For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 339 students in Phillips County, MT.
The top-ranked public preschools in Phillips County, MT are Saco School, Whitewater School and Malta K-5. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Phillips County, MT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Montana public pre school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Phillips County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Montana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% 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 Phillips County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Saco School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
321 Hwy 243
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Saco, MT 59261
(406) 527-3531
Gr: PK-6 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Whitewater School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1 Main Street
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Whitewater, MT 59544
(406) 674-5417
Gr: PK-5 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Malta K-5
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
706 South 3rd Avenue East
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2320
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2320
Gr: PK-8 | 246 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Dodson School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
124 First Ave W
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 383-4362
Gr: PK-6 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
6888 Turner Cutacross Rd
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 674-5525
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 674-5525
Gr: PK-8 | 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Phillips County, MT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Phillips County, MT include Saco School, Whitewater School and Malta K-5.
How many public preschools are located in Phillips County?
5 public preschools are located in Phillips County.
What is the racial composition of students in Phillips County?
Phillips County public preschools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Montana public preschools average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.