Hello friend welcome to the Tigerjek, in this post we are going to discuss about the Best Schools in Havre. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for any parent, as it shapes a child’s future academically, socially, and personally. Havre is home to a number of reputed schools that focus not only on strong academics but also on overall student development through extracurricular activities, values, and modern teaching approaches. In this post, we bring you a list of the Best Schools in Havre, helping you explore the top institutions that stand out for their quality education, facilities, and commitment to excellence.
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Sunnyside Intermediate School
Sunnyside Intermediate School in Havre, Montana, serves fourth and fifth grade students and is part of the Havre Public School District. Known for its tradition of excellence, the school is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive both academically and socially.
The school is led by Principal Mrs. Kassie Johnson, who brings over 12 years of experience as a special education teacher within Havre Public Schools. Her leadership is guided by a strong dedication to student success, inclusivity, and collaboration with families and staff. Under her direction, Sunnyside Intermediate focuses on fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages growth, learning, and community involvement.
Located at 602 13th Street, Havre, MT, the school provides students with access to quality education, modern resources, and supportive staff who prioritize student development. Sunnyside Intermediate remains a cornerstone of the Havre community, where parents, teachers, and students work together to achieve academic excellence and personal growth.
With an enrollment of around 285–325 students and a teaching staff of about 14–16, Sunnyside provides a close-knit environment where students are known and supported, even as class sizes average around 19 to 20 students per teacher. While test scores in math and reading fall below state averages—about 22% proficiency in math and 32% in reading—the school stands out for its diversity, ranking among the top 10% of Montana schools in this area. This mix of backgrounds and experiences creates a vibrant and welcoming community for students and families alike.
Beyond academics, Sunnyside offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes core subjects along with art, music, and physical education. Special programs such as gifted and talented classes, special education, student council, and field trips enrich the learning experience, while the school’s library and counseling services provide added support. Community connections are also strong, with events like the annual 5th Grade Trade Fair giving students a chance to showcase their projects and talents.
As enrollment grows, Sunnyside continues to adapt by adding staff and resources to meet the needs of its students. Nearly 95% of its children qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and with the help of fundraising efforts like DonorsChoose—where more than $3,000 has been raised for classroom projects—the school continues to prioritize equity and access.
In every way, Sunnyside Intermediate School reflects a balance of academic effort, inclusivity, and community spirit, striving to create a supportive environment where every student can learn and thrive.
Lincoln McKinley Primary School
Lincoln–McKinley Primary School, located at 801 Fourth Street in Havre, Montana, is part of the Havre Public Schools district and serves children in 2nd and 3rd grade. The school plays an important role in the community by focusing on the early years of elementary education, helping students build a strong foundation for future learning.
The school is led by Principal Erika Brekhus, a Havre Public Schools graduate with more than a decade of experience in the district. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to students, staff, and families, ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed. Working alongside her is secretary Tina Thomas, who helps keep daily operations running smoothly.
Lincoln–McKinley’s schedule is designed to balance academics, nutrition, and play. The school day begins at 8:00 a.m., with breakfast available beforehand, and ends at 3:00 p.m. Students follow a structured lunch and recess routine, which helps keep the school day orderly while giving children the breaks they need to recharge.
The school is home to around 295 students and staffed by about 16 teachers, creating a student–teacher ratio of roughly 18 to 1. Lincoln–McKinley serves a diverse student body, with a large number of families qualifying for Title I services. Approximately 63% of the students identify as White, 23% as Native American, and the rest represent Hispanic/Latinx, African American, Asian, and multiracial backgrounds. This diversity makes the school one of the most inclusive elementary schools in Montana.
Academically, Lincoln–McKinley continues to work toward stronger outcomes. About 42% of students are proficient in math and 37% in reading. While the school ranks #117 among Montana elementary schools, it has received positive marks for its dedicated teachers and its inclusive community environment.
Beyond the classroom, Lincoln–McKinley benefits from strong community support. Through DonorsChoose, teachers have secured funding for books, supplies, and classroom projects, showing how families and supporters come together to invest in students’ success.
In all, Lincoln–McKinley Primary School is more than just a building where children learn—it is a caring community dedicated to guiding young students through a key stage of their education. With a focus on growth, diversity, and support, the school continues to play a vital role in shaping Havre’s next generation of learners.
