At a glance
Reported students
340
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
22.4
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
15.2:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–05
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Montana elementary enrollment
83rd percentile
Compared with 416 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
356.5
Orchard School: 340 reported students.
State peer staffing position
82nd percentile
15.2:1 reported; state peer median 12.1:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 284
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22.62
- Student–teacher ratio
- 12.6:1
What the reported data says about Orchard School
Orchard School is a public elementary school serving grades PK–05 in Billings. It is one of 28 current school records connected to Billings Elem. NCES reports 340 students for 2024–25.
Among 416 elementary schools in Montana with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 121 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 83rd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.2:1, above the Montana median of 12.1:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (43.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (22.4%). English learners represent 3.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 10.2%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Orchard School
- 1How do the reported 15.2:1 student–teacher ratio and 22.4 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 3.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 10.2%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 76.5%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White43.5%
- Hispanic22.4%
- Black2.1%
- Asian0.3%
- American Indian / Alaska Native19.7%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.3%
- Multiracial11.8%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Billings Elem
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
McKinley School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
339 reported students
Bench School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
332 reported students
Miles Avenue School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
325 reported students
Alkali Creek School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
310 reported students
Big Sky Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
373 reported students
Beartooth School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
373 reported students
Public schools near Orchard School
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadwater School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 400 | 0.8 mi |
| Ponderosa School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 277 | 0.9 mi |
| Newman School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 249 | 1.1 mi |
| McKinley School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 339 | 1.3 mi |
| Highland School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 249 | 1.8 mi |
| Miles Avenue School Elementary · Billings Elem | PK–05 | 325 | 2 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Orchard School
What grades does Orchard School serve?
Orchard School reports grades PK–05 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Billings Elem.
How many students attend Orchard School?
Orchard School reported 340 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 83rd percentile among 416 Montana elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 284 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Orchard School?
The calculated ratio is 15.2:1, based on 340 students and 22.4 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Montana median for the same school level is 12.1:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Orchard School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Orchard School is a public school. Enrollment is generally based on Billings Elem attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Orchard School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
76.5% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Orchard School in?
Orchard School is part of Billings Elem, based in Billings, MT, which operates 28 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Orchard School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Broadwater School (0.8 mi), Ponderosa School (0.9 mi), Newman School (1.1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.