The 2026-27 school year starts next week for many schools in the valley.

The following is back-to-school information for Flathead County schools.

Bigfork School District

Maintenance projects completed over the summer: New lighting and flooring throughout the district and the installation of new stairs by the bus loading zone. 

For more information, visit bigforkschools.org or call 406-837-7420. 

— Bigfork Elementary and Middle School 

First day: Aug. 31 for first through eighth grade. Kindergartners will be placed on a rotating schedule for the first two weeks. 

Projected enrollment: 333 elementary students and 341 middle school students. 

New Staff: The elementary and middle school welcome teachers Earl Bach, fourth grade; Emily Bonner, third grade; Chase Breitbach, middle school band and middle and high school choir; Anders Epperly, second grade; Hannah Holderbaum, middle school English; Kristin Lavelle, middle school math; Whitney Lockman, first grade and Samantha Modderman, middle school science. 

Maintenance projects completed over the summer: New playground equipment. 

Open house: New students are invited to visit the school from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 31. Bigfork Elementary and Middle School is located at 600 Commerce St., Bigfork. 

For more information call 406-837-7407. 

— Bigfork High School 

First day: Freshmen and new high school students start Aug. 31. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start Sept. 1. 

Projected enrollment: 341 

New Staff: Bigfork High School welcomes science teachers Collin Buck and Mary Heinert. 

Open house: A freshman parent orientation will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31.

Cayuse Prairie School 

First day: Aug. 24 for first through eighth grade. Lil' Mustangs and kindergartners start Aug. 25.  

Projected enrollment: 330 

New Staff: Superintendent and Principal Christy Bortz joins Cayuse Prairie from her prior position as an instructional coach at Hedges Elementary School in Kalispell. Bortz holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in educational leadership. 

"I know that strong schools start with strong teachers. My job is to support them so they can do their best work for kids," Bortz said. "Our theme this year is Strong Roots, Strong Growth, and I can't think of a better way to describe what we're working toward." 

Paxton Doty joins the staff as the new assistant principal. Doty previously served as a fifth-grade teacher at Hedges Elementary School in Kalispell. Doty holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in educational leadership. 

Cayuse Prairie also welcomes teachers Lynette Capacio, sixth grade English language arts and social studies; Stacy Hughes, seventh and eighth grade science and social studies; Lucy Megerth eighth grade English language arts, social studies and literature and Shyla Russell, special education. Also joining the staff are special education paraprofessionals Nikkole Beougher and Sarah Sheldon; horticulture director Brad Hooley and assistant business manager and front office assistant Melissa Hooley. 

Open house: 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the school, 897 Lake Blaine Road, Kalispell. 

For more information visit cayuseprairie.com or call 406-756-4560.

Columbia Falls School District 

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate. 

After-school program: The district partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country, 540 Fourth Ave. W. in Columbia Falls, to provide after-school programs for K-12 students. Transportation to the elementary program is provided at Glacier Gateway and Ruder elementary schools. The club opens after school and closes at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays during the school year. There is a one-time yearly application fee of $20 per family and monthly fees are based on a sliding scale. Scholarships are available. For more information call 406- 892-2697.

— Glacier Gateway Elementary School 

First day: Aug. 26 for first through fifth grade. Kindergartners start Aug. 27 on an A-B schedule. Pre-K students' first day is Sept. 8. 

Projected enrollment: 500 pre-K through fifth graders. 

New Staff: Glacier Gateway welcomes paraprofessionals Addisyn Bucher, Kala Gilley, Mihkalie Muir, Amanda Wood and librarian McKenna Rensel. 

New programs: Glacier Gateway is launching a fifth-grade leadership team to promote engagement in school-made decisions.   

Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 329 Fourth Ave W., Columbia Falls. 

For more information visit glaciergateway.org or call 892-6540. 

