Norwich Free Academy

Summary:

Norwich Free Academy is a public high school serving 2,033 students in grades 9-12 in Norwich, Connecticut. The school is part of the Norwich Free Academy District, which is ranked 121 out of 158 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Norwich Free Academy has a more diverse student population compared to many nearby schools, with 46.58% White, 10.58% African American, 26.41% Hispanic, 7.82% Asian, and 5.95% two or more races, its academic performance as measured by standardized test scores is generally lower than the state average and nearby schools like Bacon Academy, Wheeler High School, and Ledyard High School. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 47.6% of 11th-grade students were proficient or better in SAT/English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 54.8%, and only 20.4% were proficient or better in SAT/Math, compared to the state average of 29.5%.

Additionally, Norwich Free Academy has a relatively high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, at 52.43% in the 2022-2023 school year, significantly higher than nearby schools like Bacon Academy (26.64%) and Ledyard High School (25.44%). This suggests that the school may be serving a population with significant socioeconomic challenges, which could be contributing to its academic performance challenges.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 305 Broadway
       Norwich, CT  06360


(860) 887-2505

District: Norwich Free Academy District

SchoolDigger Rank:
83rd of 145 Connecticut High Schools


Feeder schools for Norwich Free Academy:

Elementary:    Fields Memorial School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.6 Help
Number of students:  2,001

Racial breakdown:

White:
43.0%
Hispanic:
28.8%
African American:
14.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  54.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Norwich Free Academy ranks worse than 57.2% of high schools in Connecticut. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 36.59. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Norwich Free Academy who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Norwich Free Academy is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (43%), Hispanic (28.8%), African American (14.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 54.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Norwich Free Academy is 13.6. (See more...)
Help
Compare Norwich Free Academy employs 147.1 full-time teachers.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Norwich Free Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Norwich Free Academy 83rd of 145 Connecticut public high schools. (See Norwich Free Academy in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Norwich Free Academy District:

SchoolDigger ranks Norwich Free Academy District 121st of 158 Connecticut school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Norwich Free Academy.

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Rank History for Norwich Free Academy

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Rank History for all students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 62.96 96th 176 45.5%
2008 54.19 107th 176 39.2%
2009 49.09 114th 176 35.2%
2010 50.63 125th 186 32.8%
2011 47.76 125th 189 33.9%
2012 42.58 133rd 188 29.3%
2013 45.91 137th 193 29.0%
2015 45.01 113th 196 42.3%
2017 42.93 73rd 140 47.9%
2018 43.50 74th 121 38.8%
2019 47.37 68th 121 43.8%
2021 39.03 118th 200 41.0%
2023 35.57 84th 142 40.8%
2024 36.59 83rd 145 42.8%
See the entire list of Connecticut High School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 57.53 2nd 11 81.8%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 31.24 125th 175 28.6%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 40.87 20th 37 45.9%
2021 32.12 106th 155 31.6%
2022 33.39 42nd 63 33.3%
2023 36.60 33rd 70 52.9%
2024 26.61 49th 65 24.6%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.04 60th 79 24.1%
2019 37.99 63rd 84 25.0%
2021 34.60 116th 189 38.6%
2022 28.58 72nd 106 32.1%
2023 29.42 71st 103 31.1%
2024 30.41 70th 102 31.4%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.62 61st 78 21.8%
2019 37.13 60th 80 25.0%
2021 39.08 109th 182 40.1%
2022 28.16 70th 102 31.4%
2023 26.88 66th 100 34.0%
2024 30.85 71st 100 29.0%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 27.65 22nd 28 21.4%
2024 27.26 12th 15 20.0%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 61.91 4th 13 69.2%
2021 38.08 34th 58 41.4%
2023 44.94 18th 25 28.0%
2024 26.99 20th 24 16.7%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 21.05 88th 104 15.4%
2022 27.85 44th 59 25.4%
2023 27.67 46th 63 27.0%
2024 24.50 49th 63 22.2%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Norwich Free Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 44.33 73rd 105 30.5%
2019 33.07 88th 113 22.1%
2021 34.60 113th 155 27.1%
2022 28.69 88th 117 24.8%
2023 22.66 91st 116 21.6%
2024 36.25 77th 116 33.6%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Connecticut Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Norwich Free Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Connecticut State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.7)
67%

33%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, July 11, 2010

Open Quote As a parent, my main priority is to make sure that my children get a good education. After looking around for quite some time I chose to move to Norwich just so my children could attend Norwich Free Academy. The school is set up just like an actual college campus and I feel as though this will help my children make their transition to college easier when their time at NFA is complete.
The art program is one of the best in the country. Few can rival it. The school has on site security and has a no tolerance policy of any kind. This year my oldest is a senior and I feel as though she has been prepped well, by her teachers, to make the transition to college.
There is only one flaw with the school. Unfortunately, Norwich is quickly catering to a poverty stricken community, and over the years I have seen a lot of kids go to NFA who really don't have an interest in learning. These types of individuals take away from the students that are truly trying to succeed. Personally, I feel as though a lot of these kids shouldn't be allowed to go there.
I can honestly say that when my children graduate that there is no way that I would continue to live in Norwich. Close Quote


by a student
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Open Quote This high school is not like any other high school. The teachers actually care about each and every student and put 110% in their teaching. The school spirit and pride within the students and faculty is amazing to see and the school's unique campus really prepares students for the college environment. This school is amazing. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, May 22, 2009

Open Quote I have three sons. One graduated already. Two are currently attending NFA. It is an amazing school. There are so many opportunities. NFA is the best of private and public education!!! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Norwich Free Academy

