Billings West High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school in Billings, Montana. The school, a part of Billings Public Schools, serves around 2000 students with over 100 certified staff under principal Jeremy Carlson. Billings West's school colors are black and gold, and its mascot is the Golden Bear.
Serving 2,115 students in grades 9-12, Billings West High 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 29% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is equal to 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 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Montana state average of 24% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,115 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 20% in MT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Billings West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Billings West High School's student population of 2,115 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 139 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,115 students
Total Classroom Teachers
139 teachers
Year Founded
1959
School Motto
Inspire Educate Empower
School Rankings
Billings West High 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 Billings West High School is 0.35, which is less 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
#491 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
7%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
80%
76%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Golden Bear
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Billings West High School's ranking?
Billings West High School is ranked #491 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Billings West High School often compared to?
Billings West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Billings Sr High School, Skyview High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Billings West High School?
The graduation rate of Billings West High School is 88%, which is higher than the Montana state average of 86%.
How many students attend Billings West High School?
2,115 students attend Billings West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Billings West High School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Billings West High School?
Billings West High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Billings West High School offer ?
Billings West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Billings West High School part of?
Billings West High School is part of Billings High School District.
School Reviews
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