Sterling Opera House · Photo: Own work · CC BY-SA 3.0Derby’s public schools score below 88% of Connecticut districts on tests and graduation
In Derby, 23% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Connecticut average (40%). The grade covers the public school district serving Derby, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Connecticut, not nationally.
From Connecticut state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Derby’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 104 Connecticut towns with household incomes within a quarter of Derby’s, its schools beat 5%, lower than their 12% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 37% of tested students were proficient in reading and 23% in math, against 50% and 40% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
75–79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Connecticut (the state reports Derby’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $27,170 per student, against $25,892 across Connecticut (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Two elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Derby Middle School, then Derby High School. Enrollment is up 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Derby’s grade
D: better than 12% of Connecticut school districts, #142 of 152 Connecticut towns. Both inputs trail the Connecticut average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Derby, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Derby · depends on your address
Irving School
Grades K–5 · 322 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Bradley School
Grades K–5 · 244 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Derby
Derby High School
Grades 9–12 · 360 students · 10:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Derby
Derby High School
Grades 9–12 · 360 students · 10:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Derby
Derby High School
Grades 9–12 · 360 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Derby’s public schools are run by Derby School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Derby vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Connecticut towns that share Derby’s borders.
Every school in Derby
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Connecticut’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Derby’s schools
Are Derby’s schools good?
On Connecticut’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Derby children attend score below 88% of Connecticut’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #142 of 152 Connecticut towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 5%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Derby in?
Derby School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,289 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Derby kids go to high school?
Derby High School, with 360 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Derby’s graduation rate?
75–79% of the class of 2023 in Derby School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Connecticut.
How much does Derby spend per student?
$27,170 in Derby School District (FY2024), against $25,892 across Connecticut. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Derby families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Derby → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Connecticut. Stars are from neighbors.