Best Lake County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 1,496 students in Lake County, MT.
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT are Charlo Elementary School, Dayton School and Valley View School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, MT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public preschool average of 24% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Preschools in Lake County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Charlo Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
404 1st Ave West
Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2206
Gr: PK-5 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Dayton School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
506 B Street
Dayton, MT 59914
(406) 849-5484
Gr: PK-6 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Valley View School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
42448 Valley View Road
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-2208
Gr: PK-6 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
K William Harvey Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
221 4th Ave Nw
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Gr: PK-4 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
St. Ignatius Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Blaine
Saint Ignatius, MT 59865
(406) 745-3811
Gr: PK-5 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Arlee Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
72220 Fyant Street
Arlee, MT 59821
(406) 726-3216
Gr: PK-6 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Pablo Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
42080 4th Ave. E.
Ronan, MT 59864
(406) 676-3390
Gr: PK-4 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: n/an/a
Cherry Valley School
107 8th Avenue West
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 883-6333
Gr: PK-1 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake County, MT include Charlo Elementary School, Dayton School and Valley View School.
How many public preschools are located in Lake County?
8 public preschools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public preschools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public preschools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Which public preschools in Lake County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links