Is Norwich Free Academy a good school?

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

How many students attend Norwich Free Academy?

In the 2022-23 school year, 2,033 students attended Norwich Free Academy.

What is the racial makeup of Norwich Free Academy?

Students at Norwich Free Academy are 47% White, 26% Hispanic, 11% African American, 8% Asian, 6% Two or more races, 2% American Indian.

What schools feed into Norwich Free Academy?

Norwich Free Academy is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Fields Memorial School

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:
83^rd of 145 Connecticut High Schools

Feeder schools for Norwich Free Academy:

Elementary:

Fields Memorial School

Student/teacher ratio: 11.7

Number of students: 2,033

Racial breakdown:

White:

46.6%

Hispanic:

26.4%

African American:

10.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 52.4%

See top rated Connecticut high schools

Compare Norwich Free Academy to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Norwich Free Academy ranks worse than 57.2% of high schools in Connecticut. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 36.59. (See more...)

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.

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

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Teachers

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Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Norwich Free Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Norwich Free Academy 83^rd 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 121^st 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
2007	62.96	96^th	176	45.5%
2008	54.19	107^th	176	39.2%
2009	49.09	114^th	176	35.2%
2010	50.63	125^th	186	32.8%
2011	47.76	125^th	189	33.9%
2012	42.58	133^rd	188	29.3%
2013	45.91	137^th	193	29.0%
2015	45.01	113^th	196	42.3%
2017	42.93	73^rd	140	47.9%
2018	43.50	74^th	121	38.8%
2019	47.37	68^th	121	43.8%
2021	39.03	118^th	200	41.0%
2023	35.57	84^th	142	40.8%
2024	36.59	83^rd	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	2^nd	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	125^th	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
2019	40.87	20^th	37	45.9%
2021	32.12	106^th	155	31.6%
2022	33.39	42^nd	63	33.3%
2023	36.60	33^rd	70	52.9%
2024	26.61	49^th	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
2018	39.04	60^th	79	24.1%
2019	37.99	63^rd	84	25.0%
2021	34.60	116^th	189	38.6%
2022	28.58	72^nd	106	32.1%
2023	29.42	71^st	103	31.1%
2024	30.41	70^th	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
2018	31.62	61^st	78	21.8%
2019	37.13	60^th	80	25.0%
2021	39.08	109^th	182	40.1%
2022	28.16	70^th	102	31.4%
2023	26.88	66^th	100	34.0%
2024	30.85	71^st	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	22^nd	28	21.4%
2024	27.26	12^th	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
2019	61.91	4^th	13	69.2%
2021	38.08	34^th	58	41.4%
2023	44.94	18^th	25	28.0%
2024	26.99	20^th	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
2021	21.05	88^th	104	15.4%
2022	27.85	44^th	59	25.4%
2023	27.67	46^th	63	27.0%
2024	24.50	49^th	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
2018	44.33	73^rd	105	30.5%
2019	33.07	88^th	113	22.1%
2021	34.60	113^th	155	27.1%
2022	28.69	88^th	117	24.8%
2023	22.66	91^st	116	21.6%
2024	36.25	77^th	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.

Data source: Connecticut State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.7)

67%

33%

by a parent
Sunday, July 11, 2010

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

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

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

Compare

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

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

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

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

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

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 68^th of 121 High schools	Ranks 84^th 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)	57.5	43.4	14.1%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Norwich Free Academy District)	57.1	41.7	15.4%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Connecticut)	61.6	52.4	9.2%
11th Grade Math (Norwich Free Academy)	35.1	23	12.1%
11th Grade Math (Norwich Free Academy District)	34.8	21.6	13.2%
11th Grade Math (Connecticut)	40.6	34.1	6.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	2234	2033	9%
African American	330	215	34.8%
American Indian	22	39	77.3%
Asian	174	159	8.6%
Hispanic	366	537	46.7%
Pacific Islander	22	7	68.2%
White	1123	947	15.7%
Two or More Races	197	121	38.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	51.4%	52.4%	1%