— Ruder Elementary School 

First day: Aug. 26 for first through fifth grade with an orientation day planned for kindergartners. Kindergartners start school Aug. 27 on an A-B schedule. 

Projected enrollment: 445 

New Staff: Ruder welcomes special education teachers Terri Eckel, Trisha Kenney and Shelby Petero; speech-language pathologist Beverly Hayes, special education paraprofessional Amy Hughes and music teacher Ashley Myett. 

Major maintenance projects completed: New flooring installed in a section of Ruder. 

Open house: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 1500 12th Ave. W., Columbia Falls. 

For more information visit ruderelementary.org or call 406-892-6570. 

— Columbia Falls Jr. High 

First day: Aug. 26

Projected enrollment: 510

New Staff: Columbia Falls Jr. High welcomes new teachers Jennifer Greenberg, English language arts; Annalee Miner, science; Crystal Sundberg, special education and Brady Wassam, shop. Special education paraprofessionals Manuela Carter and Rhonda Thornberry also join the staff.

New curriculum: Into Literature curriculum is being added to sixth-grade English language arts.

Major maintenance projects: A new reader board has been installed.

Open house: Sixth graders are invited to visit the school, 1805 Talbot Road, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and seventh and eighth graders from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Aug. 24.

For more information visit cfjuniorhigh.org or call 406-892-6530. 

— Columbia Falls High School 

First day: Aug. 26

Projected enrollment: 650

New Staff: The high school welcomes new teachers Stephanie Bakker, math; Caleb Baumann, math; Adam Blevins, business; Brandi Bohn, speech; James Briggs, English; Stacey Caron, speech; Molly Frissell, speech; Sage Wanner, science; Lindsay Wendt, science. Also joining the staff is counselor Lisa Raunig, nurse aid Courtney Stuhler.

Madison Barth has been promoted to the activities director position and Jenni O’Brien will serve as a full-time paraprofessional.

New programs: An alternative online schooling option is available called the Wildcat Independent Academy.

Open house: A freshman and new student orientation will be held from 6 to 7:40 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 610 13th St. W., Columbia Falls. Students will be able to pick up their schedules, purchase P.E. uniforms and meet teachers.

For more information visit cfhighschool.org or call 406-892-6500.

Creston School 

First day: Aug. 26.

New programs: Creston has expanded to include seventh and eighth grade under a provisional license for the 2026-27 school year. The middle school will be implementing Project Lead the Way curriculum (which is also offered at Glacier and Flathead high schools in Kalispell) in addition to electives that cover subject matter including Spanish, leadership and community service, career and technical education, journalism and music.

Open house: 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24. Students can drop off supplies, meet teachers and tour the school located at 4495 Montana 35, Kalispell.

For more information visit crestonschool.com or call 406-755-2859.

Deer Park School 

First day: Aug. 25 for first through eighth grade with a 12:30 p.m. dismissal. Kindergarten starts Aug. 31 and will attend half days for the first week.

Projected enrollment: 160

Major maintenance projects: Deer Park will begin removing old playground equipment Aug. 22 with new equipment slated to be installed in October.

Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 2105 Middle Road, Columbia Falls.

For more information visit deerpark.k12.mt.us or call 406-892-5388.

Evergreen School District 

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.   

A student experience day will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 25. A one-stop shop for services will be available to all students districtwide at East Evergreen Elementary, 585 E. Evergreen Dr. In Evergreen. Services offered include haircuts, school supplies, sports physicals, immunizations, food pantry items and other resources from the Heart Locker program and the district's Adult Education program. Families may also register for the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country. Students will also be able to tour their respective schools and meet teachers. 

After-school program: The district partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country to provide after-school programs for K-12 students. Transportation is provided to the AIM Center, 315 E. Evergreen Dr., from East Evergreen Elementary and Evergreen Jr. High. The program opens after school and closes at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays during the school year. There is a one-time yearly application fee of $20 per family and monthly fees are based on a sliding scale. Scholarships are available. For more information call 406-471-0827.   

