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Big Sky Schoolhouse Survey

Montana’s rural schoolhouses are among the largest undocumented heritage resources in the nation and are disappearing at an alarming rate. To help solve this problem, Preserve Montana launched one of the most comprehensive projects in our organization’s history in 2015, and completed it in 2023.

This project is funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana’s cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.

Schoolhouses Inventoried

Project Goals

By addressing the gap in our knowledge, we want to achieve the following goals with the help of Montanans from across the state.

  • Document every standing one- and two-room school.
  • Protect & preserve as many properties as possible.
  • Maintain records of all leveled schoolhouses.
  • Provide scholarly access to our comprehensive database.
  • Expand public awareness & support for preservation.
  • Supply reports, photos, and historical research to local museums & historical groups.

Final Report

  • 812 Schoolhouses Documented
  • 147,000 Square Miles Surveyed
  • 56 County Surveys Complete
  • 3,000+ Hours of Volunteer Work
  • 50+ Volunteers Engaged

Get Involved

Although the inventory project is complete, we still need passionate Montanans to complete the next phase —research. To learn more about how to get involved, share your research, or let us know that you think we missed a school, please contact us by clicking the button below.

Contact PMT
While not all schoolhouses serve in their original educational capacity, many have been restored as classrooms. Some provide space for outdoor education, FFA classes, and resident art studios.
While not all schoolhouses serve in their original educational capacity, many have been restored as classrooms. Some provide space for outdoor education, FFA classes, and resident art studios.
Though she is in rough shape, the Cottonwood School of Hill County stands as a testament to the beauty of history.
Though she is in rough shape, the Cottonwood School of Hill County stands as a testament to the beauty of history.
Windows and doors are often the first thing to be replaced on an old building. While this can help protect the structure it seriously damages the historic integrity of a school. If possible, always save the pieces you remove.
Windows and doors are often the first thing to be replaced on an old building. While this can help protect the structure it seriously damages the historic integrity of a school. If possible, always save the pieces you remove.
A brilliant example of the variety that can be found in schoolhouse features. This two-room school in Fergus County boasts an unusual bell tower and blue siding.
A brilliant example of the variety that can be found in schoolhouse features. This two-room school in Fergus County boasts an unusual bell tower and blue siding.
In this one photo, hand-hewn logs, stone, and stucco are all visible. For one reason or another, much effort has gone into saving this schoolhouse.
In this one photo, hand-hewn logs, stone, and stucco are all visible. For one reason or another, much effort has gone into saving this schoolhouse.
This project has been successful because of the support of our amazing volunteers. In the lower lefthand corner Jim Greene can be seen beaming as he records the famous Savoy School.
This project has been successful because of the support of our amazing volunteers. In the lower lefthand corner Jim Greene can be seen beaming as he records the famous Savoy School.
At last count, Montana had one of the highest counts of functioning one- and two-room schoolhouses in the nation. This speaks highly to Montanan's pride in our heritage.
At last count, Montana had one of the highest counts of functioning one- and two-room schoolhouses in the nation. This speaks highly to Montanan's pride in our heritage.
Teacherages, outhouses, and barns all say a great deal about how a school functioned.
Teacherages, outhouses, and barns all say a great deal about how a school functioned.
Red and white are two of the most common colors for schoolhouses. This one is Cascade County has had its vibrancy restored.
Red and white are two of the most common colors for schoolhouses. This one is Cascade County has had its vibrancy restored.
Not every schoolhouse can be saved. Regardless, our effort is to create a repository of images that will ensure no schoolhouse is forgotten.
Not every schoolhouse can be saved. Regardless, our effort is to create a repository of images that will ensure no schoolhouse is forgotten.
An example of one of Montanas active one-room schoolhouses, the Polaris School has some of the most impressive community support in the state. Though this schoolhouse dates back to the 1920s, this K-8 classroom has been providing education for students since 1892.
An example of one of Montanas active one-room schoolhouses, the Polaris School has some of the most impressive community support in the state. Though this schoolhouse dates back to the 1920s, this K-8 classroom has been providing education for students since 1892.
When visiting schoolhouses it is important to pay close attention to where you are. Trespassing on private property to access these schools can discourage owners from allowing access of any kind.
When visiting schoolhouses it is important to pay close attention to where you are. Trespassing on private property to access these schools can discourage owners from allowing access of any kind.
Window placement in schoolhouses was generally imbalanced. Often times the wall with more windows faced the East to allow for additional sunlight during the morning hours.
Window placement in schoolhouses was generally imbalanced. Often times the wall with more windows faced the East to allow for additional sunlight during the morning hours.
Painted siding on schoolhouses often fades more significantly on one side than on the others. This is due to weather exposure and is particularly common on the prairies of Montana.
Painted siding on schoolhouses often fades more significantly on one side than on the others. This is due to weather exposure and is particularly common on the prairies of Montana.
Many schoolhouses are homes to historical exhibits. This one displays a common classroom scene from the turn of the century.
Many schoolhouses are homes to historical exhibits. This one displays a common classroom scene from the turn of the century.
Replaced windows and doors, missing walls, or extensive interior renovation can all hurt the historic integrity of a schoolhouse.
Replaced windows and doors, missing walls, or extensive interior renovation can all hurt the historic integrity of a schoolhouse.
Broken glass, missing doors, and worn roofs are all common examples of severe deterioration.
Broken glass, missing doors, and worn roofs are all common examples of severe deterioration.
Playgrounds are one of the many features our survey looks to identify and record. These recess remnants can often help former students and teachers recall their experience in greater detail.
Playgrounds are one of the many features our survey looks to identify and record. These recess remnants can often help former students and teachers recall their experience in greater detail.
Serving as a great example of how preserved schoolhouses can give back to the community, the DeBorgia School on the border of Idaho and Montana acts as a local library.
Serving as a great example of how preserved schoolhouses can give back to the community, the DeBorgia School on the border of Idaho and Montana acts as a local library.
Serving as a great example of how preserved schoolhouses can give back to the community, the DeBorgia School on the border of Idaho and Montana acts as a local library.
Serving as a great example of how preserved schoolhouses can give back to the community, the DeBorgia School on the border of Idaho and Montana acts as a local library.
Currently owned and operated by the American Prairie Reserve, this schoolhouse may not look carefully restored to the untrained eye. But, it represents a wonderfully preserved example of humble rural schoolhouses everywhere.
Currently owned and operated by the American Prairie Reserve, this schoolhouse may not look carefully restored to the untrained eye. But, it represents a wonderfully preserved example of humble rural schoolhouses everywhere.
Bell towers are one of the defining features of schoolhouses throughout the West. Although it is missing its bell, this Toole County schoolhouse is a good example of common bell towers.
Bell towers are one of the defining features of schoolhouses throughout the West. Although it is missing its bell, this Toole County schoolhouse is a good example of common bell towers.
Windows placed side-by-side in low rows are another great way to spot historic schoolhouses from a distance.
Windows placed side-by-side in low rows are another great way to spot historic schoolhouses from a distance.
During restoration projects, schoolhouses are sometimes given metal roofs. Although most schools had some type of shingle roof, this options helps protect the structure for longer periods of time.
During restoration projects, schoolhouses are sometimes given metal roofs. Although most schools had some type of shingle roof, this options helps protect the structure for longer periods of time.

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We protect Montana’s historic places, traditional landscapes, and cultural heritage. 

Mailing:
PO Box 101
Helena, MT 59624

Physical:
316 Fuller Ave
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 457-2822

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