Best Public Schools in Norwalk, CT

The city of Norwalk, Connecticut is home to 23 schools, including 15 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. The district serves a diverse student population and faces some challenges, but also has several standout schools that are outperforming their peers.

Among the top-performing schools in Norwalk are Center for Global Studies, a public magnet high school that ranks 47th out of 141 Connecticut high schools and has a 4-star rating. The school boasts high proficiency rates in SAT English Language Arts (73.8%) and NGSS Science (60%). Another strong performer is Rowayton School, an elementary school that ranks 230th out of 493 Connecticut elementary schools and earns a 3-star rating, with very high proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math across grades 3-5. The Concord Magnet School, a K-8 magnet school, also demonstrates strong academic achievement, ranking 224th out of 493 Connecticut elementary schools and earning a 3-star rating.

However, the data also reveals significant performance gaps between the highest and lowest-performing schools, particularly in English Language Arts and Math proficiency rates. Schools serving more economically disadvantaged populations, such as Brookside Elementary and South Norwalk Elementary, struggle with proficiency rates under 30%. Additionally, the district as a whole faces challenges with a high chronic absenteeism rate of 17.7%, which may be impacting student learning and achievement. Addressing these disparities and supporting all schools in the Norwalk School District will be crucial for improving educational outcomes across the city.