Serving 601 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 28% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 35%). 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 28% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is higher than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 601 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Will James Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Will James Middle School's student population of 601 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
601 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Rankings
Will James Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 722 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Will James Middle School is 0.46, 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
#501 out of 722 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
10%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
9%
6%
Black
1%
1%
White
72%
77%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Will James Middle School's ranking?
Will James Middle School is ranked #501 out of 722 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?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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?
601 students attend Will James Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Will James Middle School students are White, 10% of students are American Indian, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 1% 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
5 3/30/2020
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.
3 2/21/2019
I don''t go to this school but I heard it''s and awesome school
Review Will James Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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