Average
#758 of 990 schools in CT
James Hillhouse High School
High School · New Haven School District
480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT 06511
Enrollment
1,101
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,101
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In New Haven
#16 of 42
public schools
Connecticut high schools
#158 of 196
In district
#14 of 37
New Haven School District
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About James Hillhouse High School
James Hillhouse High School serves 1,101 students in grades 9-12 in New Haven, Connecticut, with a student-teacher ratio of 14.3:1 and 77 full-time equivalent teachers. As a regular public school located on Sherman Parkway, Hillhouse operates in an urban environment with significant opportunities for student growth and development. The school currently faces academic challenges, with 17% of students performing at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and 8% reaching proficiency in mathematics.
These results place Hillhouse at #956 out of 996 Connecticut high schools, indicating substantial room for improvement in student achievement outcomes. The surrounding 06511 neighborhood reflects New Haven's diverse character, with a median household income of $55,248 and median home values around $291,200. The community shows strong educational attainment, with 50% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, though the area also experiences economic challenges with a poverty rate of 26.6%.
With a population of nearly 56,000 in the immediate area, James Hillhouse High School sits within one of Connecticut's most vibrant mid-size cities, offering students access to the cultural and educational resources that come with New Haven's rich academic and urban environment.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at James Hillhouse High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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James Hillhouse High School — Students at James Hillhouse High School score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 17%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from CT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.4/10.
How James Hillhouse High School Compares
See how James Hillhouse High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 7.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 17% (2019) to 17% (2022).
Location
480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT 06511
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Hillhouse High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Cooperative High School - Inter-District Magnet (rated 7.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hill Regional Career High School (rated 5.3/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Eli Whitney Technical High School (rated 5.0/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Hamden), with a very similar rating. For more schools in New Haven, see our New Haven schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 06511 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,300
Median Home Value
$313,400
Median Rent
$1,534/mo
Population
54,744
College Educated
47.9%
Homeownership
20.1%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
25.8%
Median Age
29.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding James Hillhouse High School has a median household income of $56,300. It is a well-educated community where 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $313,400, with a median rent of $1,534/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| A. I. Prince Technical High School Hartford, CT | 5.0 |
| Stratford High School Stratford, CT | 5.0 |
| Windham High School Willimantic, CT | 4.9 |
| Connecticut River Academy at Goodwin University East Hartford, CT | 4.8 |
| Waterbury Career Academy Waterbury, CT | 4.8 |
| Bunnell High School Stratford, CT | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Hillhouse High School
What grades does James Hillhouse High School serve?
James Hillhouse High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend James Hillhouse High School?
James Hillhouse High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,101 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Hillhouse High School?
The student-teacher ratio at James Hillhouse High School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Hillhouse High School rank in CT?
James Hillhouse High School is ranked #758 out of 990 schools in CT.
What is James Hillhouse High School's MySchoolScout rating?
James Hillhouse High School has a composite rating of 5.0 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 James Hillhouse High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Hillhouse High School has 4.2% math proficiency and 15.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is James Hillhouse High School a charter school?
No, James Hillhouse High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Hillhouse High School a Title I school?
No, James Hillhouse High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Hillhouse High School?
81.8% of students at James Hillhouse High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,101
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 77
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Connecticut Planning Region 7
- Phone
- (475) 220-7500
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
New Haven School District- District Enrollment
- 18,966
- Schools in District
- 37
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $23,603
- District Rank
- #14 of 37
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 methodologyRelated reading
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