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Hartford Schools Background Information The Hartford Public Schools are in a better position today than they have been in years. Student achievement is improving, more students are graduating, fewer are dropping out, and more are going to college than ever before. The students Hartford’s 40 public schools serve a diverse student population divided among 22 elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools and 12 inter-district magnet schools. About 95% of the students have been identified as minorities, with Asian Americans 1%, black 40%, Hispanic 53%, and white 5%. Within these broad bands students’ dominant languages span a wide spectrum. More than 50 languages are spoken in Hartford schools, including Spanish, Bosnian, Albanian, Somali, Farsi, etc. Students newly immigrated to this country (here three years or less) number 2,500, coming from 93 countries. This incredible diversity has profoundly changed the face of the city in many positive ways. It has also created new cultural and social needs which schools must take into account as they strive to improve student performance across the board. Yet, at the same time, they must meet increasingly sophisticated educational standards for all students. Two-thirds of students receive free and reduced price meals (66.6%). Many of the students come from families receiving AFDC. Almost half come from a non-English speaking home setting and slightly more than half of kindergartners attended preschool, nursery school or Head Start. About 41% are victims of child poverty, a quarter were born to teenaged mothers, and many were born to mothers who received little or no prenatal care. On average, there are 14.6 students per teacher and 18-20 students per classroom. The drop-out rate for Hartford students has been a source of on-going concern, but is steadily improving. In 1995-96 the rate was 23.4%. For the class of 2004 it was 20.8%, improving to 15% for the class of 2005. Program and school identity Hartford’s 24,000 students each attend one of 39 schools, each as diverse and distinctive as the students who attend them. The majority of schools (15) educate children from pre-K to grade 6. Two schools provide PK-5 instruction. Eight schools provide PK-8; two provide 6-8; two are 7-8; six are 9-12; two are 6-12 and two are PK-7. Magnet Schools The Hartford Interdistrict Magnet Schools are a series of 12 regional schools that have been established by the Hartford Public Schools and made available to students throughout the 33 town Greater Hartford region. Each school has a core program that meets the highest state and national standards for curriculum, instruction, and student achievement. Additionally, each magnet school has its own specialized curriculum “theme” or approach to teaching. The unique characteristics of each school are intended to attract parents and students who find these features responsive to their needs and interests. At least 30 percent of the students attending the magnet schools come from suburban school districts. The remaining students come from Hartford. There are no tuition or transportation costs for parents of the sending school districts. Last year, approximately 3,000 students applied to the magnet schools, including 1,018 from the suburbs. All available suburban seats were filled by a lottery process. Operation of the Hartford magnet schools is supported by a three-year, $8.6 million federal grant. In addition, the state of Connecticut is funding 95% to 100% of the cost of renovating or constructing Hartford’s magnet schools. Physical Facilities Hartford Public Schools, in partnership with the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut, has embarked on one of the most ambitious school construction plans in the city’s history. Currently, seven major school building projects are underway totaling $294 million in costs. An additional 20 Hartford schools will be renovated and/or expanded over the next seven years at a projected cost of $699 million, for a total investment of $993 million. The City bonds the money with reimbursement from the state ranging from 70 percent to 100 percent. Finances
Governance After a state takeover of the schools, local control was returned in 2003 with the installation of a seven-member Board of Education, comprised of four appointed and three members elected at large. In 2006, the Board was expanded to nine members, as proscribed in the new “Strong-Mayor” form of city government, with five members appointed by the Mayor (who is also Chairman of the BOE), and four members elected at large. Challenges Hartford’s size, financial resources and governing structure present a unique opportunity for highly qualified and motivated educators to make a positive impact. Because the Hartford school system faces many of the challenges urban school districts face nationwide, Hartford can become a positive test case for other districts in transition. Because of the Mayor’s strong personal commitment to improving the schools, and widespread community and civic awareness and desire to help, Hartford has a meaningful change to make school improvement happen. About Hartford | About Hartford Public Schools | Applications |
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