Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 06850

Zip code 06850 (Norwalk, CT) is home to 5 elementary schools serving grades PK–8, all part of the Norwalk School District, which ranks in the lower third of Connecticut districts. The clear standout is Concord Magnet School, which ranks highest in the zip code (52nd percentile, 3 stars) and has the lowest chronic absenteeism (4.4%) and lowest free/reduced lunch rate (34%). Fox Run Elementary School is the strongest traditional elementary, with top scores in 3rd grade math and 5th grade science despite a 52.5% poverty rate. Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School is the most improved, jumping 128 state rank positions in two years, though it still has the highest absenteeism (13.1%). Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School has exceptional attendance (6.0%) but uneven academics, with strong early grades and weak 5th grade scores. Kendall College & Career Academy is the biggest concern, ranking in the 12th percentile with very low proficiency despite the smallest class sizes and above-average spending.

Across the five schools, only Concord and Fox Run approach or exceed state averages in ELA and math. Jefferson and Silvermine lag moderately, while Kendall trails far behind. Chronic absenteeism is a notable strength for the entire zip code: every school beats the district (15.4%) and state (16.4%) averages, with Concord and Silvermine posting single-digit rates. Free/reduced lunch rates range from 34% at Concord to 64.6% at Jefferson, and spending per student varies from $16,520 to $18,650, but higher spending and lower student-teacher ratios do not reliably predict better performance — Kendall has the best ratio (10.8:1) yet the lowest scores.

Several grade-level patterns reveal challenges in upper elementary. Silvermine and Fox Run both see sharp math declines between 3rd and 5th grade, while Jefferson’s 5th grade math lags its earlier grades. Concord’s success across K–8 shows that strong outcomes are possible within this district. The combination of low chronic absenteeism and Jefferson’s dramatic improvement suggests a promising foundation, but consistency across later elementary grades remains the key area for all schools to address.