Middle Schools in Area Cooperative Educational Services

Middle Schools in the Area Cooperative Educational Services district consist of a single school, ACES Chase Academy, which serves grades 6 through 10 in Waterbury, Connecticut, and stands out for strong science performance and exceptionally low chronic absenteeism. This school is a study in contrasts: while its district ranks in the 7th percentile statewide, the school itself ranks in the 43rd percentile among Connecticut middle schools. In 2025-2026, 8th grade science proficiency reached 57.4%, beating the state average of 50.9%, and the school outperformed its district in every grade and subject by 5 to 11 percentage points. Chronic absenteeism is only 11.5%, far better than the district's 30.7% and the state's 16.4%, providing a stable foundation for learning despite a population where 41.7% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

However, core academic results remain below state averages. In 2025-2026, the school averaged 42.5% proficiency in ELA (state: 51.5%) and 31.2% in math (state: 43.5%). The school maintains a very favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.3 and spends $25,029 per pupil, reflecting a resource-intensive, specialized environment. Attendance and science are clear positives, but math is a significant concern, especially in 7th grade. Seventh grade math proficiency collapsed from 50.0% in 2024-2025 to just 25.2% in 2025-2026, a 24.8-point drop, while 7th grade ELA also fell from 53.1% to 39.8%. This pattern suggests a cohort effect or instructional challenge unique to that grade level, rather than a school-wide trend.

For parents, the key takeaway is that ACES Chase Academy is a specialized, well-funded school with excellent attendance and science outcomes, and it clearly outperforms its low-ranked district. Yet it faces ongoing struggles in math and consistency, particularly at 7th grade. The unusual 6-10 grade span and high per-pupil spending indicate an alternative or therapeutic program, meaning the school's state ranking may not fully reflect its mission. Overall, families can expect a supportive, stable environment with strong science, but should be aware that math proficiency requires attention.