Summary:
Zip code 06422 is served by a single middle school: Frank Ward Strong School in Durham, Connecticut, which enrolls 319 students in grades 5 through 8. The school is part of Regional School District 13, a district ranked 77th out of 153 in Connecticut. Frank Ward Strong has consistently finished in the top half of the state's middle schools, earning a 67th percentile ranking and 3 stars in 2025–2026, following a 72nd percentile and 4-star performance the previous year.
The school's standout strengths are English language arts and science. In 2025–2026, every grade exceeded the state ELA average, led by 7th grade at 72.4% proficiency versus 52.2% statewide. Fifth grade science reached 67.0% proficiency, well above the state's 52.9% average. Math results are more mixed: 5th grade lagged the state by over 10 points at 35.4%, while 7th grade excelled at 56.7% versus 44.1% statewide. The school also benefits from an exceptionally low 8.2% chronic absenteeism rate—about half the state average of 16.4%—and a favorable 10.4:1 student-teacher ratio that supports individualized attention.
One area of concern is a sharp decline in 8th grade test scores from the previous year: ELA dropped from 70.8% to 54.0% and math from 58.1% to 44.8%, suggesting a less prepared cohort or changing circumstances that are worth monitoring. With only 17.24% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, the school serves a relatively economically advantaged population, and per-student spending of $21,890 reflects strong community investment. Overall, Frank Ward Strong offers a well-resourced, above-average education with excellent attendance and standout literacy, though early math intervention may help strengthen lower-grade performance.
Thank you for your feedback!