Plains High School

Plains High School is a public high school located in Plains, Montana, serving students from Sanders County and surrounding areas. The school is part of the Plains Public Schools district, which also includes Plains Elementary School and Plains Middle School. Plains High School has a strong focus on STEM education, with courses and programs supported by organizations like NASA, Microsoft, and Google. The school's curriculum is also influenced by state and national standards, such as those set by the Montana Office of Public Instruction and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

● History

The history of Plains High School dates back to the early 20th century, with the first high school building constructed in 1910. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major addition in 1950 and a new building constructed in 1980. The school has been accredited by organizations like the Northwest Accreditation Commission and the Montana Accreditation Commission. Plains High School has also been recognized for its achievements by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the American Association of School Administrators. Notable events in the school's history include hosting visits from dignitaries like Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Ted Kennedy, as well as participating in programs like NASA's High School Aerospace Scholars and the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Teachers.

● Campus

The Plains High School campus is situated on a 20-acre site in the heart of Plains, Montana, near the Clark Fork River. The campus includes several buildings, including the main high school building, a gymnasium, a stadium, and a vocational training center. The school's facilities have been upgraded and expanded over the years, with support from organizations like the Montana Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Park Service. The campus is also home to a variety of athletic fields, including a football field, a baseball field, and a track and field facility, which have hosted events like the Montana High School Association state championships and the Western Montana Athletic Conference tournaments.

● Academics

Plains High School offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign languages, such as Spanish and French. The school also offers a range of elective courses, including art, music, and vocational training programs like agriculture education and career and technical education. The school's academic programs are supported by organizations like the College Board, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the National Science Teachers Association. Students at Plains High School have the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment programs with Flathead Valley Community College and The University of Montana, and online courses through providers like K12 Inc. and Connections Academy.

● Extracurricular Activities

Plains High School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and clubs. The school's athletic teams, known as the Plains Horsemen, compete in the Western Montana Athletic Conference and have won championships in sports like football, basketball, and track and field. The school's music program includes band, choir, and orchestra, and has performed at events like the Montana Music Educators Association conference and the National Association for Music Education convention. Students at Plains High School can also participate in clubs like the National Honor Society, the Future Farmers of America, and the Key Club, which have been recognized by organizations like the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Girl Scouts of the USA.

● Notable Alumni

Plains High School has a number of notable alumni, including Montana State Legislature members like Scott Sales and Jen Gross, as well as business leaders like Dennis Washington and Robert E. Murray. Other notable alumni include University of Montana professors like Marilyn Lockhart and James Lopach, as well as athletes like Dallas Cowboys player Marc Colombo and Olympic Games competitor Janet Cherobon-Bawcom. The school's alumni have also gone on to attend prestigious institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and have been recognized by organizations like the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Category:Schools in Montana