COTTONWOOD SCHOOL

Cottonwood School is a public elementary school that is part of the Cottonwood Elem school district, located in Bozeman, MT with about 17 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. With about 2 teachers, Cottonwood School has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Cottonwood School, located at 13233 Cottonwood Road in Bozeman, Montana, is a historic rural K-8 institution that holds a unique place in the Gallatin Valley’s educational landscape. As a traditional one-room schoolhouse—one of the few remaining in the region—it offers an intimate, multi-grade learning environment. The school is known for its close-knit community atmosphere, where the low student-to-teacher ratio allows for highly personalized instruction and a curriculum that emphasizes foundational academic skills while fostering strong relationships between students, families, and staff.

Beyond its academic program, the Cottonwood School is deeply valued for its role in preserving a piece of Montana’s educational heritage. The school operates with a focus on holistic development, often integrating the surrounding natural environment into the daily learning experience. By blending the charm and character of its historic setting with modern educational standards, Cottonwood provides a distinct alternative to the larger, urban school systems in Bozeman, offering a peaceful and focused setting for students to grow during their formative years.

For more information, contact Cottonwood School at (406) 763-4903 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.