Principal's Message

 

Flathead Families,

I am proud to serve as principal of Flathead High School.  Going into my 27th year as an educator in Kalispell Public Schools, I am invested in our school community and can’t wait to see what the 2024-25 school year holds in store for us.  Flathead High School continues to grow in enrollment as our community grows; this trend began in the early 1900s and still drives our school reality. Our students come from eleven different partner schools, small to large, and I love how each year a new freshman class comes together to begin its four year journey of excellence. 

 

We graduated our first students in 1898, when the first crew of Braves completed a then three year high school program.  Much has changed since those early years.  Today, students complete 22 credits in a range of subject areas, across four years.  Our students select some of the best college prep coursework via our International Baccalaureate classes, and in fact almost two thirds of our juniors and seniors take one or more IB class during their Flathead years.  Students explore hands-on learning through our bio-med, agricultural, automotive, heavy equipment, welding, and art options.  They take concurrent enrollment college courses.  They explore career areas through internships.  This year, we open the PACE Academy Charter, one of Montana’s first charter schools, providing students flexibility in core courses so they have room in their schedule for a wide range of flexible learning opportunities.  So many pathways exist for today’s Flathead High School students that it is difficult to articulate them all!

 

Adding value to our high school experience, Flathead Activities and Athletics provide students extra and co-curricular opportunities via numerous outstanding programs.  Whether a student is an athlete, performer, art enthusiast, future business leader or entrepreneur, health care professional, or geared toward community service, we have a sport, organization, or club to match. 

 

At the foundation of all our programs of excellence are passionate, caring, and quality staff.  I am often asked what it is that makes our school unique, and I say without hesitation that our staff makes the difference.  We work hard every day to meet kids where they are and show them that they can achieve greatness.  Our school theme this year is “Distinctly Flathead, Forever Brave,” and I like how it captures our spirit and culture.  Something special exists in our school, and I am honored to serve this community, our families, and students.

Michele Paine, Principal