New staff: The district welcomes part-time Operating Engineer Paul Amundson, Operations and Facilities Director Shawn Griffin, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Business Nicole Parker, Head Operating Engineer Dianne Parks and secretary Jody Lee 

Maintenance projects completed: Sewer lines and fencing were replaced at the Administration Building. 

For more information visit evergreensd50.com. 

—  East Evergreen Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26 for kindergarten through eighth grade. Preschool and early literacy students start Aug. 27.  

Projected enrollment: 329 

New Staff: East Evergreen Elementary welcomes teachers Heather Hill, preschool special education; Sophia Moreno, fourth grade; Sydney Rey, K-4 P.E.; Greta Sand, kindergarten; paraprofessional Gracie Farrell, counselor Abby Strods and building secretary Autumn Morse. 

New curriculum: The school continues to implement a Montana Reads grant program. 

Maintenance projects completed: Part of the roof was replaced and sewer lines were repaired.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the school, 585 E. Evergreen Dr.

For more information call 406-751-1121. 

—  Evergreen Jr. High 

First day: Aug. 26

Projected enrollment: 281

New Staff: The junior high welcomes fifth- and sixth-grade Literacy Interventionist and Instructional Coach Megan Brosman, counselor Kayla Ingraham, fifth- and sixth-grade special education teacher Elise Pate and fifth- and sixth-grade teacher Kris Rohrman.

New curriculum: The school continues to implement a Montana Reads grant program.

Maintenance projects completed: The gym floor was resurfaced and the school hallways were painted.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the school, 20 W. Evergreen Dr.

For more information call 406-751-1131. 

—  Crossroads Program 

Projected enrollment: 38

New staff: Crossroads welcomes Alexandra Baysinger, K-2 special education.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the school, 8 W. Evergreen Dr. in Evergreen.

For more information call 406-751-1141. 

Fair-Mont-Egan School

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 140 pre-K through eighth graders.

New Staff: Fair-Mont-Egan welcomes P.E. and second grade core teacher Catherine O’Brien and special education teacher Megan Wheeler.

Before- and after-school program: The Bruins’ Den meets after school through 5:15 p.m. A $50 registration fee is due by Oct. 1 to participate.

Open house: 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 20, with a PTF social hour scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. at the school, 797 Fairmont Road, Kalispell. 

For more information visit fmemontana.net or call 406-755-7072.

Helena Flats School 

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.

First day: First through eighth graders start school Aug. 26. Pre-K and kindergarten students start school on Sept. 8. This age group will be meeting individually with teachers before the first day of school.

Projected enrollment: 317

New Staff: Principal Lauren Smith joins Helena Flats School from her previous position as a Glacier High School counselor and brings seven years of experience as the former principal of St. Matthew's School. Helena Flats also welcomes teachers Chloe Hanley-Decker, fifth grade and Amanda Peterson, pre-K.

New curriculum: The school is reviewing science and writing curriculum to pilot this year. 

Maintenance projects completed: A partial kitchen upgrade and major septic overhaul.

For more information visit helenaflats.org or call 406-257-2301. 

Kalispell Public Schools 

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.

After-school program: Kalispell Parks and Recreation operates its Kalispell Kids after-school program for grades K-5 during the school year. The program, which is housed at Elrod Elementary, meets from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. on regular school days and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on early release days. The cost is $15 per regular school day and $27 on early release days. An optional bussing service from the district's six elementary schools is available for a $119 fee for the school year. To register, call 406-758-7718 or visit kalispell.com/744/After-School-Program. 

New programs: The Launch Program is a transitional program for students with disabilities up to age 22 who have not yet earned a regular high school diploma but continue to need special education services. 

Under a 2025 district court order in A.H., A.K., and Disability Rights Montana v. Susie Hedalen and Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montana school districts and special education cooperatives must make a free appropriate public education available to eligible students with disabilities until their 22nd birthday or the student earns a regular high school diploma, ending a past practice of schools exiting students at 18 or 19.

