McKinley School

Summary:

McKinley School is an elementary school in Fairfield, Connecticut, serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school has a diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 45% White, 8-10% African American, 30-32% Hispanic, and 9-10% Asian.

Academically, McKinley School's performance on SBAC tests is generally lower than the Fairfield School District and the state average, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. However, the school has shown strong performance in certain subgroups, such as Hispanic students and students with special needs, ranking among the top schools in the state for these groups. McKinley School's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, ranging from 204th to 289th out of over 500 Connecticut elementary schools, and its SchoolDigger rating has varied from 2 to 3 stars out of 5.

Interestingly, McKinley School has a relatively high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with around 50% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite this challenge, the school has performed well in serving this population, ranking among the top schools in the state for low-socioeconomic status students. Additionally, McKinley School has a lower student-teacher ratio compared to nearby schools like Holland Hill School and Jennings School, ranging from 10.6 to 11.8 students per teacher over the past few years.


Detail:

Public K-5

 60 Thompson St.
       Fairfield, CT  06825


(203) 255-8318

District: Fairfield School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
226th of 497 Connecticut Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $21,436 Help


Students who attend McKinley School usually attend:

Middle:    Tomlinson Middle School
High:    Fairfield Warde High School

Student/teacher ratio:  10.6 Help
Number of students:  433

Racial breakdown:

White:
45.0%
Hispanic:
32.1%
Asian:
10.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  49.2% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details McKinley School ranks better than 54.5% of elementary schools in Connecticut. It also ranks last among 11 ranked elementary schools in the Fairfield School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.02. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (45%), Hispanic (32.1%), Asian (10.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 49.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Fairfield School District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at McKinley School is 10.6, which is the lowest among 11 elementary schools in the Fairfield School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare McKinley School employs 40.6 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at McKinley School is $21,436, which is the 3rd highest among 11 elementary schools in the Fairfield School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

McKinley School:

SchoolDigger ranks McKinley School 226th of 497 Connecticut public elementary schools. (See McKinley School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:


Fairfield School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Fairfield School District 28th of 158 Connecticut school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for McKinley School.

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Your rating for McKinley School?

Rank History for McKinley School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 47.70 372nd 570 34.7%
2007 59.28 305th 568 46.3%
2008 61.68 294th 565 48.0%
2009 56.79 331st 566 41.5%
2010 43.81 410th 579 29.2%
2011 61.60 285th 565 49.6%
2012 45.91 391st 564 30.7%
2013 63.00 280th 557 49.7%
2015 52.07 289th 551 47.5%
2016 47.11 278th 518 46.3%
2017 59.68 223rd 519 57.0%
2018 63.68 215th 532 59.6%
2019 65.87 204th 522 60.9%
2021 61.40 222nd 538 58.7%
2022 46.03 264th 490 46.1%
2023 56.19 224th 491 54.4%
2024 55.02 226th 497 54.5%
See the entire list of Connecticut Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 79.82 54th 371 85.4%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 74.84 12th 60 80.0%
2021 84.78 26th 302 91.4%
2024 56.48 23rd 70 67.1%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.71 156th 259 39.8%
2019 61.22 110th 242 54.5%
2021 57.94 199th 455 56.3%
2023 43.63 143rd 230 37.8%
2024 42.26 145th 237 38.8%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 63.83 124th 262 52.7%
2019 58.79 130th 247 47.4%
2021 56.01 192nd 445 56.9%
2022 34.80 159th 232 31.5%
2023 52.68 135th 231 41.6%
2024 40.03 154th 233 33.9%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 94.42 3rd 112 97.3%
2021 85.06 12th 173 93.1%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at McKinley School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CT State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.44 224th 296 24.3%
2019 50.14 176th 295 40.3%
2021 37.57 220th 327 32.7%
2023 35.61 194th 262 26.0%
See the entire list of Best Connecticut Elementary 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.

