Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 06853

Zip code 06853 is home to one elementary school, Rowayton School, serving grades PK–5 in Norwalk, CT, with 402 students and a favorable 11.8 student–teacher ratio. This single school stands out sharply within the Norwalk School District, which carries a 1-star rating and ranks in the 26th percentile statewide, while Rowayton holds a steady 3-star rating and sits in the 53rd–64th percentile of Connecticut elementary schools over the past three years. In every tested subject and grade, Rowayton beats its district average by a wide margin, often by 15–20 percentage points, making it a clear bright spot in a lower-performing district.

On the most recent state tests, Rowayton exceeded the state average in most areas, including 3rd-grade ELA (65.5 proficient vs. 47.3 statewide), 3rd-grade math (72.7 vs. 52.2), 5th-grade ELA (75.0 vs. 53.5), and 5th-grade science (70.3 vs. 52.9). The notable exceptions are 4th-grade ELA (50.0 vs. 50.9) and 4th-grade math (54.3 vs. 52.1), which show an unusual dip between much stronger 3rd- and 5th-grade performances. This pattern points to a cohort effect rather than a systemic problem, especially since the current 5th graders—who were in 4th grade the prior year—made large year-over-year gains. Other strengths include a chronic absenteeism rate of just 7.3%, less than half the district rate (15.4%) and well below the state rate (16.4%), despite roughly 31% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

Rowayton’s 5th-grade science proficiency stands out as exceptional—more than 20 points above the district and 17 points above the state—reflecting a strong science program. While the per-student spending figure of $18,325 is from 2018–2019 and likely outdated, the combination of low class sizes, strong attendance, and consistent academic outperformance suggests a school with effective practices and a supportive climate. For parents in zip code 06853, Rowayton School offers the only elementary option, but it is a high-quality one: a top-third school in Connecticut, dramatically outperforming its district and rivaling or exceeding state averages in most subjects and grades.