Highland Park Early Primary School
Highland Park Early Primary School, located at 1207 Washington Avenue in Havre, Montana, is where many of the community’s youngest learners begin their educational journey. Serving preschool, kindergarten, and first grade, the school provides a safe and welcoming environment that helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The school is led by Principal Hayley Criner, a Havre native and graduate of the district who returned home after years of teaching in Lakeside and Missoula. Since taking on the principal role in 2022, she has worked to create an environment where students feel supported both academically and socially. Alongside her, Secretary Jamie Cote helps ensure the day-to-day operations run smoothly.
Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with staggered lunch and recess times to keep the day organized and give children space to recharge. With about 273 students enrolled and a student–teacher ratio of roughly 16 to 1, the school maintains a balance between individualized attention and community learning.
Highland Park is known for its diversity and inclusivity. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, with the largest groups identifying as White and Native American, along with Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and multiracial students. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, making the school a vital part of the district’s Title I program and a cornerstone of educational equity in Havre.
Beyond academics, the school emphasizes respect, responsibility, and positive behavior. Creative tools like a cafeteria “stoplight system” help students learn self-regulation, while activities such as adding leaves to a school-wide tree celebrate good choices. These strategies reflect Highland Park’s focus on both personal growth and academic readiness.
In late 2024, the school strengthened safety measures after a suspicious vehicle was reported near the campus, working closely with local law enforcement and adjusting routines to ensure student well-being. This quick and careful response highlighted the school’s strong commitment to its families and community.
Overall, Highland Park Early Primary School stands out as a caring, community-centered place where children take their first steps into formal education. With dedicated staff, a diverse student body, and a culture of encouragement, the school continues to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning from the very start.
Havre Public School Robins Administration
The Robins Administration Building is the central hub of Havre Public Schools, providing leadership, coordination, and support services for the entire district. Located at 425 Sixth Street in Havre, Montana, the building is home to the teams that guide district operations, ensuring that schools, staff, and students have the resources they need to succeed.
The building is open to the community during the week, with office hours running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the summer, hours extend Monday through Thursday, opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m. A receptionist greets visitors and directs them to the right offices, reflecting the district’s commitment to accessibility and service.
Inside the Robins building, a wide range of district leaders and support staff carry out vital responsibilities. Superintendent Brian Gum oversees the school system, while Assistant Superintendent Holly Bitz leads personnel and staffing. Moses Deanon, the district clerk and business manager, manages finances and operations, and Cheryl Russell directs special education services across all schools. Other staff members focus on academic supports, data systems, payroll, health services, and community programs—each playing an important role in keeping the district running smoothly.
From managing budgets and staffing to supporting student services and community education, the Robins Administration Building is more than just an office space—it is the nerve center of Havre Public Schools. Every decision made here helps shape the experiences of students in classrooms across the district, ensuring that Havre families can count on a school system that is well-organized, responsive, and student-focused.
Havre Middle School
avre Middle School, located at 1441 11th Street West in Havre, Montana, serves as the district’s only middle school and plays a vital role in bridging students’ transition from elementary to high school.
The school educates close to 390 students in grades 6 through 8, with enrollment figures varying slightly year to year. The student body reflects the diversity of the Havre community, with approximately 66% White, 23% Native American, 5% Hispanic, and 5% multiracial students, along with a nearly even balance of male and female students.
Academically, Havre Middle is ranked among Montana’s middle schools and shows steady performance, with about a third of students reaching proficiency in math and nearly 40% meeting reading standards. While there is room for growth, the school continues to emphasize strong teaching practices and student support.
The school maintains a student–teacher ratio of about 15:1, supported by a team of 26 full-time teachers and a dedicated counselor. Leading the school is Principal Curt Leeds, a Havre native with a background in math education and leadership, now in his second year as principal. He is joined by Assistant Principal Heather Haney, a highly regarded former teacher and award-winning educator who supports daily operations.
Havre Middle follows a traditional schedule, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 3:50 p.m. Beyond the classroom, students have access to a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Seasonal sports such as football, cross country, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, track, and golf provide opportunities for physical growth and teamwork. Enrichment programs in band, chorus, art, guitar, Spanish, student council, and National Honor Society ensure students can explore their interests and develop leadership skills.
In summary, Havre Middle School is a community-focused institution that strives to balance academics, personal growth, and extracurricular engagement. With supportive leadership and dedicated staff, the school provides a solid foundation for students during these formative middle school years.
