24 E Gate Rd
Gardiner, MT 59030

We are on the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The values taught about our area are unique and priceless. They see bison, coyotes, elk, bears, wolves and many other animals right outside their playground. Gardinder is not a rich community, and money would help so much to further teach these children the values of this unique aarea.

There are a few terrific and highly underpaid teachers here and some awful teachers. If your student likes a teacher in the 7th grade--lucky them! They may well have that same teacher for the next 6 years. Might be a drawback if the teacher is not so good or if there is a personality conflict. Choices in classes are minimal, as there are only 8 jr high/high school teachers. The two AP classes offered here are excellent and the school is lucky to have Mrs. Cote devote so much time and effort into teaching them. Unfortunately, there is some instability in the administration--the school is on their fourth principal in five years and second superintendent. Another drawback is that there are few extracurricular options and to participate in sports or speech and drama, students miss a lot of school and spend long hours on bus rides to distant towns to compete. Montana school kids are a hardy group and must be admired for their toughness and endurance.