—  Edgerton Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26

Projected enrollment: 520

New Staff: Edgerton welcomes teachers Lisa Bell, fifth grade; Corbin Jaques, first grade; Richard Peters, resource; and custodian Lance White. 

Open house: Students may drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the school, 1400 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. An open house will be held Sept. 22. Pre-K, kindergartners and first graders are invited to visit the school at 5 p.m.; second graders at 5:30 p.m. and fourth and fifth graders at 6 p.m. 

For more information visit edgerton.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-4040.

—  Elrod Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26 

Projected enrollment: 230 

New Staff: Elrod Elementary welcomes new staff members Shannon Butler, special education teacher in the ASPIRE program; Natalie Cusker, music and art teacher; Cassidy Hanson, food services; Miriam Mauritzen, fifth grade teacher and Liz Pacella Parker, behavioral specialist for the ASPIRE program. 

Open house: Drop off supplies and meet the staff from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 412 Third Ave. W., Kalispell. 

For more information visit elrod.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-3700. 

—  Hedges Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26. Kindergartners will be on an alternating A-B schedule. 

Projected enrollment: 275 

New Staff: Hedges welcomes school psychologist Zoe Davis, Library Media Specialist Rebecca Dunkelberger, fourth-grade teacher Emma Jaques, second-grade teacher Meach Michaels and Life Skills paraprofessional Patti Stiers. 

Maintenance projects completed: Boiler and heating system replacement and a new coat of paint inside the school. 

Open house: Drop off supplies and meet teachers from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 827 Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell. 

For more information visit hedges.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-4090. 

—  Peterson Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26 

Projected enrollment: 370 pre-K through fifth graders 

New Staff: Peterson welcomes resource room teacher Amanda Spencer and food service employee Hannah Lineberry. 

New clubs: Peterson kicks off its Student Leadership Club this year. 

Open house: Students can drop off school supplies and meet their teacher from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 1119 Second St., Kalispell. 

For more information visit peterson.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-3737

—  Rankin Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26 

Projected enrollment: 425 

New Staff: Fourth-grade teacher Amanda Stamm joins the staff at Rankin.

Open house: Students can drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at the school, 2155 Airport Road, Kalispell.

For more information visit rankin.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-300-0600.

—  Russell Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26. Kindergarten will follow an A-B schedule. 

Projected enrollment: 206

New Staff: Principal Marti Paugh joins Russell from her previous position as assistant principal at Kalispell Middle School for two years. Before that she served as an assistant principal and instructional coach at Edgerton Elementary for two years. Paugh holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a master's in educational leadership. 

Russell also welcomes art and music teacher Natalie Cusker, who will also teach these subjects at Elrod Elementary, and special education teacher Maya Garcia.

Open house: Drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 at the school, 227 W. Nevada St., Kalispell.

For more information visit russell.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-3900. 

—  Kalispell Middle School 

First day: Aug. 26 for sixth grade. Seventh and eighth graders start Aug. 27. 

Projected enrollment: 1,037 

New Staff: Assistant Principal and Activities Director Brittany Burnham joins the middle school from her last position as a special education teacher at Flathead High School.  

The middle school also welcomes teachers Abigail Carlson, eighth grade special education; Katie Donatelli, health enhancement; Andrew Maendle, seventh grade science; Kyson Wagner, sixth grade social studies and Jokonda Wunderlich, seventh grade English language arts, in addition to office manager Catherine Rowley. 

Open house: Students can pick up their schedules, tour the school and drop off supplies in their lockers. Sixth graders can stop in from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20. Seventh and eighth graders may visit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21. An open house will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Kalispell Middle School is located at 205 Northwest Lane, Kalispell.

For more information visit kms.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-3800.

— Flathead High School 

First day: Aug. 26 for freshmen. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start school Aug. 27. 

