📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (NCES EDFacts, 2021–22 for most districts), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
6 Rated Districts in the Helena, MT Metro Area
EDFacts 2021–22 · percentile among Montana districts
| Metro Rank | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Townsend K-12 Schools | Townsend | 9/10 Excellent | 83rd |
| #2 | Lincoln K-12 Schools | Lincoln | 9/10 Excellent | 82nd |
| #3 | Jefferson High School District | Boulder | 7/10 Good | 68th |
| #4 | Helena High School District | Helena | 7/10 Good | 64th |
| #5 | Augusta High School District | Augusta | 3/10 Below Average | 29th |
| #6 | Whitehall High School District | Whitehall | 2/10 Poor | 16th |
Best School Districts in the Helena, MT Metro Area (2026)
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from EDFacts 2021–22 (Montana) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Helena, MT metro area? ▼
Among the 6 rated districts in the Helena, MT metro area, the highest-rated is Townsend K-12 Schools (Townsend), rated 9/10 (Excellent) and in the 83rd percentile of Montana districts on EDFacts 2021–22 reading and math proficiency.
How are these rankings calculated? ▼
Each district's rating comes from the share of its students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments, percentile-ranked against all rated districts in its state and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.