Summit Preparatory School is accredited by the State of Montana, Board of Public Education, the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS), and is a Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) candidate school.
The seed for Summit Preparatory School was planted twenty-five years ago at Trinity College in Illinois in conversations between college roommates Rick Johnson and Alexander Habib.
“We always talked about wanting to do something to help kids," said Summit Board Chairman Alexander Habib.
"We started talking about it in college, and over the years just kept the dream alive.” That dream came to fruition in March, 2003 when Summit opened its doors to its first students.
Of the “Special Purpose" schools serving approximately three to five thousand students in Montana, Summit is currently the only school to receive state accreditation.
The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools is one of six similar regional associations in the United States which accredits schools and colleges.
The Northwest region includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 34 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Student Body
Total Students
34 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 18%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Summit Preparatory School is accredited by the State of Montana, Board of Public Education, the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS), and is a Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) candidate school. The seed for Summit Preparatory School was planted twenty-five years ago at Trinity College in Illinois in conversations between college roommates Rick Johnson and Alexander Habib. “We always talked about wanting to do something to help kids," said Summit Board Chairman Alexander Habib. "We started talking about it in college, and over the years just kept the dream alive.” That dream came to fruition in March, 2003 when Summit opened its doors to its first students. Of the “Special Purpose" schools serving approximately three to five thousand students in Montana, Summit is currently the only school to receive state accreditation. The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools is one of six similar regional associations in the United States which accredits schools and colleges. The Northwest region includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Summit Preparatory School often compared to?
Summit Preparatory School is often viewed alongside schools like Montana Academy by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for Summit Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Summit Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Summit Preparatory School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.