JHS, grade school enrollment up again

Bolstered by its largest 9th grade class since the 20th century, Jefferson High School has extended its run of enrollment growth with a student population 50% higher than a decade ago.

The school’s Class of 2029 totals 100 students, up from 95 a year ago and from more typical recent classes of 70 to 75. Total enrollment is now at 320, up from 307 a year ago and 210 in 2015.

Jefferson High continues to attract students from Montana City and Clancy Schools, which not so long ago sent most graduates to Helena high schools. Principal Mike Moodry says this year’s freshman class includes 31 kids from Montana City, which sent 10 students to JHS in 2018, and 40 from Clancy.