Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Summary:

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy is a public middle school in Norwalk, Connecticut, serving 644 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Norwalk School District, which is ranked 127 out of 158 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy faces significant challenges, with a student population that is 62.11% Hispanic (compared to the state average of 26.6% for middle schools) and only 11.18% White (compared to 49.1% statewide). The school consistently underperforms the state and district averages in standardized test scores for English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates were 33.2% in 6th grade ELA, 23.2% in 7th grade Math, and 15.7% in 8th grade Math, compared to the state averages of 48.1%, 41.5%, and 38.2%, respectively. Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy ranks in the bottom third of Connecticut middle schools for most student subgroups, including Female Students, Male Students, and Low Socioeconomic Status Students.

Compared to nearby middle schools, such as Roton Middle School and West Rocks Middle School, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy's academic performance lags behind. However, the school's performance is generally on par with or slightly better than other high-poverty middle schools in the Stamford School District, such as Dolan School and Turn of River School. Despite the school's high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 57.76% to 74.2%, its spending per student and student-teacher ratio are similar to other middle schools in the Norwalk district, suggesting that resource allocation may not be the primary factor in its academic underperformance.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 21 Hunters Lane
       Norwalk, CT  06850


(203) 847-3557

District: Norwalk School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
184th of 250 Connecticut Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $21,150 Help


Students who attend Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy usually attend:

High:    Brien McMahon High School

Feeder schools for Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy:

Elementary:    Fox Run Elementary School
    Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School
    Kendall College & Career Academy

Student/teacher ratio:  10.9 Help
Number of students:  644

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
62.1%
African American:
17.5%
White:
11.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  57.8% Help


 See top rated Connecticut middle schools

 Compare Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy ranks worse than 73.6% of middle schools in Connecticut. It also ranks last among 4 ranked middle schools in the Norwalk School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 19.13. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (62.1%), African American (17.5%), White (11.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 57.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Norwalk School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy is 10.9, which is the 2nd best among 4 middle schools in the Norwalk School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy employs 59 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy is $21,150, which is the highest among 4 middle schools in the Norwalk School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy 184th of 250 Connecticut public middle schools. (See Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:


Norwalk School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Norwalk School District 127th of 158 Connecticut school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy?

Rank History for Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 29.35 188th 248 24.2%
2007 27.11 188th 250 24.8%
2008 27.37 190th 252 24.6%
2009 25.65 194th 255 23.9%
2010 25.50 209th 268 22.0%
2011 30.88 208th 269 22.7%
2012 31.78 206th 272 24.3%
2013 41.90 192nd 278 30.9%
2015 35.08 178th 280 36.4%
2016 20.58 187th 246 24.0%
2017 25.17 170th 250 32.0%
2018 18.74 198th 249 20.5%
2019 23.16 186th 259 28.2%
2021 26.70 190th 275 30.9%
2022 18.71 181st 250 27.6%
2023 17.07 190th 249 23.7%
2024 19.13 184th 250 26.4%
See the entire list of Connecticut Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 38.50 17th 34 50.0%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 29.56 177th 244 27.5%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 24.43 80th 104 23.1%
2021 32.70 141st 218 35.3%
2022 25.42 88th 106 17.0%
2023 17.72 94th 109 13.8%
2024 19.87 96th 114 15.8%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 12.28 144th 160 10.0%
2019 17.17 141st 169 16.6%
2021 19.59 182nd 235 22.6%
2022 13.37 144th 166 13.3%
2023 10.78 139th 160 13.1%
2024 12.81 137th 161 14.9%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 26.90 70th 104 32.7%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.85 140th 164 14.6%
2019 15.54 144th 167 13.8%
2021 26.21 159th 224 29.0%
2022 16.75 141st 169 16.6%
2023 10.41 138th 158 12.7%
2024 12.50 136th 157 13.4%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.71 27th 31 12.9%
2021 32.19 52nd 80 35.0%
2022 45.44 19th 40 52.5%
2023 34.61 23rd 32 28.1%
2024 35.08 24th 33 27.3%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.70 43rd 75 42.7%
2019 38.06 52nd 97 46.4%
2021 41.99 83rd 146 43.2%
2022 35.60 58th 97 40.2%
2023 25.21 75th 99 24.2%
2024 32.79 68th 104 34.6%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.06 119th 168 29.2%
2019 46.68 93rd 166 44.0%
2021 21.01 147th 175 16.0%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Connecticut Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Connecticut State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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by a parent
Thursday, September 13, 2018

