Montana’s first public charter schools posted lower math and English test scores than traditional public schools across all grade levels, according to a new report from the Montana Board of Public Education. The findings matter to Montana families, educators, and taxpayers because charter schools are a new and growing part of the state’s education system, with 17 schools opening in 2024 alone. State education leaders cautioned lawmakers against drawing broad conclusions from a single year of data, noting that many charter schools serve at risk students or use instructional models that are not designed around standardized testing. Charter schools are intended to reengage students who may struggle in traditional settings, potentially improving long term outcomes like graduation rates and workforce readiness. However, education officials say many schools face steep hurdles, including limited start up funding and confusion among the public about how charter schools differ from traditional districts.