Best Central Manchester Public Elementary Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,589 students in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Connecticut public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Odyssey Community School
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
579 Middle Tpke West
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:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
163 Broad Street
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
141 Princeton Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3313
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #44.
Verplanck School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
126 Olcott Street
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3383
Gr: PK-4 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT include Odyssey Community School, Waddell School and Bowers School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester?
4 public elementary 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 elementary schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.

Quick Links