Schools Near Norwich Free Academy

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				NGSS Science (2024)	SAT English Language Arts (2024)	SAT Math (2024)	SBAC English Language Arts (2024)		SBAC Mathematics (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	NGSS Science 11th Grade	SAT English Language Arts 11th Grade	SAT Math 11th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 7th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 8th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 7th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 8th Grade	Total
Norwich Free Academy	Public	9-12	305 Broadway	Norwich	06360	New London County	Norwich Free Academy District	No	No	No	No	(860) 887-2505	2,033	174	11.7	52.4%	947 (46.6%)	215 (10.6%)	537 (26.4%)	159 (7.8%)	39 (1.9%)	7 (0.3%)	121 (6.0%)	36.6	83^rd of 145 public high schools	42.8%		35.6	84^th of 142 public high schools	40.8%	1	39.9	47.6	20.4
Norwich Technical High School	Public	9-12	7 Mahan Drive	Norwich	06360	New London County	Connecticut Technical Education and Career System	No	No	No	No	(860) 889-8453	661	58	11.3	38.9%	410 (62.0%)	37 (5.6%)	148 (22.4%)	6 (0.9%)	5 (0.8%)	3 (0.5%)	49 (7.4%)	54.3	66^th of 145 public high schools	54.5%		38.8	79^th of 142 public high schools	44.4%	13	62.5		19.7					$27,815
Three Rivers Middle College Magnet School	Public, Magnet	11-12	574 New London Turnpike	Norwich	06360	New London County	Learn	No	Yes	No	Yes	(860) 215-9055	79	5	15.0	54.4%	41 (51.9%)	9 (11.4%)	22 (27.8%)	1 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (6.3%)	70.9	42^nd of 145 public high schools	71.0%					(n/a)		71.4	34.3					$16,956
Griswold High School	Public	9-12	267 Slater Ave.	Griswold	06351	New London County	Griswold School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 376-7640	533	51	10.4	46.5%	393 (73.7%)	18 (3.4%)	74 (13.9%)	7 (1.3%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (7.1%)								(n/a)								$18,154
Montville High School	Public	9-12	800 Old Colchester Rd.	Oakdale	06370	New London County	Montville School District	No	No	No	No	(860) 848-9208	499	52	9.5	37.1%	303 (60.7%)	17 (3.4%)	66 (13.2%)	43 (8.6%)	3 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	64 (12.8%)								(n/a)	40.2							$22,722
Ledyard High School	Public	9-12	24 Gallup Hill Rd.	Ledyard	06339	New London County	Ledyard School District	No	No	No	No	(860) 464-9600	743	64	11.6	25.4%	512 (68.9%)	35 (4.7%)	97 (13.1%)	22 (3.0%)	24 (3.2%)	3 (0.4%)	49 (6.6%)	58.2	62^nd of 145 public high schools	57.2%					(n/a)	56.9	59.5	26.6					$18,778
Griswold Soule Street Academy	Public	7-12	22 Soule Street	Jewett City	06351	New London County	Griswold School District	No	No	No	No	(860) 376-9129	18	4	4.5	77.8%	10 (55.6%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (27.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (16.7%)								(n/a)								$44,574
Lyman Memorial High School	Public	9-12	917 Exeter Rd.	Lebanon	06249	New London County	Lebanon School District	No	No	No	No	(860) 642-7567	322	39	8.1	29.5%	273 (84.8%)	5 (1.6%)	26 (8.1%)	5 (1.6%)	4 (1.2%)	2 (0.6%)	7 (2.2%)	53.5	67^th of 145 public high schools	53.8%		65	55^th of 142 public high schools	61.3%	12		66.2	22.1					$25,334
Bacon Academy	Public	9-12	611 Norwich Ave.	Colchester	06415	New London County	Colchester School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 537-2378	672	61	10.9	26.6%	542 (80.7%)	15 (2.2%)	58 (8.6%)	17 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	38 (5.7%)	63.7	54^th of 145 public high schools	62.8%		79.2	33^rd of 142 public high schools	76.8%	21	49.6	64.4	35.6					$19,789
Wheeler High School	Public	7-12	297 Norwich/Westerly Rd.	North Stonington	06359	New London County	North Stonington School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 535-0377	343	41	8.4	19.0%	306 (89.2%)	3 (0.9%)	15 (4.4%)	6 (1.7%)	3 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (2.9%)	79.8	29^th of 145 public high schools	80.0%					(n/a)	69.6	77.2	36.8	64.7	47.4	52.9	57.9	$20,693

Norwich Free Academy

Norwich Free Academy:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Norwich Free Academy District:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for all students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for Special Education students at Norwich Free Academy

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

Rank History for Female students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for Male students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for Asian students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for African American students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for Hispanic students at Norwich Free Academy

Rank History for White students at Norwich Free Academy

Review counts

Enrollment information for Norwich Free Academy

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Norwich Free Academy

Student/Teacher Ratio Norwich Free Academy

Impact of COVID-19 on Norwich Free Academy

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Norwich Free Academy

Frequently Asked Questions about Norwich Free Academy

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