Summary:
This data set covers four elementary schools in zip code 06108 (East Hartford, CT) — Robert J. O'Brien School, Dr. John A. Langford School, Dr. Franklin H. Mayberry School, and Anna E. Norris School — all serving grades K–5 in the East Hartford School District. These schools share a high-poverty profile, with free/reduced lunch rates from 61% to 71%, but they vary widely in academic performance, attendance, and spending.
Dr. John A. Langford School is the clear academic leader, earning a 2-star rating and the highest state rank (265 out of 491) in the group. It is the only school to exceed the state average in math (53.0% proficient vs. 50.0% state) and posts the best ELA scores (47.1%). Anna E. Norris School also earns 2 stars and stands out for strong 3rd grade scores, though it declines sharply by 5th grade. Robert J. O'Brien School has by far the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (10.9%) and leads the group in 5th grade science (50% proficient), but its early-grade scores are weak. Dr. Franklin H. Mayberry School is the lowest-performing school, with the worst test scores (23.5% ELA, 21.5% math), highest absenteeism (26.9%), and highest per-student spending ($18,796) — a concerning combination.
Notable patterns emerge across the zip code. While Langford and Norris outperform the district despite high poverty, Mayberry's high spending does not translate into results, suggesting inefficiency or non-academic challenges. Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide concern (averaging 20.8%), yet O'Brien proves it can be much lower, and Langford achieves strong academics despite a 24.4% absenteeism rate. There is also significant year-to-year volatility, such as O'Brien's 4th grade ELA dropping 23 points and Norris's 3rd grade ELA jumping 22 points. Finally, a “5th grade math wall” appears in three of the four schools, with math proficiency declining sharply after 3rd grade — only O'Brien improves. For parents, Langford is the strongest overall choice, while O'Brien offers the best attendance and science program.
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