Havre Public Schools Education Foundation
The Havre Public Schools Education Foundation (HPSEF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 with one clear purpose—strengthening education in Havre and Hill County. As a 501(c)(3), the Foundation works closely with the community to raise, manage, and distribute funds that directly benefit both students and staff across the district. At its heart, HPSEF is more than just a fundraising body—it’s a bridge between the schools and the community, fostering pride, connection, and long-term investment in the success of local youth.
HPSEF supports education in meaningful ways that go beyond the classroom:
- Scholarships help graduating seniors take their next step into higher education.
- Teacher and Staff Grants provide funding for innovative projects, classroom resources, and special programs.
- Blue-White Spirit Clubs keep school pride alive by engaging both students and community members.
- Friends of Music lends vital support to music programs, ensuring young musicians have the tools and opportunities to grow.
- Alumni Registry & Events reconnect past graduates through gatherings like the Alumni Basketball Tournament, the New Year’s Eve Celebration, and the Fossil Festival—events that also serve as fundraisers for future students.
The Foundation is built on trust and transparency. In 2022, HPSEF reported more than $170,000 in revenue, with about $117,000 in expenses, leaving strong net assets of over $500,000 and no liabilities. Leadership roles—including the chair, vice-chair, treasurer, and secretary—are filled by community volunteers who dedicate their time without financial compensation, underscoring the Foundation’s mission-driven nature.
Deeply rooted in Havre, the Foundation operates in partnership with the public school system and thrives on the generosity of local residents, alumni, and supporters. Its presence extends into the digital space as well, where nearly a thousand followers stay connected through the Foundation’s active Facebook page. This mix of community involvement and digital outreach ensures HPSEF remains both visible and approachable.
The Havre Public Schools Education Foundation plays a vital role in shaping opportunities for students and teachers alike. By offering scholarships, funding innovative classroom projects, supporting the arts, and keeping alumni engaged, the Foundation helps ensure that every student in Havre has access to a richer, more supportive education. Strong, financially stable, and powered by community spirit, HPSEF continues to be a cornerstone for educational excellence in Hill County.
St. Jude Thaddeus Preschool
St. Jude Thaddeus School, located at 430 7th Avenue in Havre, Montana, is a Catholic institution that serves students from preschool through eighth grade. The school provides a faith-centered learning environment designed to nurture not only intellectual growth, but also the emotional and spiritual development of each child.
Founded in 1916, St. Jude Thaddeus has been a cornerstone of the community for more than a century. Originally sharing space with the church, it has grown into a respected and welcoming school that continues to uphold its Catholic values while meeting the educational needs of modern students.
Currently, the school educates about 153 students across all grade levels, including preschool. With a student–teacher ratio of roughly 14:1 and a dedicated staff of around 11 teachers, St. Jude Thaddeus is able to provide students with personalized attention and a close-knit learning atmosphere.
Ranked among the top 20% of private schools in Montana, St. Jude Thaddeus is recognized for both its quality of education and affordability. Tuition is approximately $3,000 annually, making it an accessible option for many families seeking a strong academic foundation in a Catholic environment.
The culture of the school emphasizes collaboration between parents, teachers, students, and the parish community. By blending faith and knowledge, St. Jude Thaddeus School offers a holistic education that prepares students not only for academic success but also for lives rooted in character and community values.
Davey School District 12
Davey School District 12, better known as Davey Elementary School District, is a small but high-performing rural district located about seven miles southeast of Havre, Montana, on Clear Creek Road. It operates just one school—Davey Elementary—which serves children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in a close-knit learning environment.
Despite its size, Davey stands out academically. The district ranks among the top 20% of Montana’s public schools, with students performing well above state averages in both math and reading. With only about a dozen students enrolled and a single full-time teacher, the school maintains a student–teacher ratio of 12:1, allowing for individualized instruction and strong teacher–student connections.
The student body is small and predominantly White, with a small representation of Black students. Enrollment has remained steady over the years, growing slightly from around 10 students to between 12 and 16 in recent reports. The district also benefits from community support, with initiatives like DonorsChoose helping raise funds for classroom projects. Nearly 80% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, underscoring the district’s role in supporting families as well as educating children.
More than just a school, Davey Elementary is a cornerstone of its rural community. Its combination of strong academic outcomes, dedicated staff, and community-driven resources reflects how even a very small district can provide students with a quality education in a supportive, family-like environment.