Ophir Middle School is located in the Gallatin Canyon about 30 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park in Southwest Montana. The first Ophir School opened its doors in 1906 with 5 students. The State of Montana recognized Ophir as a school district (K-8) in 1912. As of July 1, 2012 the school district name has officially changed to the Big Sky School District #72. Ophir takes its name from the fabled gold mines in the Bible. “They went to Ophir and took home gold”. The homesteaders, who followed the unlucky prospectors, believed that they had metaphorically found gold in the Gallatin Canyon and named their school “Ophir.”
Ophir Middle School serves students in grades 6-8. At Ophir, our teaching and learning is guided by a standards-based, constructivist approach. Utilizing Montana State Standards for Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, our study of core subjects is engaging and rigorous. In general, our Mathematics and Science courses are integrated, ensuring that students develop a wide-range of knowledge and skills. Our Social Studies courses entail both a global and national perspective through the lens of History and Geography. In Language Arts classes, students read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts while further cultivating their written and verbal expression.
In addition to the core subjects, students at Ophir Middle School receive a holistic education through the study of a second language – Spanish, Music, Art, Design Technology, and Health Enhancement. In order to succeed in academics, we also provide our students with a Study Skills class that focuses on research methodology as well as organizational and communication skills.
To complement our curricular approach, students partake in experiential learning in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond. Students participate in Nordic and Downhill Skiing days, field research, and a myriad of local field trips to enhance the classroom experience. Guest speakers/experts are a regular feature at Ophir Middle School in our state-of-the-art Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. The seminal experiential learning experience is the 8th Grade Washington, DC trip, culminating in a week long exploration of our nation’s capital and all of its historical, civic, and cultural treasures.
Middle School Bell Schedule 18-19
MONDAY – THURSDAY FRIDAY
1st Period – 8:30-9:17 1st Period – 8:30-9:12
2nd Period – 9:20-10:07 2nd Period – 9:15-9:57
3rd Period – 10:10-10:57 3rd Period – 10:00-10:42
4th Period – 11:00-11:47 4th Period – 10:45-11:27
Recess – 11:50-12:00 Recess – 11:30-11:37
Lunch – 12:03-12:33 Lunch – 11:40-12:10
5th Period – 12:36-1:23 5th Period – 12:13-12:55
6th Period – 1:26-2:13 6th Period – 12:58-1:40
7th Period – 2:16-3:03 7th Period – 1:43-2:25
Homeroom – 3:06-3:35 Homeroom – 2:28-2:35
