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GreatSchools Rating

Norwich Free Academy

Public | 9-12 | 2381 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
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15 reviews of this school


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Posted May 10, 2012

Our daughter is a freshman at NFA and we love the school! She came to the school from a small town, but has been welcomed and is transitioning well. The art department is exceptional and the faculty is enthusiastic and exemplifies all that teachers should be! If you have school choice, please consider NFA! You will not be sorry!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 22, 2011

NFA is a wonderful school with opportunities for all students. It's strong sports, arts, and academic program teamed with it's thriving campus and supportive staff makes it an amazing place to go to school everyday.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 3, 2009

NFA does a wonderful job educating not only students from Norwich, but also several surrounding towns. It offers a broad selection of classes, and maintains a quality education for any student that wants it.


Posted October 3, 2009

One of the best schools in the country. My fourth child is there now. So many excellent teachers who really care about their students. Because of its lay-out NFA is like a college campus and the kids get a taste of what college is like. The security is very good and discipline is enforced and consistent. The students do very well when they graduate. NFA is also a blue ribbon school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2009

This palce is amazing! It has a campus full of flowering trees. The students are bused in from all over the region. there is a c eclectic group of students from every walk of life. The arts include, an art school at a college level, the theatre, the music, liberal arts, languages and sports all year long. it even boasts its own museum, The Slater Museum. A classic beauty this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2009

NFA is a remarkable school offering an amazing array of subjects and life experiences to the students. I have found that they are responsive to the needs of the children, families and communities that they serve - embracing the diversity and addressing the needs. As a parent, I am very pleased with the growth and learning that I have witnessed in my son during his time at NFA, and encourage others to take advantage of the opportunities they make available to us.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

Since NFA isn't funded by taxes, they have been able to provide classes, activities, and programs far beyond what is available at most area schools. In addition to having their own museum on the campus, the school's marching band has won a national championship within the past decade. Since the emphasis at NFA is on preparation for college, a higher-than-average percentage of the graduates go on to further education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 23, 2008

NFA gives you the chance to take college prep courses and explore different clubs. no matter what you're interests are
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 1, 2008

I am going to be a Junior this up coming year at NFA and it is, needless to say, one of the BEST schools I have ever been to. There are many opportunities to try out a different subject and tamper around with things which could ultimately help you decide a major for college. And, like another person stated, the food is amazing! Double underline that. People are kind and generally open to meeting others and if you find you don't like certain people wait a couple weeks and your bound to find someone you do. I could honestly ramble about how much I love going to this school, but that would take up too much room. Seriously, look at most of the reviewers, they're all students and they all love this place. Needless to say, there will NEVER be a dull moment in this place.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 28, 2008

This is my sophmore year at Norwich Free Academy, previously I was at Fitch Senior High in Groton. And what a huge difference! The teachers are the most influencial people you will ever meet and my god talk about variety! You can truly shine as who you are with all of the clubs and extra-curricular activities, you will never be faced with being the outcast. The food (pizza) is unutterably ambrosial and come on... how many other high school students outside of NFA can say that? Also cliques at this prestigeous place do not really exist and if they do it's very low key. I don't want to ever leave!
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 5, 2007

im a student at nfa right now and its the best school ive ever been too. its not like most high schools. its set up like a college campus with different buildings and a wide range of classes to choose from. the sports teams are amazing. im looking forward to joining one in the coming months and your given alot more freedom here. you still have to follow the school's rules but you can do so much. its really a great school. their art classes are amazing.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 11, 2004

Truly amazing, I'm a army brat so i've been to 3 different high schools before this across the country and none of them compare to this. it is an honor to actually get to go here for free. and if you live in preston or lisbon do not take your child to ledyard or griswold high because you think the city of norwich has a drug problem, yes they really do, but NFA has serious crackdowns on anyone who tries to get any in! it's like a $100 bill in the middle of a dump.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 18, 2004

I just graduated with the Class of 2004 from NFA. I can't believe I won't be returning next year. I am going to miss the unbelievable teachers and the class selection was great. NFA is such a good school that we are known all over New England, not just in Connecticut. NFA has made me so prepared for college, and I have met a lot of great people in the faculty and students. WE truly were the 'Salad Bowl' of Norwich.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted January 5, 2004

I'm not a parent, but a student. I think NFA is an awesome school and deserves the awards it gets. They have great teachers who help you, tons of elective classes, and an overall friendly atmosphere. What more can ya ask for?! You make new friends with all types of races and religions. Teachers respect their students and gain their respect in return. I hope everyone in the area goes to NFA because it's the best high school out there!
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 25, 2003

I'm a current student at NFA! I just wanted to say how good NFA is! It has tradition and innovation!! Its safety and dicipline is top level while still a good school environment! The Teachers help you plan and achieve your goals in life! The have over 50 clubs to choose from including Bowling, Book, and Environmental club! It has also been awarded a blue ribbon school, so if that doesn't tell you how good the school is, I don't know what will!


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

Grade level

Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2009.

528 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
84%

2007

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2009.

559 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
84%

2007

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2009.

554 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
80%

2008

 
 
83%

2007

 
 
89%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 87% in 2009.

545 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
89%

2007

 
 
84%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2008-2009 Connecticut used the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) to test students' skills in reading, writing, science and math in grade 10. The CAPT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Connecticut.

See Connecticut's state standards

Source: Connecticut Department of Education

Math

All Students79%
Female78%
Male80%
Black46%
Asian American88%
Hispanic57%
White88%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Not economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilities29%
Students without disabilities86%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English80%

Reading

All Students80%
Female85%
Male75%
Black63%
Asian American81%
Hispanic61%
White87%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilities35%
Students without disabilities88%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English82%

Science

All Students80%
Female82%
Male79%
Black56%
Asian American94%
Hispanic52%
White89%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilities36%
Students without disabilities88%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English82%

Writing

All Students84%
Female90%
Male78%
Black68%
Asian American90%
Hispanic67%
White90%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilities37%
Students without disabilities92%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English85%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2008-2009 Connecticut used the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) to test students' skills in reading, writing, science and math in grade 10. The CAPT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Connecticut.

The different student groups are identified by the Connecticut Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Connecticut's state standards

Source: Connecticut Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 68% 64%
Black 13% 14%
Hispanic 10% 17%
Asian/Pacific Islander 7% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 15%N/A30%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

305 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: (860) 887-2505

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