Summary:
The city of Durham, Connecticut is home to a single high-performing middle school, the Frank Ward Strong School, which serves grades 6-8 and is part of the Regional School District 13. This middle school has consistently ranked in the top 50% of Connecticut middle schools over the past 3 years, with a high ranking of 61 out of 249 schools in 2022-2023.
The Frank Ward Strong School stands out for its exceptional academic performance, with SBAC test scores that exceed the state average in both English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. For example, in 2024-2025, 64% of 6th graders, 65.9% of 7th graders, and 70.8% of 8th graders scored proficient or better in ELA, compared to state averages of 50% or less. The school also maintains a relatively low chronic absenteeism rate of 17.7%, indicating strong student engagement and attendance.
The school's high per-student spending of $21,890, which is significantly more than the state average, likely contributes to its academic success. Additionally, the school's low student-teacher ratio of 10.3 allows for more individualized attention and support for students. Overall, the Frank Ward Strong School is a standout institution that is outperforming both the district and state averages, making it a desirable option for families in the Durham area.
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