Projected enrollment: 1,450  

New Staff: Flathead High School welcomes new teachers Collin Kazmier, Student Built Homes house construction program; Carrie O'Reilly, adult special education; Jeanette Price, English; Blake Thompson, automotive program and Remington Wood, English. Former math and Spanish teacher Beth Janney changes roles as the new high school instructional coach.

New curriculum or programs: New concurrent enrollment opportunities are available to students in multiple subjects. 

After-school programs: After-school tutoring is available to students on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tutoring will be available after school until 4:45 p.m. The tutoring program is sponsored by the Kalispell Education Foundation.

Maintenance projects completed: Roofing repairs to the shop building.

Open house: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2. A free dinner will be served from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Students and families will be able to learn about available clubs and activities and meet teachers.

—  PACE Academy Charter School 

First day: Aug. 27

Projected enrollment: 220  

New Staff: Matt Truelove starts in the newly created charter lead position. Truelove, who joins the staff from Oklahoma, will coordinate and facilitate the continued growth and implementation of the charter school, which operates within Flathead High School.  Lisa Mey, joins PACE Academy as the charter student services coordinator. May will assist with systems of support, state reporting and marketing the charter school.    

New classes: Accounting 1, 2 and 3. 

Open house: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2 with a special session for PACE families starting at 5:30 p.m. at the high school, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell.

For more information visit flathead.sd5.k12.mt.us/pace-academy or call 406-751-3500.

— Glacier High School 

First day: Aug. 26 for freshmen. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start Aug. 27.

Projected enrollment: 1,450

New Staff: Glacier welcomes new teachers Alison Ackley, music; Samantha Barker, health and P.E.; Jake Brosman, math; Sarah Brown, family, consumer science; Nadyne Burra, special education; Tannar Cummings, science; Shannon Griffin, family, consumer science; Jake Hall, math; Collin Kazmier, Student Built Homes house construction program; Josh Lancaster, art.

Also joining the Glacier staff are Lorien Cortez, guidance counselor; Kirstyn Cummings, instructional coach; Melissa Love, special education paraprofessional and Robert Riddle, custodial building lead. Dana Hashley joins Rising Wolf Charter, which is housed within Glacier, as the charter lead. 

New classes: Several dual-enrollment courses with Flathead Valley Community College have been added: Intro to Literature, College Writing, College Algebra, Contemporary Math, Introduction to General Chemistry. Other new classes include Advanced Placement Business and Personal Finance.  

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at the school, 375 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell.  

For more information visit glacier.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-758-8600.

— Linderman Education Center 

First day: Linderman will have a staggered start with individual orientation appointments scheduled Aug. 26, 27 and 28. Students start attending assigned schedules Aug 31.

Projected enrollment: 150

New staff: Linderman welcomes special education teachers Ally Butts (ASPIRE program) and Carla Martin.

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the center, 124 Third Ave. E., Kalispell.

For more information visit linderman.sd5.k12.mt.us or call 406-751-3990. 

Kila School 

First day: Sept. 1

Projected enrollment: 180

New activities: A schoolwide play and production returns this school year.

After-school program: The program meets from 3:20 to 5:45 p.m. on weekdays during the school year. Cost is $6 per day.

Maintenance projects completed: A secure entrance and new doors were installed. Security window film was put in classrooms and common areas. Concrete was resurfaced. Repairs to the asphalt sealing/striping and flat roof were also completed. 

Open house: A Back-to-School Bash is scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Kila School, 395 Kila Road, Kila.

For more information visit kilaschool.com or call 406-257-2428. 

Marion School 

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.

First day: Aug. 27. The first day of school kicks off with a free pancake breakfast for students, families and staff from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

Projected enrollment: 145

New Staff: Becky Schrade moves into the principal position after serving three years as the vice principal, with a total of 25 years at Marion School. Schrade holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialist minor from Montana State University — Northern and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. 

