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 479 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 32% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). 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 17:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 479 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hilltop Heritage Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
Hilltop Heritage Middle School's student population of 479 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
479 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
School Rankings
Hilltop Heritage Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hilltop Heritage Middle School is 0.75, 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
#1368 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
9%
Hispanic
18%
26%
Black
14%
5%
White
41%
48%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
20%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bobcat
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilltop Heritage Middle School's ranking?
Hilltop Heritage Middle School is ranked #1368 out of 2,113 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?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% 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?
479 students attend Hilltop Heritage Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Hilltop Heritage Middle School students are White, 20% of students are Two or more races, 18% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, 2% 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 17:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
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 7/16/2014
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.
5 7/3/2013
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 10/17/2011
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.
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