Serving 340 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Orchard School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Montana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is higher than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 340 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Orchard School serves the southeast area of Billings, MT, covering approximately 1.4 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Orchard School's student population of 340 students has grown by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
340 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 Rankings
Orchard School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 696 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Orchard School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.40. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#620 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
20%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
22%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
44%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
12%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.8%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
50%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2007–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orchard School's ranking?
Orchard School is ranked #620 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Orchard School often compared to?
Orchard Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Newman School, Pioneer School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Orchard School?
340 students attend Orchard School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Orchard School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are American Indian, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Orchard School?
Orchard School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Orchard School offer ?
Orchard School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Orchard School part of?
Orchard School is part of Billings Elementary School District.
School Reviews
Review Orchard School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