McKinley School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
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Data source: Connecticut State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

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0%

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Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, February 19, 2016

Open Quote This goes to show you that numbers and rankings are a flawed measure of a school's quality. The reason it lags behind others in the district and statewide is that it's a very multicultural school with kids growing up in households where English is a second language. It's the only school in Fairfield with a non-white majority. So naturally those students are going to lag behind in their reading/writing skills. But the reality is, it's a great school. There is constant communications between the teachers and parents, there is tons of support for students' needs and I am constantly surprised by how much my child is learning and how advanced her reading and writing have become. So the bottom line is, the numbers reflect the students' level of achievement and not the quality of the teachers or education. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Open Quote I am so surprise to see the ratings for this school. My son has been attending this school since he was in 1st grade and this year will be his last year since McKinley only goes up until 5th grade. Prior to that he attended Saint Teresa in Trumbull. There’s so many great things about this school! Great principal, teachers, and staff. My son and I have built great relationships with students and their parents. I absolutely love how all the parents are so involve with day to day activities within the school. My son has built relationships with tons of children from different cultures and ethnicity. I absolutely love how McKinley embraces and celebrates all cultures with their wonderful “World Fair”. Unfortunately this will be his last year but it was an awesome and productive (Band, choir, fairs, etc) 4 years at McKinley. Close Quote



Enrollment information for McKinley School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 327 4 16 19 0 n/a n/a 0 366
1989 335 5 16 16 0 n/a n/a 0 372
1990 352 9 22 16 1 n/a n/a 0 400
1991 383 7 20 16 0 n/a n/a 0 426
1992 452 9 14 19 0 n/a n/a 0 494
1993 442 9 21 14 0 n/a n/a 0 486
1994 470 14 18 24 0 n/a n/a 0 526
1995 390 12 23 30 0 n/a n/a 0 455
1996 390 12 23 30 0 n/a n/a 0 455
1997 384 17 21 34 0 n/a n/a 0 456
1998 342 13 24 35 0 n/a n/a 0 414
1999 327 23 26 38 5 n/a n/a 0 419
2000 326 21 28 39 0 n/a n/a 0 414
2001 304 12 29 50 2 n/a n/a 0 397
2002 266 14 28 69 4 n/a n/a 0 381
2003 266 14 28 69 4 n/a n/a 0 381
2004 273 17 31 70 3 n/a n/a 0 394
2005 280 19 38 85 2 n/a n/a 0 424
2006 317 22 45 96 0 n/a n/a 0 480
2007 272 28 65 98 0 n/a n/a 0 463
2008 275 30 61 96 0 n/a n/a 0 462
2009 267 29 53 87 0 n/a n/a 0 436
2010 254 38 60 99 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2011 277 20 59 103 5 0 26 0 490
2012 246 28 49 99 4 0 27 0 453
2013 249 26 54 91 0 0 20 0 440
2014 248 26 55 109 0 0 20 0 458
2015 225 36 57 102 0 0 22 0 442
2016 222 23 56 101 0 0 24 0 426
2017 210 22 50 139 0 0 28 0 449
2018 202 26 42 135 0 0 27 0 432
2019 195 28 44 144 0 0 27 0 438
2020 194 37 45 139 0 0 22 0 437
2021 189 39 47 138 1 0 22 0 436
2022 196 44 43 135 1 0 22 0 441
2023 195 35 44 139 1 2 17 0 433

