Hilltop Heritage Middle School, formerly known as Jason Lee Middle School and originally as West Intermediate School, was the first and largest of six intermediate schools funded in 1923.
Serving 447 students in grades 6-8, Hilltop Heritage Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 447 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The attendance zone for Jason Lee School is located in the northeast part of Tacoma, WA, covering approximately 9.6 square miles. Families in this area typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 1.9 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, extending up to 3.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hilltop Heritage Middle School's student population of 447 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 31% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
447 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Every Student. Every Day.
School Rankings
Hilltop Heritage Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hilltop Heritage Middle School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1547 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
38%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
3%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
20%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)58.4%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Bobcat
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilltop Heritage Middle School's ranking?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School is ranked #1547 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Hilltop Heritage Middle School often compared to?
Hilltop Heritage Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mason Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Hilltop Heritage Middle School?
447 students attend Hilltop Heritage Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Hilltop Heritage Middle School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hilltop Heritage Middle School?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Hilltop Heritage Middle School offer ?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hilltop Heritage Middle School part of?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Hilltop Heritage Middle School located?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School is located in the North End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 5 other public schools located in North End.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I went Jason Lee Jr. High from 1974 - 1977. It was a pretty amazing school back then. I am looking for the school year books from those years. This was the best school ever. The staff were amazing. If you let them they will be a great help to you. It took me a year and a half to figure that out. Those teachers never gave up on me. If it wasn't for them I don't know where I would have ended up. The princepals were also amazing. At that time there was George Miller and Marvin Shane. I probably put some gray hairs on those amazing men. They also never gave up on me. Once a Bobcat always a Bobcat.
5 10/10/2025
I love this school I'm in 8th grade now and this is the best school i have ever been to!!!!! I hate the fact that i have to leave it next year.
5 10/10/2025
Jason Lee is a pretty good school I was there from
6 to 7 grade all my sister's and brothers went
To Jason Lee then it was my turn but then I
Moved to a different state.but it was the most
Coolest.School ever.
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