Serving 579 students in grades 7-8, Helms Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 3% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Helms Middle School's student population of 579 students has declined by 32% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
579 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Helms Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Helms Middle School is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#9578 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
12%
Hispanic
85%
56%
Black
6%
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helms Middle School's ranking?
Helms Middle School is ranked #9578 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 11% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Helms Middle School?
579 students attend Helms Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Helms Middle School students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Helms Middle School?
Helms Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Helms Middle School offer ?
Helms Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is Helms Middle School part of?
Helms Middle School is part of West Contra Costa Unified School District.
School Reviews
5 1/6/2015
School will be strict by uniforms,red or blue color shirts,pants, etc. but also is helpful learning teachers will try there best to help you . Just got bullied or in a fight there are councel for your building C1 C2 C3 Helms is strict but also fun
5 9/19/2011
Helms is really fun but its also kind of hard but i learned alot from that school.
Review Helms 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
Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
