The Norwich Free Academy, founded in 1854 and in operation since 1856, is a coeducational independent school for students between the 9th and 12th grade.
Serving 2,001 students in grades 9-12, Norwich Free Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Connecticut for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,001 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Btm 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Norwich Free Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Norwich Free Academy's student population of 2,001 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 147 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,001 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
147 teachers
Year Founded
1854
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
School Rankings
Norwich Free Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 939 schools in Connecticut (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Norwich Free Academy is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#615 out of 939 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
29%
31%
Black
14%
12%
White
43%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Norwich Free Academy's ranking?
Norwich Free Academy is ranked #615 out of 939 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% CT state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Norwich Free Academy?
The graduation rate of Norwich Free Academy is 89%, which is equal to the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend Norwich Free Academy?
2,001 students attend Norwich Free Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Norwich Free Academy students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Norwich Free Academy?
Norwich Free Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does Norwich Free Academy offer ?
Norwich Free Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Norwich Free Academy part of?
Norwich Free Academy is part of Norwich Free Academy School District.
School Reviews
4 4/14/2018
I really enjoyed the time I spent here. There were tons of respectful teachers, amazing buildings, and just so much that I appreciate. I've been a student here and I'm glad to say that I'll miss this school in the future. At this school, I felt safe and happy most of the time. The only problem is their food is decent and they lack Wi-Fi. Overall, I am glad that I'll be graduating this High School and I will always be known as a wildcat.
5 12/3/2008
Norwich Free Academy offers more than 200 extracurricular activities. Between sports and clubs, there is something for each individual to take part in. The teacher at this school put the students education first, and they all have different ways of teaching. They are all there after school for the students benefits. Also, with the outdoor transfer to classes, and intake of each season, and the constant surrounding of security guards, make you feel safe in this educational grounds, makes for an incomparable high school experience
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