Montana is a vast state of 147,046 square miles with a population of 902,195 (2000 census). The population density is 6 persons per square mile. 53% of Montanans live in communities with 2,500 or more residents. Ninety-three percent identify themselves as white and six percent as Native American. The geographical aspects of the state play a role in the breadth and positioning of educational facilities in the state.

The educational level of adults in Montana is high. Eighty-one percent have completed high school and twenty percent have college degrees. The fact that Montana's adults have higher levels of education has implications for Montana's students. Higher scores for students on national testing, college readiness tests, or standardized achievement tests are closely related to higher education and income level of the parents.

Eighty-one percent of adults in Montana, aged 25 years and older, completed high school or college. Twenty percent of the population holds a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

Higher levels of education correspond to lower rates of welfare recipiency. In 1996, 25-to 34-year-olds who had dropped out of high school were nearly 3 times more likely as high school completers who had not gone to college to receive income from Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or other public assistance programs.

There are 886 (and 21 special education cooperative) schools in Montana with a total enrollment of 165,000. The shape and character of the state of Montana impact the form and substance of the education that takes place within its borders. Public school education is provided through over 460 school districts in this fourth largest state. The relatively small population is spread sparsely across the state. With only a few large communities, more than two-thirds of the school districts enroll fewer than 200 students. In 1996-97, students attended schools that ranged in size from 1 student to 2,043 students.

Native Americans are Montana's largest minority group, comprising almost ten percent of the total 1996-97 student population. At the elementary level, they represent eleven percent of the student population and at the high school level, nearly eight percent. 242 out of the 886 schools in Montana report no minority population. Approximately one and-one-half percent of student population is Hispanic, nearly one percent is Asian, and half a percent are African American. At each grade level, more boys than girls are enrolled.

Students attend school districts of vastly different sizes. In 1996-97, Montana had 457 operating school districts. 38 percent of public school students are enrolled in the 14 largest districts and one percent are enrolled in the 113 smallest districts. More than two-thirds of the school districts enroll fewer than 200 students. In 1996-7, students attended schools that ranged in size from 1 student to 2,043 students.

Over 92 percent of the school systems provide additional services to students through special education programs and the Title VI federal funds to assist with innovative programs. More than 64 percent of the school systems participate in the National School Lunch program and the federal Title I program to assist disadvantaged children.

The average number of students per teacher is 16.3. This nationally calculated student/teacher ratio for Montana is slightly lower than the national average. Montana's dropout rate is lower than the national average. Once students reach their senior year, 93.6 percent graduate.

Interscholastic activities for high school students include band, chorus, drama, speech, basketball, football, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, and track. Guidance counseling is provided to help individual students develop personal, social, educational, and career-planning skills. Local communities provide various services and youth programs such as youth centers, parks and recreation programs, libraries, youth activities, after-school programs, and youth-friendly businesses.

Nonpublic school enrollment, which included private and home school enrollment, has show a slight increase as a percentage of total school enrollments. In 1994-95, nonpublic school enrollment comprised 6.6 percent of the total K-12 enrollment. By 1996-97, that share had grown to 6.8 percent.

Violence in our nation's schools has all of us concerned. We know that schools have always been considered a "safe haven" for our children and, statistically, it is the safest place a child can be....even safer than home. However, as recent events around the country have shown us, we must remain vigilant and prepared. One thing we all know is that Montana is not insulated from issues that face kids nationwide. Issues like tobacco, alcohol and drug use...and violence.

Prevention is the key, and Montana has excellent prevention activities going on in Montana schools: Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Montana Behavior Initiative, parenting programs, student assistance programs, peer mentoring programs, etc.

Montana Gun-Free Schools statutes require school district trustees to expel, for not less than one year, any student who has brought a firearm to school. The definition of "firearms" does not cover all types of weapons (e.g., knives) and schools have not had to report suspensions or expulsions for other types of weapons.

Montana is proud of its institutions of higher education. With all the sporting events, lectures, galleries, theatre productions, festivals, and celebrations, Montana's colleges and universities not only excel in the educational arena, but also provide exeptional attractions to visitors and residents alike.

In January 1994, the Board of Regents approved a proposal to restructure the Montana University System. Effective July 1, 1994, the system's two universities, four colleges, and five vocational-technical centers were integrated into a two-university system, with all campuses merged under Montana State University and the University of Montana. These campuses are located in Bozeman, Billings, Butte, Western Montana College, Dillon, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, and Missoula. There are three community colleges, Dawson Community College (Glendive), Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell), and Miles Community College (Miles City).

There are seven tribal colleges, Blackfeet Community College, Dull Knife Memorial College (Lame Deer), Fort Peck Community College (Poplar), Fort Belknap College (Harlem ), Little Big Horn College, Salish Kootenai College (Pablo), and Stone Child College (Box Elder).

There are also several private colleges and universities including Carroll College in Helena and Rocky Mountain College in Billings.