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 1,124 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 41%). 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 13:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 54% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,124 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 53% (Btm 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (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 1,124 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 84 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,124 students
Total Classroom Teachers
84 teachers
Year Founded
1859
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
James Hillhouse 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 James Hillhouse High School is 0.62, 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
#895 out of 939 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
40%
32%
Black
47%
12%
White
6%
46%
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
53%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
38%
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Hillhouse High School's ranking?
James Hillhouse High School is ranked #895 out of 939 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% 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 53%, which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend James Hillhouse High School?
1,124 students attend James Hillhouse High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of James Hillhouse High School students are Black, 40% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 3% 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 13:1, 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.
School Reviews
Review James Hillhouse High 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
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
