LODGE POLE SCHOOL

Lodge Pole School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Hays-Lodge Pole K-12 Schls school district, located in Hays, MT with about 109 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 9 teachers, Lodge Pole School has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. 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.

Lodge Pole School, located in Hays, Montana, serves as a vital educational hub for the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. As a K-12 institution, it plays a central role in the community by providing academic instruction while integrating the cultural heritage and traditions of the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) and Assiniboine (Nakoda) tribes. The school functions not only as a place of learning but also as a social focal point for the surrounding rural area, striving to support students through a curriculum that balances state educational standards with the unique linguistic and historical identity of the local Indigenous population.

Because of its remote location in North Central Montana, the school is often characterized by its tight-knit environment and its dedication to overcoming the logistical challenges typical of rural reservation education. The staff works to provide a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes student engagement, community involvement, and the pursuit of long-term academic and personal goals. By fostering a connection between classroom lessons and tribal identity, Lodge Pole School aims to empower its students to become successful contributors to both their local community and the broader world.

For more information, contact Lodge Pole School at (406) 673-3120 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.