Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 06256

Zip code 06256 in North Windham, Connecticut is home to two elementary schools — Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy (grades K–8) and North Windham School (grades K–4) — serving 980 students in the Windham School District, a district ranking in the 8th percentile statewide. The two schools present very different educational profiles, with Barrows ranking 347th out of 491 Connecticut elementary schools (29th percentile) in 2025–26, well ahead of North Windham School at 415th (15th percentile).

Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy is the clear standout. Despite the district's low ranking, Barrows posts impressive science results, with 68.3% of 5th graders proficient in NGSS science — far above the state average of 52.9% — and 59.0% of 8th graders proficient, also above the state rate. It also exceeds the state average in 8th grade ELA (54.1% vs. 51.1%). Its chronic absenteeism rate of 12.2% is better than the state average of 16.4% and far below the district's 23.6%. With a free/reduced-price lunch rate of 48.22% and a student-teacher ratio of 11.3, Barrows demonstrates that a STEM focus can produce real results even in a challenging district. However, test-score volatility between 2024–25 and 2025–26, including a 32-point drop in 6th grade math, caused its ranking to slide from the 47th to 29th percentile.

North Windham School faces much harder conditions. An overwhelming 80.22% of students qualify for free/reduced-price lunch, and chronic absenteeism is 20.3%, above the state average. Every reported test score falls below state averages — only 15.6% of 3rd graders are proficient in ELA versus 47.3% statewide, and just 17.0% in 3rd grade math versus 52.2% statewide. While 4th grade scores improved in 2025–26, they remain far behind. Both schools spend around $17,000 per student, which suggests demographics and school climate — not funding alone — drive the performance gap. Parents should note a data anomaly: North Windham School is listed as serving grades K–4 yet has 5th grade test data, so its current grade configuration should be verified.