Montana Ranks Among The Worst States For Early Education

Montana is constantly ranked for the best of everything: best views, best outdoor vacation spots, best trout fishing, and even a top-tier agriculture program. Just this year, Montana State University was named one of the world’s best schools for Agriculture & Forestry in the QS World University Rankings. And yep, it was the only Montana school to make the cut.

But when it comes to early childhood education? We’re not just slipping—we’re practically in free fall. According to a new report from WalletHub, Montana came in at a jaw-dropping 49th in the nation for early education systems. That’s right, 49 out of 51 (They included the District of Columbia). Yikes.

This ranking looked at 12 key metrics, from how many school districts offer state pre-K programs to how much is spent per child. Spoiler alert: we didn’t shine in any of ‘em.

Why does this matter? Because research shows that kids who attend pre-K are more likely to graduate, earn more later in life, and even stay out of trouble with the law. One study estimates that every dollar spent on early education can return over $7 in long-term benefits.

STATES WITH THE BEST EARLY EDUCATION SYSTEMS
1.) Maryland
2.) District Of Columbia
3.) Arkansas
4.) New Jersey
5.) New Mexico

STATES WITH THE WORST EARLY EDUCATION SYSTEMS

1.) Missouri
2.) New Hampshire
3.) Montana
4.) Idaho
5.) Massachusetts

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So while we’re winning in the mountain view and university ag departments, we’ve got serious work to do in supporting Montana’s youngest learners.