Open Quote Excelente school , love the teachers , they are very nice Close Quote



Enrollment information for Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 299 159 14 63 0 n/a n/a 0 535
1989 293 140 11 75 0 n/a n/a 0 519
1990 282 147 10 85 n/a n/a n/a 0 524
1991 271 168 6 84 0 n/a n/a 0 529
1992 249 179 13 71 0 n/a n/a 0 512
1993 278 179 13 84 0 n/a n/a 0 554
1994 277 169 15 80 5 n/a n/a 0 546
1995 278 194 18 80 0 n/a n/a 0 570
1996 278 194 18 80 0 n/a n/a 0 570
1997 259 191 37 82 1 n/a n/a 0 570
1998 282 202 37 98 1 n/a n/a 0 620
1999 264 202 35 117 1 n/a n/a 0 619
2000 255 202 35 113 1 n/a n/a 0 606
2001 277 183 34 130 0 n/a n/a 0 624
2002 292 203 26 151 2 n/a n/a 0 674
2003 292 203 26 151 2 n/a n/a 0 674
2004 264 207 25 180 3 n/a n/a 0 679
2005 234 199 27 190 5 n/a n/a 0 655
2006 218 193 24 182 4 n/a n/a 0 621
2007 208 197 24 209 1 n/a n/a 0 639
2008 204 181 41 216 0 n/a n/a 0 642
2009 231 179 45 230 0 n/a n/a 0 685
2010 212 193 44 237 0 n/a n/a 0 686
2011 196 187 34 246 1 0 3 0 667
2012 157 166 29 253 1 0 3 0 609
2013 165 159 31 249 2 1 4 0 611
2014 145 163 30 285 2 0 7 0 632
2015 140 145 39 314 2 0 5 0 645
2016 132 149 48 324 1 1 11 0 666
2017 138 128 39 374 1 0 12 0 692
2018 119 114 38 404 2 1 14 0 692
2019 103 107 34 421 2 0 15 0 682
2020 91 109 37 418 2 0 14 0 671
2021 89 117 38 394 2 0 15 0 655
2022 82 120 42 412 3 0 18 0 677
2023 72 113 39 400 2 0 18 0 644

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 535 43.0 12.4 n/a
1989 519 43.0 12.0 n/a
1990 524 45.0 11.6 n/a
1991 529 46.5 11.3 n/a
1992 512 47.5 10.7 18.2
1993 554 43.8 12.6 2.2
1994 546 45.1 12.1 27.7
1995 570 47.0 12.1 27.7
1996 570 47.0 12.1 27.7
1997 570 44.9 12.7 21.6
1998 620 46.4 13.4 18.1
1999 619 49.0 12.6 26.8
2000 606 47.5 12.8 26.9
2001 624 49.5 12.6 n/a
2002 674 52.5 12.8 22
2003 674 52.5 12.8 22
2004 679 51.4 13.2 28.9
2005 655 45.4 14.4 n/a
2006 621 46.7 13.3 43.6
2007 639 48.4 13.2 28
2008 642 56.3 11.4 32.6
2009 685 61.1 12.0 31.2
2010 686 58.3 11.7 46.5
2011 667 58.0 11.4 49.3
2012 609 59.3 10.2 50.6
2013 611 58.0 10.5 55.2
2014 632 58.8 10.7 62.8
2015 645 53.0 12.1 61.1
2016 666 54.0 12.3 62.8
2017 692 50.8 13.6 63.2
2018 692 56.0 12.3 62.3
2019 682 53.3 12.7 71.7
2020 671 58.5 11.4 76.8
2021 655 58.5 11.1 74.2
2022 677 57.5 11.7 60.6
2023 644 59.0 10.9 57.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 535 43.0 12.4 n/a
1989 519 43.0 12.0 n/a
1990 524 45.0 11.6 n/a
1991 529 46.5 11.3 n/a
1992 512 47.5 10.7 18.2
1993 554 43.8 12.6 2.2
1994 546 45.1 12.1 27.7
1995 570 47.0 12.1 27.7
1996 570 47.0 12.1 27.7
1997 570 44.9 12.7 21.6
1998 620 46.4 13.4 18.1
1999 619 49.0 12.6 26.8
2000 606 47.5 12.8 26.9
2001 624 49.5 12.6 n/a
2002 674 52.5 12.8 22
2003 674 52.5 12.8 22
2004 679 51.4 13.2 28.9
2005 655 45.4 14.4 n/a
2006 621 46.7 13.3 43.6
2007 639 48.4 13.2 28
2008 642 56.3 11.4 32.6
2009 685 61.1 12.0 31.2
2010 686 58.3 11.7 46.5
2011 667 58.0 11.4 49.3
2012 609 59.3 10.2 50.6
2013 611 58.0 10.5 55.2
2014 632 58.8 10.7 62.8
2015 645 53.0 12.1 61.1
2016 666 54.0 12.3 62.8
2017 692 50.8 13.6 63.2
2018 692 56.0 12.3 62.3
2019 682 53.3 12.7 71.7
2020 671 58.5 11.4 76.8
2021 655 58.5 11.1 74.2
2022 677 57.5 11.7 60.6
2023 644 59.0 10.9 57.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $18,532
2019 $18,568
2020 $19,335
2021 $21,150

Data source: Connecticut Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 186th of 259 Middle schoolsRanks 190th of 249 Middle schools
 4.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)35.626.4
 9.2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Norwalk School District)46.938
 8.9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)55.348
 7.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)2317.7
 5.3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Norwalk School District)36.629.7
 6.9%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)45.439.6
 5.8%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)42.926.3
 16.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Norwalk School District)48.539.8
 8.7%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)56.148.8
 7.3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)25.318.5
 6.8%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Norwalk School District)38.129.8
 8.3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)46.139.9
 6.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)43.730.1
 13.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Norwalk School District)4641.5
 4.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)55.848.5
 7.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy)25.314.3
 11%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Norwalk School District)33.826.7
 7.1%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)43.536.2
 7.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students682644
 5.6%
African American107113
 5.6%
American Indian22
Asian3439
 14.7%
Hispanic421400
 5%
Pacific Islander00
White10372
 30.1%
Two or More Races1518
 20%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients71.7%57.8%
 13.9%


Schools Near Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy









Frequently Asked Questions about Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy

Students who attend Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy usually go on to attend Brien McMahon High School

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy ranks 184th of 250 Connecticut middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy are 62% Hispanic, 18% African American, 11% White, 6% Asian, 3% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 644 students attended Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Connecticut Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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