Helena Christian SchoolEast HelenaPreK-1220313.7Christian (nondenominational)
St. Andrew SchoolHelenaPreK-121936.3Roman Catholic

Run your own numbers

What would you pay?

We could not confirm this year’s SSO tax credit amount, so type in the figure from your award letter. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.

Get one email when applications open

Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.

One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.

Questions parents ask

How much does Montana pay toward private school?

Set by each scholarship organization. EdChoice reports an average of $2,190 in 2022-23. By law a scholarship cannot exceed the state per-pupil average of total public school spending (MCA 15-30-3103).

Who can get it?

Montana residents who are 5 or older by September 10 of the school year and have not yet turned 19. Each scholarship organization sets its own criteria and priorities.

Is there still room?

EdChoice counted 1,050 students in 2022-23. Donor credits are capped at $7.2 million for 2026.

How do I know a school takes SSO tax credit?

Montana lists approved scholarship organizations on its Education Donations portal but publishes no list of schools. Ask the school which organization it works with.

Pick your city How SSO tax credit works