Summary:
The New Haven School District contains 9 high schools serving grades 9–12 (with one school, Engineering - Science University Magnet School, serving grades 6–12) and approximately 5,943 students in an urban Connecticut district that ranks 143rd out of 153 districts statewide.
There are bright spots worth knowing about. Engineering - Science University Magnet School is the clear standout: it ranks 41st in the state with a 98.8% graduation rate, the lowest chronic absenteeism (12.0%), and it is the only school in the district to exceed state averages in ELA, math, and science. Sound School also impresses—it graduates 96.1% of students, keeps absenteeism at 12.3%, and achieves strong science and ELA scores while spending the least per student ($15,403). Hill Regional Career High School has shown the most improvement, jumping from the 10th to 35th percentile over three years, with solid science proficiency (42.2%), though math remains a challenge at just 8.5% proficiency.
The biggest concerns are Wilbur Cross High School and James Hillhouse High School, which rank in the bottom 10% statewide. Both graduate only 69–75% of students, have chronic absenteeism above 46%, and post math proficiency around 12%. District-wide, math is the weakest subject (17.8% average proficiency vs. 31.3% statewide), and chronic absenteeism (35.0% average) is strongly tied to low performance. Notably, higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes: High School In The Community spends the most ($20,017 per student) yet struggles with 47.7% absenteeism, while Sound School spends the least and excels. Magnet and specialized schools generally outperform the traditional comprehensive high schools, though Metropolitan Business Academy is a notable exception, graduating 91.7% of students but ranking 130th of 133.
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