Summary
Classical Magnet School is a public magnet school in the Hartford School District serving 438 students in grades 6 through 12. The school stands out as one of the better-performing options within Hartford, particularly when compared with the city's large neighborhood high schools. Classical's graduation rate of 89.9% far exceeds the district average of 85.3%, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 24.2% is dramatically lower than the district's 36% average. In English Language Arts, the school also posts strong results, with 43.5% of 11th graders proficient on the SAT, compared with just 11.9% at Weaver High School, 8.9% at Bulkeley High School, and 13.1% at Hartford Public High School.
However, mathematics remains a significant weakness, and this is where Classical lags most behind the state. Only 11.6% of 11th graders were proficient in SAT math, essentially matching the district average of 11.7% and far below the state average of 31.3%. Science performance is a bright spot relative to other Hartford schools, with 30% proficiency on the NGSS exam compared with just 8.7% at Bulkeley and 6.6% at Hartford Public, but it still trails the state average of 50.5%. The comparison with University High School of Science and Engineering, located less than two miles away, illustrates the gap: University posts 62.3% SAT ELA proficiency, 35.1% SAT math proficiency, and a 96.4% graduation rate, though it also serves a student body with a somewhat lower poverty rate.
Classical's outcomes are notably strong for certain student groups, with African American students ranking in the 67th percentile statewide and Hispanic students in the 55th percentile in recent years. The school is also comparable to its closest peer, Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy, which has nearly the same poverty rate and grade span; Classical edges it out on attendance and state ranking, while HMTCA posts a slightly higher graduation rate. For families, Classical offers a small, stable environment with strong literacy instruction and a clear focus on attendance, making it a solid choice within Hartford—especially for students who are stronger in reading. The school's math and science programs, however, need substantial improvement to raise its overall state standing.
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