Hartford Magnet Middle School, Hartford

• Ranked #3 (tie) in CT for middle school African American Scores
• Ranked #6 in CT for middle school Hispanic Scores
• Ranked #10 in CT for middle schoolLow-Income Scores

Location: 53 Vernon Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Principal: Cecilia J. Green
Phone: 860-757-6200
Website

Basic Information

Type: Interdistrict Magnet School
Size: 597 students
Grades: 6-8

African American: 42%
Hispanic: 40%
Low Income: 95%

Performance

Of the 78 public middle schools in Connecticut with publicly reported CMT scores for African Americans, Hartford Magnet Middle School had the 3rd highest percentage of African Americans within goal range (67 percent) in the state. In 2006, Hartford Magnet also had the 6th highest Hispanic scores (55 percent within goal range) and the 10th highest low-income students scores (59 percent).

Elements of Success

The Hartford Magnet Middle School (HMMS) brings together students from 23 surrounding districts in an environment dedicated to student achievement. Over the past five years the school has been managed by the Capitol Regional Educational Council (CREC), one of six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) in the state of Connecticut. In 2006, HMMS will be run as part of the Hartford School district, under the leadership of Principal Cecilia Green, who took over the reins a year before from Dolores Bolton, who led the school’s initial turnaround.

At the core of HMMS’ success is its team focus on student achievement. Each of the school’s grades have two academic teams, with an instructional coach working with the teachers and students in each team to ensure that every student is learning the knowledge, skills and abilities expected of them across their subjects. In addition to its collaboration with the Greater Hartford Arts and Science Academies, HMMS draws upon partnerships with Trinity College to expand the learning experiences of both students and staff.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in “Encore” classes covering everything from Graphic Arts to Orchestra to swimming. Likewise, students are encouraged to try out for HMMS’ 110 member marching band, the Marching Phoenix, which was recognized as the “Best All Around Middle School Band” from the 2005 Hartford Veteran’s Day parade.