Lauren Gustafson

Welcome to my staff page where I get to introduce myself! My name is Lauren Gustafson and I am a seventh-year social studies teacher in the district and FIRST year here at Capital High School, 16th overall. I am grade 5-12 educator certified in broadfield social studies (emphasis in history, geography, political science, and anthropology), with a masters in curriculum and instruction and have taught a range of different disciplines and age groups, within the world of social studies. For the 2026-2027 school year, I will be teaching exclusively, five classes of senior Advanced Placement Government and Politics.  I am excited for a new school and and school year with Helena School district.

I will be joining my husband, Ross Gustafson, a phenomenal teacher  and brilliant human in the math department (no way…I am not bias!). My son is attending C.R. Anderson this year as a 6th grader. He has a passion for basketball but also has tried new sports like swimming and cross-country! He will be at the high school before I know it (hence, the major reason for my transfer).  My daughter will continue at Four Georgians for a bit longer. She enjoys dancing, singing, collecting trinkets, and absolutely loves, adorable animals (think: quokka’s).

I am incredibly passionate about teaching government and am elated to go on this journey of deciphering, dissection, and critically thinking about our government from its earliest foundations, to present, with CHS seniors! I hope my past schooling, former work for one of our senators, and overall appreciation for the law (I have a LOT of lawyers in my family) and our legal code, inspire students to embrace this class!

Your teenagers are well apprised on daily, weekly, and even monthly happenings through our education platform, TEAMS. I post each day for my classes as well as throughout my room in multiple places. I mention this as a reminder that accessibility to course happenings, reminders, and overviews are shared.

If you need a bit more information though, please do not hesitate to reach our,  regarding their educational plan in ‘AP GoPo’.

It is important to know that we will have a number of things that come up during the year, such as field trips and guest speakers, that I will inform students of, when dates are solidified. Also, do not forget about the informative email I sent out to AP Government and Politics students households as listed in Powerschool. It is a great ‘one-stop-shop’ to reference back to as we forge ahead with content.

Please email me for direct questions. With the rebuild starting and my classroom relocated, email for communication is best: lgustafson@helenaschools.org

Thank you for your time,

Mrs. Lauren E. Gustafson

Capital High School Social Studies Department