For the 2026 school year, there are 4 blue ribbon public middle schools serving 730 students in Montana.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Montana are Hellgate Middle School, Clancy 7-8 and Plentywood 7-8. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Montana blue ribbon public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Montana public middle school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Montana public middle school average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Middle Schools in Montana (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hellgate Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2375 Flynn Lane
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 721-2452
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 721-2452
Gr: 7-8 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Clancy 7-8
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18 Clancy Creek Road
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 933-5531
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 933-5531
Gr: 7-8 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #33.
Plentywood 7-8
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 East Laurel Avenue
Plentywood, MT 59254
(406) 765-1803
Plentywood, MT 59254
(406) 765-1803
Gr: 7-8 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Eureka Middle School 5-8
(Math: 32% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
335 6th St E
Eureka, MT 59917
(406) 297-5600
Eureka, MT 59917
(406) 297-5600
Gr: 5-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Montana?
The top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Montana include Hellgate Middle School, Clancy 7-8 and Plentywood 7-8.
How many blue ribbon public middle schools are located in Montana?
4 blue ribbon public middle schools are located in Montana.
What is the racial composition of students in Montana?
Montana blue ribbon public middle schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Montana public middle schools average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.