Serving 634 students in grades 6-8, Will James Middle 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 27% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% 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: 6-8
- Enrollment: 634 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Will James Middle School serves the southwest part of Billings, MT, covering an area of approximately 20.8 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the farthest edge being about 7.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Will James Middle School's student population of 634 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
634 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Will James Middle 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 Will James Middle School is 0.45, 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
#513 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
37%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
46%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
7%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
White
73%
76%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
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)36.3%
35.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. 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 Will James Middle School's ranking?
Will James Middle School is ranked #513 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Will James Middle School often compared to?
Will James Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lewis & Clark Middle School, Ben Steele Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Will James Middle School?
634 students attend Will James Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Will James Middle School students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are American Indian, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Will James Middle School?
Will James Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Will James Middle School offer ?
Will James Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Will James Middle School part of?
Will James Middle School is part of Billings Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Will James Middle School located?
Will James Middle School is located in the West End neighborhood of Billings, MT. There are 3 other public schools located in West End.
School Reviews
3 10/10/2025
I don''t go to this school but I heard it''s and awesome school
5 10/10/2025
Will James is a very loving and wonderful environment for students to learn and grow. Getting kids ready for high school. An overall amazing school. I would recommend to go there.
Review Will James Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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