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 (2026)
- 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%)
- 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 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
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
7%
10%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
9%
7%
Black
1%
1%
White
73%
76%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
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 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
Review Will James Middle 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
