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Excellent

#30 of 990 schools in CT

Top 3% in state

Center for Global Studies

High School · Norwalk School District

300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854

Enrollment

284

Student-Teacher

8.6:1

Score

9.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Norwalk

#1 of 23

public schools

Connecticut high schools

#4 of 196

In district

#1 of 22

Norwalk School District

Academic performance

9.3 / 10

Exceptional

About Center for Global Studies

Center for Global Studies is a public high school in Norwalk, Connecticut, serving 284 students in grades 9 through 12. It earns a composite score of 9.1/10 — rated Exceptional — with an academic score of 9.3 and a growth score of 9.0. The numbers back that rating up.

The school ranks #1 among all 23 public schools in Norwalk and sits 4th out of 196 Connecticut high schools — placing it in a tier very few schools reach. Overall, it outperforms 97% of Connecticut public schools, a figure that reflects consistent, measurable results across both academic rigor and student growth, not just a single strong year. A student-teacher ratio of 8.6:1 keeps class sizes low across all four grade levels.

At 284 students total, the school operates at a scale where that ratio is sustainable. For families comparing high schools across Connecticut, Center for Global Studies sits near the top of a very competitive field — ranked 30th out of 990 public schools statewide, making it one of the strongest academic options available in the state.

What's said publicly about Center for Global Studies

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

The Center for Global Studies (CGS) is a high school located in Connecticut that operates as a magnet school. According to the school's website, CGS was ranked as the #3 Best High School in Connecticut and the #1 Magnet High School 1 . The school participates in academic competitions, with computer science students from CGS and Norwalk High School competing at CodeQuest 1 . Individual student achievements include a first-place win at the Young Entrepreneurs Showcase 1 . The school is part of the Norwalk Public Schools (NPS) district, which has seen seniors awarded over $1 million in scholarships from Livingstone College 1 . Administrative communications from Superintendent Dr. Estrella address budget appropriations and board matters for the FY2026-27 period 1 . The school calendar includes events such as new student registration, shadow days, and staff professional development 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. cgs.norwalkps.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.6:1, Center for Global Studies offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.11 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics9.3Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52%
Reading/ELA Proficiency87%
Overall Proficiency70%
Expected (poverty-adj.)53%
vs. Expected+16.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
College Readiness9.3Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation12.3%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio8.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$25,720

Center for Global Studies — Students at Center for Global Studies score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

33.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 52.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 84.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from CT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
54.5%
ELA
84.5%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
87%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.0/10.

How Center for Global Studies Compares

See how Center for Global Studies performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
9.1/10
97th percentile in CT
Academic
9.3/10
9.3/10
Growth
9.0/10
Above average
Environment
8.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
34%
Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
33 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
12.3% participation·143 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Center for Global Studies may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Royle Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Darien), with a very similar rating. Another option is Fox Run Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 2.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Tokeneke Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Darien), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Norwalk, see our Norwalk schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Brien McMahon High School Norwalk 0.0 mi 7.0
Brookside Elementary School Norwalk 0.3 mi 6.2
Roton Middle School Norwalk 0.6 mi 6.4
South Norwalk Elementary School Norwalk 0.8 mi 7.1
Side By Side Charter School Norwalk 1.0 mi 6.3
Rowayton School Norwalk 1.4 mi 8.0
Tokeneke Elementary School Darien 1.5 mi 8.3
Kendall College & Career Academy Norwalk 2.2 mi 3.7
Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School Norwalk 2.2 mi 4.1
ANCHOR ACADEMY DBA REGINA PACIS ACADEMY Norwalk 2.3 mi 5.0
Fox Run Elementary School Norwalk 2.4 mi 8.7
Concord Magnet School Norwalk 2.6 mi 8.1
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Norwalk 2.6 mi 5.5
Marvin Elementary School Norwalk 2.1 mi 4.0
Royle Elementary School Darien 2.1 mi 9.3
Tracey Magnet School Norwalk 2.9 mi 3.9
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Norwalk 3.2 mi 4.0
Nathan Hale Middle School Norwalk 2.9 mi 7.7
West Rocks Middle School Norwalk 3.5 mi 5.2
Ox Ridge Elementary School Darien 2.9 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 06854 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,399

Median Home Value

$453,400

Median Rent

$1,898/mo

Population

31,753

College Educated

35.9%

Homeownership

46.5%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

14.3%

Median Age

36.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Center for Global Studies has a median household income of $86,399. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $453,400, with a median rent of $1,898/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.3%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Connecticut IB Academy East Hartford, CT 9.1
Lyme-Old Lyme High School Old Lyme, CT 8.9
Marine Science Magnet High School Groton, CT 8.3
THE CHESHIRE ACADEMY Cheshire, CT 8.2
Wamogo Regional High School Litchfield, CT 8.2
Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering and Physical Sciences Magne Bridgeport, CT 8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Center for Global Studies

What grades does Center for Global Studies serve?

Center for Global Studies serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Center for Global Studies?

Center for Global Studies has an enrollment of approximately 284 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Center for Global Studies?

The student-teacher ratio at Center for Global Studies is 8.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Center for Global Studies rank in CT?

Center for Global Studies is ranked #30 out of 990 schools in CT.

What is Center for Global Studies's MySchoolScout rating?

Center for Global Studies has a composite rating of 9.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Center for Global Studies?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Center for Global Studies has 52.8% math proficiency and 84.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Center for Global Studies a charter school?

No, Center for Global Studies is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Center for Global Studies a Title I school?

No, Center for Global Studies is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Center for Global Studies?

33.8% of students at Center for Global Studies qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
27 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
35 Some Transit
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,589/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Norwalk). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
284
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
33
Free/Reduced Lunch
33.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Connecticut Planning Region 9
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Norwalk School District
District Enrollment
11,520
Schools in District
22
Per-Pupil Spending
$26,673
District Rank
#1 of 22

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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