Best Central Manchester Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,992 students in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT.
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Connecticut public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

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

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.
Manchester High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
134 Middletpke E
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3530
Gr: 9-12 | 1,703 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
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%
Rank: #66.
Illing Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
227 Middle Tpke E
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3400
Gr: 7-8 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 71%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester, CT include Odyssey Community School, Waddell School and Bowers School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Central Manchester, Manchester?
6 public 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 schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

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