A different kind of classroom

Not all learning takes place behind a desk. Missoula's specialty schools cover a broad range of vocations and offer both alternative and supplementary education.

Specialty Schools

For adults who wish to pursue a vocation that does not entail a university education, Missoula is home to several  vocational schools.  There are also terrific options for adults wishing to take continuing education courses.

The Rocky Mountain School of Photography
216 N. Higgins Ave.
(800) 394-7677 or (406) 543-0171

  • Established in 1980 by Neil and Jeanne Chaput de Saintonge
  • Programs designed for the pursuit of photography excellence for hobbyists, amateurs, and emerging professionals
  • 3 tracts – career training, workshops, and weekends
  • Offers intensive summer programs, as well as week-long and weekend workshops all over the country

Connole-Morton Insurance School
(406) 549-8515

  • A pre-licensing and continuing education school in the field of insurance
  • Prides itself on teaching complex insurance concepts in a lively and easy-to-understand manner

The Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center
310 S. Curtis St.
(406) 549-8765

  • The Adult Education Division of Missoula County Public Schools
  • Provides a wide variety of classes for individuals 16 year and older
  • Enrolled over 11,500 registrations in 2009
  • Representative of a realization among adults of Missoula County that education is a lifelong process in our modern technological and diverse society
  • Classes include business and career topics, computers, health and safety, communication, special interest, sewing, personal development, cooking and foods, foreign language, dance and fitness, arts and crafts, and GED testing

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UM (MOLLI)
32 Campus Drive
(406) 243-2905

  • Offers programs that promote the lifelong learning and personal growth of +50 individuals.
  • A diverse collection of non-credit, short courses offered in the fall, winter and spring
  • Striving to create an accessible and innovative learning environment so that individuals from all backgrounds and levels of education may pursue learning
  • No exams or grades are given

Modern Beauty School
2700 Paxson Plaza
(406) 721-0050

  • Offers cosmetology training in all aspects of hair care
  • Teaches theory and practical skills related to hair cutting, styling, coloring, and shaping
  • Certified by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences

Montana School of Massage
800 Kensington Avenue
(406)549-9244

  • Provides an extensive and in-depth education in the areas of Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, as well as Reiki healing
  • Established in 2000
  • Located in the heart of Downtown Missoula

Sage Truck Driving School
9350 Cartage Rd.
(877) 724-3875

  • Provides professional truck driver training to students across the country
  • Missoula serves as its Western Montana location

For other vocational programs in Missoula, check out our page about the Missoula College (formerly the College of Technology).

Maximizing Efficiency in Academic Research: Tips for University Students

Efficient research practices enable you to systematically gather, analy... more

4 Unconventional Skills Every University Student Should Master

whether it's sharpening your critical thinking skills or mastering the ... more

Piquing High Schoolers’ Interest In Medicine: Top Strategies For Parents And Educators

In this article, we'll explore some of the top strategies that parents ... more

8 Of The Best Scholarship Opportunities for Music Students in Missoula

Here are top seven best scholarship opportunities for music students in Missoula.... more

Can Individual Curriculum Help Boost Academic Success?

Let's take a closer look at the concept of individualized learning to understand if it can really boost students' academic success or not.... more

How Online Education Became Popular Among Youngsters

Many might be surprised to discover that online education was booming well before COVID-19. It is expected to continue to stake out a nice chunk of the education industry for all age groups.... more

Awesome Ways to Memorize Mathematical Formulas

The problem with mathematics often isn’t about understanding the topics, but rather memorizing the formulas needed. ... more

Teacher Tips: How to Write a Lesson Plan That’ll Motivate Students

If you find your students losing focus or even skipping classes, it might be time to reassess the way you structure your lessons. ... more

How to Handle Stress While Preparing For Exams

By JEFF BLAYLOCK - Here are some tips on how to deal with exam stress to succeed in your education.... more

8 Inspiring Films to Boost Your Studies

By NICOLAS WALKER - These are eight films which encourage you always to learn more.... more

Missoula – A River Runs Through It

Missoula - a river does indeed run through it. In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, Mon... more

Swinging at the Downtown Dance Collective in Missoula

By PATRICK RECORD and LEAH GREEN - The Missoula Downtown Dance Collective's recent swing dance workshop put the Garden City in a swingin' mood.... more

Missoula in Motion

Missoulians embrace green living and you'll find sustainable transportation options readily available in the city. Missoula in Motion aims to promote the city’s popular sustainable transportation system and i... more