“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, students, families and community as we continue to provide an exceptional education while creating opportunities for every student to thrive,” Schrade said.

Marion School also welcomes new teachers Chris Sampley, fourth grade; Deborah Shinn, music and library; Cherie Stobie, fourth grade and special education paraprofessionals Laura Cox, Brittany Steinke and Franchesca Unger.

New programs and initiatives: Expand the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports; continue to implement SIPPS foundational reading instruction in the primary grades; data-driven instruction using DIBELS and MAP assessments; Panther Path, a schoolwide positive behavior and character recognition program; High Achiever honor roll cards recognizing students for outstanding academic achievement and growth.

Maintenance projects completed: Created a music space in the library, which received a fresh coat of paint; new murals painted by local artists; sections of flooring were replaced and parking lot improvements were made.

Open house and family math night: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the school, 205 Gopher Lane, Marion. Families can meet teachers, visit classrooms and do math activities. Food trucks will be on-site.

For more information visit sites.google.com/a/marionschoolmt.com/new-marion-school/home or call 406-854-2690.

Olney-Bissell School  

First day: Aug. 25

Projected enrollment: 90

Maintenance projects: The kitchen was upgraded and the gym received a fresh coat of paint.

Open house: 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 at the school, 5955 Farm to Market Road, Whitefish.

For more information visit olneybissellschool.com or call 406-862-2828.

Smith Valley School  

Free meals are offered to all students districtwide under the Community Eligibility Provision Act. No registration or proof of income is required to participate.

First day: Wednesday, August 26th; Kindergarten begins Monday, August 31st.

Projected enrollment: 170

New Staff: Smith Valley welcomes Office Manager and district secretary Kaylie Aldrich, special education teacher Beverly Crane and Head of Maintenance and custodian Cody Samuelson.

Before- and after-school programs: The before-school program meets from 7:30 to 8 a.m. The cost to attend is $3 per child. The after-school program meets from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $12 per child.

Maintenance projects completed: The gym roof was replaced. Flooring was stripped and resealed. New playground swings were installed. Front concrete was also replaced.

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the school, 2901 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell.

For more information visit smithvalleyschool.org or call 406-756-4535.

Somers-Lakeside School District 

— Lakeside Elementary 

First day: Sept. 8 

Projected enrollment: 260 

New Staff: Lakeside Elementary welcomes fourth-grade teachers Valerie De La Torre and Hannah Sempf; paraeducators Barb Ewing, Heather Forbes and Charles Maxwell and Office Manager Brandi Walker. 

New curriculum: The elementary is implementing digital programs Lalilo and Freckle to supplement core curriculum instruction. Lalilo builds foundational reading skills for grades K–2, while Freckle provides adaptive math and reading practice tailored to each child's level. Used during small group instruction, these tools supplement our core curriculum to target skill gaps and accelerate academic growth, according to administrators.

Maintenance projects completed: The gym was repainted and refurbished.

Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at the school, 225 Adams St., Lakeside.

For more information visit somersdist29.org or call 406-844-2208.

— Somers Middle School 

First day: Sept. 8

Projected enrollment: 260

New Staff: Principal Julia Maxwell joins Somers Middle School from her previous principal and superintendent position at Marion School.

“As we begin this school year, my goal is to build a school where every student feels known, valued, and challenged to grow every day. I believe the best schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to doing what's best for kids. I'm excited to learn alongside this incredible staff and community as we continue building on the great work already happening at Somers Middle School," Maxwell said.

The middle school also welcomes teachers Samantha Aklestad, seventh and eighth grade Title I; Kara Basko, art; Mary Maloncon, eighth grade math; Erin Shea, seventh grade math and paraeducator Cassidy Speck.

Open house: 3:30 to 5:30 Sept. 3 at the school, 315 School Addition Road, Somers.

For more information visit somersdist29.org or call 406-857-3661.

