The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in English language arts. The lowest is 25% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Will James Middle School
Will James Middle School serves students in sixth through eighth grades in Billings, Montana, as part of the Billings Elem district. The school sits in a city that functions as the primary trade, medical, and retail hub for a vast region covering much of eastern Montana and parts of neighboring states. Billings has grown rapidly since its founding and continues to be the fastest-growing city in Montana, with a strong economy supported by energy development, healthcare, and its role as a regional distribution center. The area’s housing market reflects this growth, with home values and rents that have risen steadily and now sit above the national benchmark, though the market shows some softening in list prices and an increase in days on market. Families moving to Billings will find a city with civic anchors such as ZooMontana, the Yellowstone Art Museum, and the natural sandstone formations known as the Rims, but publicly reported details about school campus settings relative to downtown were not available.
The student body at Will James Middle School is moderately sized for a middle school. The majority of students are white, with a notable share of American Indian and Hispanic students, along with smaller populations of students who are Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial. More than a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a substantial proportion of families with lower incomes. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported in the available records.
On the state’s Smarter Balanced assessments in math and English language arts, and the Montana Science Assessment, proficiency rates varied by subject. English language arts showed a higher share of students meeting the proficient or above threshold, while math had a lower share, and science fell in between. When compared with other districts in Yellowstone County, Will James Middle School’s overall proficiency index placed in the bottom quarter. This means that, on average, proficiency rates across tested subjects were lower than the median of the twelve districts in the county that had reported data. Because no multi-year trend data was available, it is not possible to say whether these results represent a stable pattern or a recent shift. A parent may want to discuss with the school how it supports students who are below the proficient mark and what interventions or enrichment opportunities are available.
The school’s grade band means there is no graduation rate to report, and the available data did not include chronic absenteeism, discipline rates, or course access information such as elective offerings or advanced coursework. Without that detail, a family considering Will James would need to contact the school directly to learn about clubs, activities, arts programs, and any accelerated or remedial academic tracks. The district itself reported no recent changes of lasting impact, so the broader policy environment appears stable for now.
Overall, Will James Middle School offers a standard public middle school experience in a growing regional city. Its academic results are lower than many of its Yellowstone County peers, which is a consideration for families who prioritize test performance. The school’s student composition reflects the community’s diversity, and its economic context shows a mix of families with means and those who qualify for support. The surrounding Billings housing market is competitive but not out of reach relative to national averages, though affordability has tightened in recent years. A parent looking into this school will want to dig deeper into classroom instruction, extracurriculars, and how the school addresses areas where proficiency lags.
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