Serving 314 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bench 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Montana state average of 46%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Montana state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Montana state average of 23% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MT
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bench School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Bench School's student population of 314 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
314 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Bench 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 Bench School is 0.61, 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
#620 out of 696 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
46%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
19%
10%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
11%
6%
Black
1%
1%
White
58%
77%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
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 Bench School's ranking?
Bench School is ranked #620 out of 696 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Montana.
What schools are Bench School often compared to?
Bench Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bitterroot School, Big Sky Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MT state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% MT state average).
How many students attend Bench School?
314 students attend Bench School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Bench School students are White, 19% of students are American Indian, 11% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bench School?
Bench School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Montana state average of 12:1.
What grades does Bench School offer ?
Bench School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bench School part of?
Bench School is part of Billings Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is Bench School located?
Bench School is located in the Heights neighborhood of Billings, MT. There are 8 other public schools located in Heights.
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