For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,148 students in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT.
The top-ranked public schools in Central Manchester are Odyssey Community School, Waddell School and Bowers School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Connecticut public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Odyssey Community School
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
579 Middle Tpke West
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 645-1234
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 645-1234
Gr: PK-8 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #22.
Waddell School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
163 Broad Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3392
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3392
Gr: PK-4 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Bowers School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
141 Princeton Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3313
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3313
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #44.
Manchester High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
134 Middletpke E
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3530
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3530
Gr: 9-12 | 1,703 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Verplanck School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
126 Olcott Street
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3383
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3383
Gr: PK-4 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #66.
Illing Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
227 Middle Tpke E
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3400
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3400
Gr: 7-8 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT include Odyssey Community School, Waddell School and Bowers School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester?
6 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester?
the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester public schools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.