Stillwater Christian School 

First day: Sept. 2

Projected enrollment: 409

New Staff: Stillwater welcomes teachers Celina Allen, upper school math and science; Claire Cole, third grade; Alexis Cooley, preschool; Cathy Haven, second grade; Katarina House, first grade; Courtney Salmon, fifth grade and Garrett Speck, sixth grade math and science. Also joining the staff is Megan Clark, director of communication; Laura Kates, food services; Chanelle Marchineck, instructional aide and Scott Turpin janitorial services. 

New curriculum and programs: Adoption of BJU Press math curriculum (grades K-12), Summit Ministries Apologetics curriculum and a new fourth, fifth and sixth grade typing curriculum. Sixth graders will take a new Executive Function course. High school seniors will take a capstone service trip. The school, which set up a new computer lab, will be implementing purposeful Artificial Intelligence training and tool adoption and set up a new computer lab. The preschool through 12th-grade private school will also launch a Safe Harbor program and has joined the Northwest Association of Christian Schools consortium for athletics. Stillwater also recently launched the SCS Foundation.

Before- and after-school program: Students may attend CougsKids from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and from 3:15 to 5:45 p.m. 

Construction projects completed: Construction of two new music practice rooms in the upper school. Expansion of the upper school art classroom. Construction of a new Early Learning Center, which will house three preschool classrooms, two kindergarten classrooms, a music classroom and gym.

Open house: An open house will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1, with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the Early Learning Center scheduled from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Students can drop off school supplies and meet teachers. Sixth and seventh graders will receive locker assignments. Eleventh and 12th graders will be able to choose their locker assignments. Food trucks will be on-site.

For more information visit stillwaterchristianschool.org or call 406-752-4400.

St. Matthew's Catholic School 

First day: Aug. 31 for pre-K through eighth grade. Part-time pre-K students start Sept. 8.

Projected enrollment: 230

New Staff: St. Matthew's welcomes part-time administrator and teacher Sue Harris. Also joining the staff is Alisha Conners, registrar and operations coordinator; Jason Opperman, head of maintenance; Ryan Ovik, middle school math and sixth grade English language arts teacher and McKenzie Rivas, fourth and fifth grade math and science teacher.

New curriculum: Savvas Science (grades third, fourth and fifth) and Salvation History (grades K-8). 

Before- and after-school program: The before-school program starts at 7:30 p.m. at no cost to students. The after-school program runs from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per day or $175 per month.

Maintenance projects completed: Campus beautification on Main Street and the Prayer Garden.

Open houses: An ice cream social is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Students can drop off supplies and meet teachers. An open house is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8. The school is located at 602 South Main St., Kalispell. 

For more information visit stmattsaints.org or call 406-752-6303. 

Swan River School 

First day: Aug. 31

Projected enrollment: 130 to 140

New Staff: Swan River School welcomes teachers Ryan Hillebrand, eighth grade/middle school science; Claire Stam, special education and Shayenn Weimer, music and library. 

The school is looking to fill two paraprofessional positions.

Open house: A back-to-school barbecue is planned Aug. 26 at the school, 1205 Swan Highway, Bigfork.

For more information visit sites.google.com/swanriverschoolk-8.org/swanriver/home or call 406-837-4528. 

West Glacier School 

First day: Sept. 1.

New Staff: West Glacier welcomes teachers Amy Clever, third grade; Shawn Fagnant, fifth and sixth grade; Faith Hardee, fourth grade and Ashley Yeats, Spanish.

After-school program: The Cub Camp operates Mondays through Thursdays after school until 5 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 per day. West Glacier is located at 160 Old River Bridge Road.

For more information visit westglacierelementary.org or call 406-888-5312.

West Valley School  

First day: Sept. 3

Projected enrollment: 794

New Staff: West Valley School welcomes librarian Alexis Koehn and paraprofessionals Karrie Levanen, Jessica Petersen and Sydney Schroeder. 

