Ronan Charter Academy to open this fall

Montana’s state high school graduation rate hovers right around 85%, with variances here and there mostly within the realm of 1%. Some studies have also shown that rates of both attendance and graduation are lower on reservations. 

Josh Illig, the new director of the Ronan Charter Academy understands that some learning environments might be challenging for certain students. He believes the new academy, which opens this fall, could “provide a more flexible learning environment to meet the needs of more students.”  

The Ronan Charter Academy is one of five new charter programs approved by the Montana Board of Public Education in June of last year with the decision finalized in January 2025. 

The new school path is a partnership between Ronan High School and Middle School as well as the online academy, Harmony. Through these partnerships, the Ronan Charter Academy will be able to create more diverse and targeted learning programs based on the student's needs. 

The new learning route will be built on some of the same bones as the normal school system, but Montana regulations will provide more flexibility, depending on the different needs of the student.  

A student can choose two paths. The RCA diploma goes through Harmony and allows families to choose classes that are the best fit for students within state guidelines, while the RHS diploma requires students to work with RHS administration and counselors to select classes both through Harmony and in person. Both diplomas are accredited.  

Currently the Ronan Charter Academy is accepting students from out of district or home school backgrounds entering grades 7-12 with the goal of expanding in the near future to existing students in the district. 

“The biggest benefit is recapturing some of our families or students who have either decided to go a different route via homeschool or never were interested in public schools to begin with so it’s a big benefit to reconnect,” said Illig. 

It is through this personalized approach to learning that school officials hope to aid students in their path to getting their diplomas and reaching their future goals smoothly and successfully.  

During a community meeting Tuesday, May 13th, Illig opened the floor to questions following a short presentation on the new schooling option. He was joined by Ronan Principal Kevin Kenelty and a representative from Harmony Academy.  

The questions from participants ranged from curriculum to schedule format, and some concerns were expressed about the socialization for students not attending school day to day. 

Although the speakers were not able to answer all questions, they were able to give a framework for what things might look like moving forward. As far as socialization the Academy will encourage joining school affiliated clubs like FFA and attending student events like prom.

“I’ll give the best answer I can, or I’ll find the right answer,” said Illig on his commitment to trying to provide information to parents, guardians and students.

The meeting presented more of an opportunity to answer broad general questions while the more specific questions regarding students were redirected to future face-to-face meetings. 

“I’m more than happy to start scheduling now or through the summer or in late summer whenever folks think they want to have that discussion,” said Illig. 

The Ronan Charter Academy will not be providing electronic devices or internet services.

To register, pick up a packet from the Ronan high or middle schools as well as the district office; digital copies are also available. 

For more information regarding the program contact Illig at josh.illig@ronank12.edu or 406-528-7406.