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1992 1720 113 20 61 18 n/a n/a 0 1932
1993 1628 117 25 71 31 n/a n/a 0 1872
1994 1551 151 37 89 47 n/a n/a 0 1875
1997 1510 133 30 78 48 n/a n/a 0 1799
1998 1631 155 28 77 27 n/a n/a 0 1918
1999 1741 157 49 80 29 n/a n/a 0 2056
2000 1822 179 52 92 39 n/a n/a 0 2184
2001 1833 207 59 103 42 n/a n/a 0 2244
2002 1786 232 81 139 46 n/a n/a 0 2284
2003 1786 232 81 139 46 n/a n/a 0 2284
2004 1788 240 95 174 44 n/a n/a 0 2341
2005 1801 263 118 197 45 n/a n/a 0 2424
2006 1859 305 134 214 52 n/a n/a 0 2564
2007 1805 284 143 217 40 n/a n/a 0 2489
2008 1741 298 138 238 35 n/a n/a 0 2450
2009 1694 336 164 259 36 n/a n/a 0 2489
2010 1600 342 159 282 38 n/a n/a 0 2421
2011 1524 234 146 305 31 5 136 0 2381
2012 1553 163 79 305 49 5 161 0 2315
2013 1218 336 164 350 46 56 94 0 2264
2014 1345 326 187 366 43 18 40 0 2325
2015 1440 366 185 252 44 30 1 0 2318
2016 1314 322 173 327 28 22 61 0 2247
2017 1260 382 179 382 36 18 66 0 2323
2018 1168 345 193 386 29 84 99 0 2304
2019 1123 330 174 366 22 22 197 0 2234
2020 1173 330 180 390 26 10 132 0 2241
2021 1092 295 147 399 27 19 123 0 2102
2022 1035 293 126 481 21 7 110 0 2073
2023 947 215 159 537 39 7 121 8 2033
2024 860 286 111 577 23 8 123 13 2001

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Norwich Free Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 1932 131.8 14.6 n/a
1993 1872 119.4 15.7 0
1994 1875 112.3 16.7 3.3
1997 1799 120.7 14.9 0
1998 1918 120.3 15.9 0
1999 2056 133.6 15.4 2.8
2000 2184 141.4 15.4 3
2001 2244 143.6 15.6 n/a
2002 2284 153.6 14.9 3.9
2003 2284 153.6 14.9 3.9
2004 2341 150.4 15.6 4.4
2005 2424 131.9 18.4 n/a
2006 2564 137.4 18.7 16.8
2007 2489 139.2 17.9 18.8
2008 2450 161.3 15.2 21.8
2009 2489 174.5 14.9 14.7
2010 2421 164.4 14.7 17.8
2011 2381 156.2 15.2 20.2
2012 2315 152.7 15.1 17.5
2013 2264 164.6 13.7 24.9
2014 2325 162.8 14.2 24.1
2015 2318 163.0 14.2 45.3
2016 2247 163.0 13.7 46.7
2017 2323 163.2 14.2 48
2018 2304 177.0 13.0 44.8
2019 2234 159.2 14.0 51.4
2020 2241 171.8 13.0 51.6
2021 2102 170.0 12.3 45.5
2022 2073 154.1 13.4 51.3
2023 2033 173.7 11.7 52.4
2024 2001 147.1 13.6 54.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Norwich Free Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 1932 131.8 14.6 n/a
1993 1872 119.4 15.7 0
1994 1875 112.3 16.7 3.3
1997 1799 120.7 14.9 0
1998 1918 120.3 15.9 0
1999 2056 133.6 15.4 2.8
2000 2184 141.4 15.4 3
2001 2244 143.6 15.6 n/a
2002 2284 153.6 14.9 3.9
2003 2284 153.6 14.9 3.9
2004 2341 150.4 15.6 4.4
2005 2424 131.9 18.4 n/a
2006 2564 137.4 18.7 16.8
2007 2489 139.2 17.9 18.8
2008 2450 161.3 15.2 21.8
2009 2489 174.5 14.9 14.7
2010 2421 164.4 14.7 17.8
2011 2381 156.2 15.2 20.2
2012 2315 152.7 15.1 17.5
2013 2264 164.6 13.7 24.9
2014 2325 162.8 14.2 24.1
2015 2318 163.0 14.2 45.3
2016 2247 163.0 13.7 46.7
2017 2323 163.2 14.2 48
2018 2304 177.0 13.0 44.8
2019 2234 159.2 14.0 51.4
2020 2241 171.8 13.0 51.6
2021 2102 170.0 12.3 45.5
2022 2073 154.1 13.4 51.3
2023 2033 173.7 11.7 52.4
2024 2001 147.1 13.6 54.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Norwich Free Academy

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 68th of 121 High schoolsRanks 84th of 142 High schools
 3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts (Norwich Free Academy)57.543.4
 14.1%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (Norwich Free Academy District)57.141.7
 15.4%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)61.652.4
 9.2%
11th Grade Math (Norwich Free Academy)35.123
 12.1%
   11th Grade Math (Norwich Free Academy District)34.821.6
 13.2%
   11th Grade Math (Connecticut)40.634.1
 6.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students22342033
 9%
African American330215
 34.8%
American Indian2239
 77.3%
Asian174159
 8.6%
Hispanic366537
 46.7%
Pacific Islander227
 68.2%
White1123947
 15.7%
Two or More Races197121
 38.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients51.4%52.4%
 1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Norwich Free Academy

Norwich Free Academy ranks 83rd of 145 Connecticut high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 2,001 students attended Norwich Free Academy.

Norwich Free Academy is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Fields Memorial School

Students at Norwich Free Academy are 43% White, 29% Hispanic, 14% African American, 6% Two or more races, 6% Asian, 1% American Indian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Connecticut Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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