James Hillhouse High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school in New Haven, Connecticut. It serves grades 9–12. Formerly New Haven High School, it is the oldest public high school in New Haven, and is part of the New Haven Public Schools.
Serving 1,101 students in grades 9-12, James Hillhouse High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Connecticut for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,101 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 57% (Btm 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Hillhouse High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James Hillhouse High School's student population of 1,101 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,101 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1859
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
James Hillhouse High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 942 schools in Connecticut (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Hillhouse High School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#865 out of 942 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
47%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
41%
31%
Black
48%
12%
White
5%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
57%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Hillhouse High School's ranking?
James Hillhouse High School is ranked #865 out of 942 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% CT state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
What is the graduation rate of James Hillhouse High School?
The graduation rate of James Hillhouse High School is 57%, which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend James Hillhouse High School?
1,101 students attend James Hillhouse High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of James Hillhouse High School students are Black, 41% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James Hillhouse High School?
James Hillhouse High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does James Hillhouse High School offer ?
James Hillhouse High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James Hillhouse High School part of?
James Hillhouse High School is part of New Haven School District.
In what neighborhood is James Hillhouse High School located?
James Hillhouse High School is located in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven, CT. There are 1 other public schools located in Dixwell.
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