New curriculum: West Valley is expanding middle school electives.  The Career Exploration course will introduce eighth graders to a variety of career pathways through guest speakers and partnerships with local community members. Students taking Construction Fundamentals will learn how to build a foundation, a storage shed and raised garden beds for a new greenhouse at the school. Once completed, the greenhouse will become a hub for electives focused on business planning, horticulture and hydroponics, while also serving as a space for community education classes.

Major maintenance projects: Three heating units were replaced. The roof over the main gym was also replaced.

Open house: First through fourth graders are invited to visit the school from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 2, and grades fifth through eighth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Sept. 8, kindergartners are welcome to visit during the hours of 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. West Valley is located at 2290 Farm to Market Road, Kalispell.

For more information visit westvalleyschool.com or call 406-755-7239

Whitefish School District 

— Muldown Elementary 

First day: Aug. 26 for first through fourth grade. Kindergartners whose last names start with "A" through "M" start school Aug. 27. Kindergartners whose last names start with "N" through "Z" start Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 630

New Staff: Principal Jennifer Santora joins Muldown from a previous assistant principal position in Manatee County, Florida.

"As principal for the 2026–2027 school year, I am truly honored to serve our community and thrilled to begin a year filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections and unforgettable learning experiences for every student," Santora said.

Also joining the staff are: Pamela Cremer, Alexis Deden, Kelsey Degerman. Wendy Farler, Tori Glanzer, Barbara Hegewald, Vo Hubble, Tonya Jefferson, Lynette Lee, Katelynn Little, Deanna Mackin, Rachel Meyer, Darlene Nunn, Kimberly Palmerton, Michael Shea and Mary Wilson. 

New curriculum: iReady Math and Character Strong. 

Open houses: First through fourth graders are invited to tour the school, 1118 E. Seventh St., on Aug. 25. School tours will start at 4 p.m. Students whose last names start with "A" through "M" will tour the school from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Students whose last names start with "N" through "Z" will tour the school from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. A kindergarten open house is scheduled Aug. 26. Kindergarten students may drop off supplies and meet teachers from 9 to 11 a.m. or from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information visit muldown.wsd44.org or call 406-862-8620.  

— Whitefish Middle School 

First day: Aug. 26 

Projected enrollment: 576

New Staff: Gabe Buzzell will serve as interim assistant principal. The middle school also welcomes fifth grade teachers Nicole Fairclough, Jessica Qunell and Nikki Smith and sixth grade teacher Demi Sullivan. Also joining the staff is Vivian Allen, paraeducator; Janet Bridges, food services and Kellie Snipes, school nurse.

Major maintenance projects: New carpeting installed in classrooms scheduled for replacement on a yearly rotation.

Open house: A fifth-grade orientation and open house will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 127 Spokane Ave. in Whitefish, moving on to middle school classrooms. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders who are new to Whitefish School District are welcome to tour the middle school, 600 Second St., at 6:30 p.m.

For more information visit wms.whitefishschools.org or call 406-862-8650.

— Whitefish High School 

First day: Aug. 27. Freshmen will attend an orientation and get ID photos taken from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. Seniors may get ID photos taken from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., juniors from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and sophomores from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All grades will attend classes from 12:30 to 3:27 p.m. 

Projected enrollment: 685 

New Staff: Whitefish High School welcomes teachers John Cox, science; Connor Silliker, English; Stevie Silliker, health enhancement; Elise Van Valkenburg, Life Skills and Mary Webb, science. Also joining the staff are paraeducators Melissa Menton, Dawn Olin and Kelsy Slotsve; speech-language pathologist Hannah Fant and school secretary Samantha Milner.

New classes: Advanced Placement Physics, Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture and Video Game Design with UNITY.

After-school programs: Students can get free math tutoring at the B-Day Café, which meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Open house: 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at the school, 1143 Fourth St., Whitefish.

For more information visit whs.whitefishschools.org or call 406-862-8600.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.