John F. Kennedy High School is a high school, located in the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, United States. U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was a teacher here, and won National Teacher of the Year in 2016, prior to her successful run for congress in 2018.
Serving 1,391 students in grades 9-12, John F. Kennedy 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 8% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (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 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,391 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John F. Kennedy High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
John F. Kennedy High School's student population of 1,391 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 99 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,391 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
99 teachers
School Rankings
John F. Kennedy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 939 schools in Connecticut (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John F. Kennedy High School is 0.56, 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
#862 out of 939 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
47%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
62%
31%
Black
22%
12%
White
11%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John F. Kennedy High School's ranking?
John F. Kennedy High School is ranked #862 out of 939 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What schools are John F. Kennedy High School often compared to?
John F. Kennedy High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Wilby High School, Crosby High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% CT state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
What is the graduation rate of John F. Kennedy High School?
The graduation rate of John F. Kennedy High School is 78%, which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend John F. Kennedy High School?
1,391 students attend John F. Kennedy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of John F. Kennedy High School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 11% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of John F. Kennedy High School?
John F. Kennedy High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does John F. Kennedy High School offer ?
John F. Kennedy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John F. Kennedy High School part of?
John F. Kennedy High School is part of Waterbury School District.
School Reviews
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