5308 3rd Ave S
Great Falls, MT 59405

The school got its rating up from being very bad a few years back by teaching to test. Their academics are not great or challenging. Advanced students are completely neglected while less advanced students are the main focus to prevent them from dropping the school's test scores. About half the day is devoted to just focusing on materials that will make the school look good when test scores come in. Not a good school if you want your child to learn more outside of tests or if you have a child that you want to experience intellectual challenges. Meadowlark and Sacajawea are much better schools for advanced children, because they prioritize them and go out of their way to accommodate their needs. Meadowlark is very competitive, and Sacajawea is more laid back and friendly. The staff at Sacajawea are incredibly friendly and kind, they genuinely care about the children and actually connect with them personally. The teachers at Chief Joe seem to be disconnected from bonding with students or pausing to understand who they are and how they could benefit as individuals. That being said, it's a safe environment. Children with special needs or who are struggling are the main focus if your child has those needs. It much better than a number of other schools in town with negative environments and openly hostile staff.

Hands down the best middle school experience.

Moved in recently. Treated professionally by staff. Student is challenged with academics appropriate to their learning and has integrated well into sports and activities.