Serving 606 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Wendell L. Cross 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 17% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (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 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 54% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 606 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CT
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wendell L. Cross School serves the southeast part of Waterbury, CT, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 2.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wendell L. Cross School's student population of 606 students has grown by 88% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has grown by 100% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
606 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2024
School Calendar
School Motto
Students will be empowered to think and reason through meaningful integrated instruction with the commitment of the entire Wendell L. Cross community.
School Rankings
Wendell L. Cross 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 Wendell L. Cross School is 0.64, 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
#767 out of 939 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
50%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
53%
32%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
23%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
15%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.5%
19.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
38%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
6%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Wildcats
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wendell L. Cross School's ranking?
Wendell L. Cross School is ranked #767 out of 939 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What schools are Wendell L. Cross School often compared to?
Wendell L. Cross Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Gilmartin School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% CT state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
How many students attend Wendell L. Cross School?
606 students attend Wendell L. Cross School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Wendell L. Cross School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 15% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wendell L. Cross School?
Wendell L. Cross School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does Wendell L. Cross School offer ?
Wendell L. Cross School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Wendell L. Cross School part of?
Wendell L. Cross School is part of Waterbury School District.
School Reviews
Review Wendell L. Cross School. 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
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