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 McKinley School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 366 25.0 14.6 n/a
1989 372 29.7 12.5 n/a
1990 400 29.4 13.6 n/a
1991 426 30.8 13.8 n/a
1992 494 32.3 15.2 13.8
1993 486 30.5 15.9 1.6
1994 526 29.2 18.0 24.5
1995 455 33.9 13.4 29.5
1996 455 33.9 13.4 29.5
1997 456 36.1 12.6 18.6
1998 414 33.6 12.3 20.3
1999 419 33.0 12.7 22.4
2000 414 31.1 13.3 19.6
2001 397 33.9 11.7 n/a
2002 381 31.2 12.2 21.8
2003 381 31.2 12.2 21.8
2004 394 32.9 12.0 24.4
2005 424 31.3 13.5 n/a
2006 480 36.0 13.3 27.9
2007 463 34.1 13.6 32.6
2008 462 36.7 12.6 22.1
2009 436 41.5 11.9 32.1
2010 451 39.0 11.5 37.7
2011 490 40.1 12.2 35.9
2012 453 35.4 12.7 35.8
2013 440 37.7 11.6 33.4
2014 458 37.7 12.1 29.9
2015 442 37.0 11.9 30.1
2016 426 35.0 12.1 31.2
2017 449 38.1 11.7 33.2
2018 432 40.3 10.7 35.4
2019 438 39.2 11.1 49.3
2020 437 38.1 11.4 50.3
2021 436 36.9 11.8 49.5
2022 441 38.6 11.4 46.9
2023 433 40.6 10.6 49.2

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 McKinley School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 366 25.0 14.6 n/a
1989 372 29.7 12.5 n/a
1990 400 29.4 13.6 n/a
1991 426 30.8 13.8 n/a
1992 494 32.3 15.2 13.8
1993 486 30.5 15.9 1.6
1994 526 29.2 18.0 24.5
1995 455 33.9 13.4 29.5
1996 455 33.9 13.4 29.5
1997 456 36.1 12.6 18.6
1998 414 33.6 12.3 20.3
1999 419 33.0 12.7 22.4
2000 414 31.1 13.3 19.6
2001 397 33.9 11.7 n/a
2002 381 31.2 12.2 21.8
2003 381 31.2 12.2 21.8
2004 394 32.9 12.0 24.4
2005 424 31.3 13.5 n/a
2006 480 36.0 13.3 27.9
2007 463 34.1 13.6 32.6
2008 462 36.7 12.6 22.1
2009 436 41.5 11.9 32.1
2010 451 39.0 11.5 37.7
2011 490 40.1 12.2 35.9
2012 453 35.4 12.7 35.8
2013 440 37.7 11.6 33.4
2014 458 37.7 12.1 29.9
2015 442 37.0 11.9 30.1
2016 426 35.0 12.1 31.2
2017 449 38.1 11.7 33.2
2018 432 40.3 10.7 35.4
2019 438 39.2 11.1 49.3
2020 437 38.1 11.4 50.3
2021 436 36.9 11.8 49.5
2022 441 38.6 11.4 46.9
2023 433 40.6 10.6 49.2

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.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for McKinley School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $16,990
2019 $17,621
2020 $17,917
2021 $18,615
2022 $19,914
2023 $21,436

Data source: Connecticut Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on McKinley School

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 204th of 522 Elementary schoolsRanks 224th of 491 Elementary schools
 6.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (McKinley School)69.856.9
 12.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Fairfield School District)76.471.5
 4.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)54.345.5
 8.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (McKinley School)76.266.2
 10%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Fairfield School District)8174.9
 6.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)5549.8
 5.2%
4th Grade English Language Arts (McKinley School)62.250.6
 11.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Fairfield School District)76.573.6
 2.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)54.648.8
 5.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (McKinley School)62.258.4
 3.8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Fairfield School District)7374.4
 1.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)52.548.3
 4.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (McKinley School)69.750
 19.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Fairfield School District)81.776.7
 5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)58.151.3
 6.8%
5th Grade Mathematics (McKinley School)47.439.7
 7.7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Fairfield School District)72.272.1
 0.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Connecticut)46.541.8
 4.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students438433
 1.1%
African American2835
 25%
American Indian01
Asian4444
Hispanic144139
 3.5%
Pacific Islander02
White195195
Two or More Races2717
 37%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients49.3%49.2%
 0.1%


Schools Near McKinley School









Frequently Asked Questions about McKinley School

McKinley School ranks 226th of 497 Connecticut elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at McKinley School are 45% White, 32% Hispanic, 10% Asian, 8% African American, 4% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 433 students attended McKinley School.

Students who attend McKinley School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Tomlinson Middle School
High : Fairfield Warde High School


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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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