Summary:
The Redding School District has exactly one middle school: John Read Middle School, located at 486 Redding Road in Redding, CT. Serving grades 5 through 8 with 381 students, this school is a standout performer—it holds a 5-star rating, ranks 19th out of 258 Connecticut middle schools (93rd percentile), and its district ranks 8th out of 153 statewide.
Academically, John Read is far above state averages across every subject. In 2025-2026, average ELA proficiency is about 76.7% versus 52% statewide, math is about 73.2% versus 44.1%, and science is about 82.4% versus 51.9%. The school has been in the top 10% for three straight years, with rankings of 14th, 23rd, and 19th. Chronic absenteeism is just 6.1%, well below the state's 16.4%. The student-teacher ratio of 10.4 and per-student spending of $24,945 indicate a well-resourced environment, and only 11.29% of students receive free or reduced lunch.
The most notable strength is science, with 5th graders at 83.3% proficient and 8th graders at 81.5% proficient—roughly 30 points above the state. However, 7th grade math dropped 12 points from 83.3% to 71.3%, a decline worth monitoring. Meanwhile, 6th grade ELA jumped 9.2 points and 8th grade ELA rose 7.2 points. Overall, John Read Middle School is an elite school combining high test scores, excellent attendance, and strong resources. The 7th grade math dip is the only real concern, but the school's consistent top-10% ranking suggests it remains one of Connecticut's best middle schools.
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