Serving 738 students in grades 6-8, Ben Steele Middle School ranks in the top 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 21-39% (which is approximately equal to the Montana state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 738 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ben Steele Middle School's student population of 738 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
738 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Rankings
Ben Steele Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 722 schools in Montana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ben Steele Middle School is 0.29, 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
#334 out of 722 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
5%
6%
Black
n/a
1%
White
84%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
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 Ben Steele Middle School's ranking?
Ben Steele Middle School is ranked #334 out of 722 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Ben Steele Middle School often compared to?
Ben Steele Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Will James Middle School, Elder Grove 7-8 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MT state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Ben Steele Middle School?
738 students attend Ben Steele Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Ben Steele Middle School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ben Steele Middle School?
Ben Steele Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ben Steele Middle School offer ?
Ben Steele Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ben Steele Middle School part of?
Ben Steele Middle School is part of Billings Elementary School District.
School Reviews
5 3/10/2023
Great place.
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