Best Public Schools in Hartford, CT

The city of Hartford, Connecticut is home to 42 schools, including 23 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 10 high schools, and 3 alternative schools. The schools in this area serve a predominantly minority student population and face significant challenges, with wide disparities in academic performance across the district.

A few standout schools in Hartford include University High School of Science and Engineering, which ranks among the top 43 high schools in Connecticut and has strong academic performance, and Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy, a middle school ranked 7th out of 249 Connecticut middle schools with exceptional test scores. The Achievement First Hartford Academy, a K-12 charter school, also performs well above the state average, particularly in 3rd-4th grade English Language Arts, despite having a high percentage of minority students.

However, many Hartford schools struggle with low test scores, high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, and large student-teacher ratios. This suggests that factors beyond just student demographics, such as school funding and resources, play a crucial role in student outcomes. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education will be essential for improving overall performance in the Hartford School District.