Overview
As of 2023, Montana law now supports two different types of charter options for public education: Community Choice Schools and Public Charter School programs. This guide will focus on Public Charter School programs authorized by HB 549.
What to Expect
What is a Public Charter School (PCS) program?
PCS programs in Montana are created and designed to serve the unique needs of a particular student population and to achieve a specific set of educational objectives.
Under Montana’s PCS framework, PCS programs can ONLY be created and governed either by an existing local public school board or, if the local public school board declines to create a proposed PCS program, then by an independent board that must hold a district wide election within the first year of operating.
School boards apply to the Board of Public Education (BPE) for approval of a PCS program. If approved, PCS programs enter into a charter contract with the BPE.
All of the PCS programs currently approved in Montana are governed by existing public school boards.
Are PCS programs like charter schools in other states?
PCS programs are unlike charter schools that parents may be familiar with in most other states, differing in key areas with respect to autonomy, authorizers, flexibility of standards, and accountability. Parents will find Community Choice Schools, Montana’s other public education charter option, to have more similarities to most other state’s charter schools.
Enrollment
PCS programs are technically open to all students living in the state of Montana, but PCS are mandated to give preference to students living in the attending district. If there are more applicants than spots available at a PCS, after the resident students are placed, a lottery will be used to randomly select students coming from out of district.
Standards
PCS programs in Montana are subject to all of Montana’s education laws, administrative rules and regulations unless variances are specifically allowed for within their charter contract with the BPE. Variances to standards may include things like: reduced administrative requirements, reduced instructional hours, varied proof of proficiency, or allowance to alter graduation requirements.
Additionally, state law requires PCS programs to uphold a performance framework agreed to in the charter contract which includes annual performance targets for academic proficiency and achievement, enrollment, attendance, post-secondary readiness, financial performance and operational health of the program. The Performance Frameworks will be used in conjunction with traditional accreditation standards and will be used to decide upon renewal at the end of the charter contract. Click HERE to view the basic performance contract adopted by the BPE.
Facilities
While PCS programs in Montana also have the option to acquire separate school facilities, all PCS programs currently approved in Montana operate within existing public school facilities.
Available Public Charter School Programs
The BPE has approved 19 PCS programs for the 2024-2025 school year. Since the PCS programs currently approved aren’t technically separate schools, PCS programs may not appear in our School Finder tool or other school search options.
Each approved PSC program is listed below, along with a link to any specific PSC program website or guidance on how to apply that we were able to find:
Billings Early College School
Stated Mission: The mission of Billings Early College School (BECS) is to inspire, educate and empower students from diverse backgrounds through transformative educational opportunities to earn both a high school diploma and college credits toward an Associate Degree. Unlike other dual credit programs in the state, the variance requested by BECS is to allow freshman, 14 year olds, to access dual credit courses. The current Montana standard is that only 16 year olds and older can access dual credit courses.
Billings Multilingual Academy
Stated Mission: The mission of the Billings Multilingual Academy (BMA) is to Inspire, Educate and Empower students and families of multicultural backgrounds to support a student’s academic achievement and acculturation into the school communities to achieve their full potential.
Inquiries: Director of Curriculum Chris Olszewski 406-281-5067
Billings Opportunity School
Stated Mission: The Billings Opportunity School (BOS) will provide the community with graduates prepared to take the next steps after graduation.
Boulder Jefferson Academy
Stated Mission: Jefferson Academy’s mission is to provide family-focused behavioral health treatment and the best possible education for at-risk Jefferson County students. NOTE: This program has been granted a deferred start date of Fall 2025.
Bozeman Bridger Charter Academy
Stated Mission: Bridger Charter School has a separate and unique culture and identity, but the program is closely tied to the mission of Bozeman and Gallatin High Schools: to ensure all students learn at high levels so they can contribute to the world community.
Bozeman Charter School
Stated Mission: The BOCS will provide a model of instruction that is flexible and creative to ensure all students are met where they are in their learning and are supported as they advance in their learning.
Program Website not available at this time.
Corvallis Distance Learning Center (Rise Charter/Harmony)
Stated Mission: CDLC’s educational program is built on the understanding that there is an established need for a charter school in our community serving students with online platforms and distance learning options. Parents may mix and match curriculum to create the ideal plan to meet their child’s needs and tailor their child’s learning and activities around their specific needs.
Inquiries: Corvallis School District 406-961-4211
Corvallis Transformational Learning Charter
Stated Mission: The CTLC educational program focuses on career and technical education pathways so each student can choose an interest and a career path that best suits their abilities. Those pathways include Farm to Food, Salute to Service, Medical, Construction and Outdoor Recreation and Ecology. These pathways will be integrated into the school district’s curriculum and available to all district students.
Inquiries: Corvallis School District 406-961-4211
The East Helena 227 Academy
Stated Mission: The mission of The 227 Academy is to provide a personalized education enabling all students to achieve, succeed, and thrive.
Frenchtown Bronc Fast Track Public Charter
Stated Mission: Empowering high school students through early post-secondary credit opportunities, fostering academic excellence and preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
Program Website is not available at this time. You can learn more at the Frenchtown School District website as information becomes available.
Inquiries: Frenchtown District Office District Office 406-626-2600 opt 1
Great Falls Core Elementary School
Stated Mission:The CORE school mission is to create a “learning exchange” that provides education to both K-6 learners, preservice teachers and practicing teachers through immersive apprenticeships, instructional coaching, innovative classroom design, and high quality instruction.
Hamilton Bitterroot Polytech
Stated Mission: Provide individualized, proficiency-based, and career-directed graduation pathways.
Inquiries: Hamilton School District 406-363-2280
Helena Montessori Charter School
Stated Mission: HPSD Montessori Charter School will educate, engage, and empower each student to maximize their individual potential with the knowledge, skills and character essential to being a responsible citizen and life-long learner.
Helena Mount Ascension Learning Academy
Stated Mission: Mt Ascension Learning Academy will be an online and hybrid school option for grades 1-12, providing a transformative and personalized education experience that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Helena Project for Alternative Learning Academy
Stated Mission: The HPSD Project for Alternative Learning Academy’s mission is to include and empower students who struggle socially, emotionally, and academically in a learning environment that is conducive to their unique needs. The school will recognize every student’s individuality and help provide them and the community with educational, personal, and vocation resources.
Kalispell PACE Academy Charter
Stated Mission: Flathead PACE Academy empowers students to explore career fields and post secondary opportunities while flexibly completing core high school requirements. Students graduate high school competent in academic and career-based skills, having experience in one or more career field areas.
Inquiries: Flathead High School 406-751-3500
Kalispell Rising Wolf Charter
Stated Mission: Rising Wolf Charter School’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning by providing a broad, engaging education in a respectful, safe, and supportive environment. Their vision is to offer flexible scheduling for students who want something different than the traditional school schedule, and provide more personalized learning opportunities.
Inquiries: Glacier High School 406-758-8600
Missoula CONNECT Academy
Stated Mission: The mission of Connect Academy is to provide a high quality, personalized online learning experience that empowers students across our state to take ownership of their education so students are prepared for college and career success.
Missoula TEACH Academy
Stated Mission: The TEACH Academy is dedicated to empowering Future Educators and Nurturing Creative Minds. This academy will seek to bridge the worlds of an arts integrated elementary school with an innovative approach to attracting pre-service teachers. The TEACH Academy is committed to: Teaching Excellence in the Arts and Creative Harmony.
More Resources
Learn more about PCS programs at the Board of Public Education website and Office of Public Instruction.
