New Beginnings Inc Family Academy
New Beginnings Inc Family Academy serves 502 students in grades Prekindergarten-8.
New Beginnings Inc Family Academy placed in the bottom 50% of all schools in Connecticut for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 48%) for the 2018-19 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 58%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 50% (majority Hispanic and Black).
School Overview
New Beginnings Inc Family Academy's student population of 502 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
502 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers

Students by Grade

School Calendar
School Calendar
View the New Beginnings Inc Family Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of Summer Academy (Events)
July 06, 2022 (Wednesday)
Last Day of Summer Academy (Events)
August 05, 2022 (Friday)
First Day of School for all Students (Events)
August 29, 2022 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break (Events)
November 23, 2022 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break (Events)
November 24, 2022 (Thursday)
School Rankings
New Beginnings Inc Family Academy is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 957 schools in Connecticut (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2018-19 school year.
The diversity score of New Beginnings Inc Family Academy is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#821 out of 957 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
48%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
58%

Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
12:1

American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%

Hispanic
36%
28%

Black
60%
13%

White
2%
50%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%

All Ethnic Groups



National School Lunch Program
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
36%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2020-2021 (latest school year available) NCES, CT Dept. of Education
School Reviews
5 9/20/2006
New Beginnings Family Academy has undergone a plethora of change over the past year. Our academic performance was what I have understood to be comparable to our surrounding schools. This measuring stick was not acceptable, as our surrounding schools perform at levels unworthy of praise. If our school continued on its beaten path, closure would have been inevitable.In 2004-2005, our school board made drastic changes which involved staffing, leadership, and the curriculum. Initially, the board, parents, staff, and leaders were torn over their difficult but necessary measures. Change is never easy and these changes divided our school community and affected the morale of students, parents, leaders, and staff alike. Parental involvement declined. The turn over in staff and leadership affected many on a personal level. It was often difficult to see that the changes were about the education of our children and not our personal feelings and relationships with our educators.Many, including myself, criticized the manner in which these decisions were executed. We lacked understanding regarding the confidential matters leading up to their “shake up” of our school. In retrospect, they were difficult and necessary changes. I commend our board for what in retrospect was an unenviable act of courage and responsibility to our children.Our new principal, Wilson Willard III, comes to us from the prestigious W.E.B Dubois Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio. His reputation for academic excellence precedes him. He had taken a comparable school in his former district and turned it into the academic powerhouse that all children deserve. Willard has the challenging and baffling task of restructuring our school’s academic performance and renewing our school spirit and morale. In a matter of months, he has set the standard for what we foresee as a successful academic plan. His untraditional methods and willingness to think outside of the box are clearly evident and encouraging. He grounds his decisions and plans in research, fact and appears to make things practical. He is holding all parties accountable for their role in educating our children. Willard holds our children and educators equally responsible for academic excellence.Parental involvement is increasing and trust in our educators is also on the rise. I believe that New Beginnings Family Academy has reached a crossroads and is on the right path. Soon, a seat in our school will be coveted and sought after by many.The opportunity for involvement in music, art, sports, and other extracurricular activities are limited. Those activities that are available are being granted upon each student’s ability to prove that he or she can read, write, and perform mathematics at or above grade level.There was a point in which I was uncertain that I would make a recommendation to this school. Currently, I am confident to recommend New Beginnings Family Academy to all.
Review New Beginnings Inc Family Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Nearby Homes for Sale
-
205 HAMILTON ST
BRIDGEPORT, CT$449,900- 5 Beds | 3 Baths
- (0.31 miles from school)
-
752 BEECHWOOD AVE
BRIDGEPORT, CT$299,000- 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- (2.07 miles from school)
-
349 GRIFFIN AVE
BRIDGEPORT, CT$399,900- 2 Beds | 1 Bath
- (2.59 miles from school)
-
1670 ELM ST
STRATFORD, CT$510,000- 4 Beds | 3 Baths
- (2.72 miles from school)
Recent Articles

School Safety: Shootings
Teachers and parents must be prepared for anything that impacts the safety of our young people.

What are the Top High Schools in Boston?
We review recent rankings from Boston Magazine that shows the top-rated high schools in this extensive school district.

An Overview of the Funding of Public Schools
Learn about how public schools are funded today and how the federal and local monies are allocated.