Photo: Magicpiano · CC BY-SA 4.0Hamden’s public schools score below 78% of Connecticut districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Hamden’s districts is 33%, below the Connecticut average (40%). The grade covers the public school district serving Hamden, 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 97% 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.
Hamden’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 160 Connecticut towns with household incomes within a quarter of Hamden’s, its schools beat 9%, lower than their 22% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 45% of tested students were proficient in reading and 33% in math, against 50% and 40% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Connecticut. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $27,043 per student, against $25,892 across Connecticut (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Eight elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Hamden Middle School, then Hamden High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Hamden Hall Country Day School (private), St. Rita School (private), Sacred Heart Academy (private), Cedarhurst School (private) and Laurel Oaks Adventist School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
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 Hamden’s grade
C−: better than 22% of Connecticut school districts, #127 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 Hamden, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Hamden
Hamden Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 845 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Hamden
Hamden Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 845 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Hamden
Hamden High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,609 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Hamden
Hamden High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,609 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Hamden
Hamden High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,609 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Hamden
Hamden High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,609 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Hamden’s public schools are run by Hamden 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
Hamden vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Connecticut towns that share Hamden’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Hamden | C− | Hamden |
| North Haven | B | North Haven |
| New Haven | D | New Haven |
| Bethany | A | Bethany PK–6 · Regional School District 05 7–12 |
| Woodbridge | A | Woodbridge PK–6 · Regional School District 05 7–12 |
| Cheshire | A | Cheshire |
| Wallingford | C+ | Wallingford |
Every school in Hamden
17 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (REGIONS secure Hamden).
Questions about Hamden’s schools
Are Hamden’s schools good?
On Connecticut’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Hamden children attend score below 78% of Connecticut’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #127 of 152 Connecticut towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 9%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Hamden in?
Hamden School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 5,012 students in 10 schools (2024–25).
Where do Hamden kids go to high school?
Hamden High School, with 1,609 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Hamden’s graduation rate?
79% of the class of 2023 in Hamden School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Connecticut.
How much does Hamden spend per student?
$27,043 in Hamden School District (FY2024), against $25,892 across Connecticut. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Hamden?
Yes: Hamden Hall Country Day School (nonsectarian, grades PK–12, 655 students), St. Rita School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 359 students), Sacred Heart Academy (catholic · all-girls, grades 9–12, 316 students), Cedarhurst School (special education, grades 7–12, 54 students) and Laurel Oaks Adventist School (religious, grades PK–8, 42 students).
Parents talk
What Hamden families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Hamden → 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.