Norwalk Public Schools has achieved significant academic gains, with students outperforming their peers in all other major Connecticut cities on recent standardized tests. For the first time, the district's students demonstrated greater year-over-year growth in English and math scores than the statewide average, according to data released in September.
Key Takeaways
- For the first time, Norwalk Public Schools showed greater growth in English and math scores compared to the Connecticut state average.
- Students in Norwalk scored higher in science, English, and math proficiency than students in any other major city in the state.
- The district saw a significant 17.7 percentage point increase in English SAT proficiency among high-needs students.
- Norwalk's graduation rate has reached 92.6%, and the district has also seen a decrease in chronic absenteeism.
District-Wide Performance Gains
Recent assessment results show that Norwalk students have surpassed those in Connecticut's other large urban centers, including Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury. The data covers several key standardized tests: the Smarter Balanced Assessment, the SAT, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The district's performance was strong across multiple metrics, including proficiency, overall performance, and individual student growth. This achievement was highlighted during a Board of Education meeting on September 16, where Superintendent Alexandra Estrella attributed the success to coordinated efforts across the school system.
"These achievements didn’t happen by accident. It happened as a result of really strategic coordination amongst departments and schools and working in unison with our support staff and personnel to ensure that our students thrive and succeed." — Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools
The Connecticut State Department of Education recognized Norwalk's progress, inviting the district to be one of only four in the state to present its assessment results at a statewide meeting.
Defining Student Growth
In education analytics, "growth" measures the academic progress of individual students over time. Unlike proficiency, which shows whether a student has met a specific standard, growth tracks how much a student has improved from their previous test scores. Norwalk's success in this area indicates that students are learning at an accelerated rate compared to their peers across the state.
Breakthroughs in Science and SAT Scores
One of the most notable achievements was in science. For the first time in the district's history, Norwalk students achieved a higher proficiency rate on the state science assessment than any other major city in Connecticut.
SAT scores also showed remarkable improvement. Norwalk students not only outscored their peers in other major cities but also demonstrated significant gains that narrowed the gap with the state average. This progress was particularly evident among specific student populations.
Major Gains for High-Needs Students
The district reported substantial progress for its high-needs students, a group that includes those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, English language learners, and students with disabilities. On the English portion of the SAT, the proficiency rate for this group in Norwalk increased dramatically.
SAT Proficiency Surge
- High-Needs Students (English SAT): Proficiency jumped from 24.9% in 2024 to 42.6% in 2025, an increase of 17.7 percentage points.
- All Norwalk Students (English SAT): Proficiency rose from 44.1% in 2024 to 54.5% in 2025.
- Statewide Average (English SAT): Proficiency increased from 54.8% to 58.0% during the same period.
Diane Filardo, the district's director of testing and accountability, pointed to these figures as clear evidence of accelerated learning. “This is an example of the gains and the high acceleration of those gains that we’re seeing in Norwalk by comparison to the state,” she said.
Factors Driving Academic Success
School officials identified several key strategies that contributed to the improved student outcomes. These initiatives were part of a multi-faceted approach to enhance teaching and learning across the district.
According to Filardo, the positive results were influenced by a combination of factors, including the implementation of new curriculum, strengthened intervention support for students who need extra help, and an improved overall school culture.
A Shift in Mindset
Superintendent Estrella noted a cultural shift in the city's high schools regarding the SAT. She explained that administrators worked to change the perception of the test from being solely for college-bound students to being a valuable indicator of workforce readiness for all graduates.
“Shifting that mindset has yielded a different level of accountability for the students,” Estrella said. This approach encouraged a broader range of students to take the assessment more seriously, contributing to the higher scores.
Broader Indicators of a Thriving District
Beyond test scores, Norwalk Public Schools has demonstrated improvement in other critical areas. The district has successfully reduced its rate of chronic absenteeism, ensuring more students are present for instruction. Furthermore, the high school graduation rate has climbed to an impressive 92.6%.
The district's progress has also led to increased opportunities for students of color. Board member Sheri McCready-Pritchett commented on the positive changes she has observed. “For the first time I am seeing some real progress,” she said. “There was a time when we didn’t see black and brown kids in advanced placement and in honors classes, but we’re seeing it now.”
In recognition of the district's positive trajectory under her leadership, the Board of Education voted to extend Superintendent Estrella's contract for an additional year, through June 30, 2028.
