Average
#675 of 990 schools in CT
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy
Middle School · Norwalk School District
21 Hunters Lane, Norwalk, CT 06850
Enrollment
622
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
622
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Norwalk
#15 of 23
public schools
Connecticut middle schools
#138 of 180
In district
#14 of 22
Norwalk School District
School environment
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Ponus Ridge Steam Academy
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy is a middle school located in the bustling suburbs of Norwalk, Connecticut. Serving students from sixth through eighth grade, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy offers a comprehensive education to its 622 enrolled students with a student-teacher ratio of 11.5:1, ensuring individualized attention and support. The school prides itself on its team of 54 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering a stimulating learning environment.
While Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy has room for academic growth, it is committed to improving the educational experience of its students through various initiatives and programs tailored to meet their needs. On standardized tests, 36% of students are proficient in English Language Arts/Reading, and 20% are proficient in Math, indicating areas where focused improvement efforts are underway. Set amidst a large suburban community, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy is well-positioned to offer its students not only strong academic programs but also opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.
The school’s setting provides a vibrant backdrop for both learning and personal growth.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy — Students at Ponus Ridge Steam Academy score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.6%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 5.1/10.
How Ponus Ridge Steam Academy Compares
See how Ponus Ridge Steam Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 25% (2019) to 16% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 43% (2019) to 31% (2022).
Location
21 Hunters Lane, Norwalk, CT 06850
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ponus Ridge Steam Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Saxe Middle School (rated 7.9/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby New Canaan), which scores notably higher. Another option is Nathan Hale Middle School (rated 7.7/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Roton Middle School (rated 6.4/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Norwalk, see our Norwalk schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Concord Magnet School Norwalk | 0.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Kendall College & Career Academy Norwalk | 0.5 mi | 3.7 |
| Fox Run Elementary School Norwalk | 0.8 mi | 8.7 |
| Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School Norwalk | 1.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School Norwalk | 1.7 mi | 3.5 |
| WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Norwalk | 1.5 mi | 4.0 |
| Tracey Magnet School Norwalk | 1.4 mi | 3.9 |
| ANCHOR ACADEMY DBA REGINA PACIS ACADEMY Norwalk | 1.5 mi | 5.0 |
| West Rocks Middle School Norwalk | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Brookside Elementary School Norwalk | 2.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Side By Side Charter School Norwalk | 2.2 mi | 6.3 |
| South Norwalk Elementary School Norwalk | 2.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Brien McMahon High School Norwalk | 2.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Center for Global Studies Norwalk | 2.6 mi | 9.1 |
| Norwalk Early Childhood Center Norwalk | 2.3 mi | 4.9 |
| Saxe Middle School New Canaan | 2.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Roton Middle School Norwalk | 3.1 mi | 6.4 |
| East School New Canaan | 2.7 mi | 9.0 |
| Nathan Hale Middle School Norwalk | 2.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Ox Ridge Elementary School Darien | 2.7 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 06850 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$121,910
Median Home Value
$562,900
Median Rent
$2,283/mo
Population
19,774
College Educated
52.4%
Homeownership
54.9%
Avg Commute
26.5 min
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Median Age
40
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ponus Ridge Steam Academy has a median household income of $121,910. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $562,900, with a median rent of $2,283/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Middle School of Plainville Plainville, CT | 5.5 |
| Sage Park Middle School Windsor, CT | 5.5 |
| Edison Middle School Meriden, CT | 5.6 |
| Leonard J. Tyl Middle School Oakdale, CT | 5.4 |
| North End Middle School Waterbury, CT | 5.6 |
| North Haven Middle School North Haven, CT | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ponus Ridge Steam Academy
What grades does Ponus Ridge Steam Academy serve?
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Ponus Ridge Steam Academy?
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy has an enrollment of approximately 622 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponus Ridge Steam Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Ponus Ridge Steam Academy is 11.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ponus Ridge Steam Academy rank in CT?
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy is ranked #675 out of 990 schools in CT.
What is Ponus Ridge Steam Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Ponus Ridge Steam Academy has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Ponus Ridge Steam Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ponus Ridge Steam Academy has 20.0% math proficiency and 36.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ponus Ridge Steam Academy a charter school?
No, Ponus Ridge Steam Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ponus Ridge Steam Academy a Title I school?
No, Ponus Ridge Steam Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ponus Ridge Steam Academy?
60.6% of students at Ponus Ridge Steam Academy 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
- City Safety
- High (1,589/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Norwalk). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 622
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 54
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Connecticut Planning Region 9
- Phone
- (203) 847-3557
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Norwalk School District- District Enrollment
- 11,520
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $26,673
- District Rank
- #14 of 22
Other Schools in This District
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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