Brien McMahon High School is a secondary school located in Norwalk, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Brien McMahon, a former United States Senator from Norwalk. The school's mascot is a Senator and its colors are red, white, and blue. The school's first senior class graduated in 1962.
Serving 1,766 students in grades 9-12, Brien Mcmahon 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 21% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Connecticut state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,766 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Btm 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Brien Mcmahon High School's student population of 1,766 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 115 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,766 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
115 teachers
Year Founded
1960
School Rankings
Brien Mcmahon 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 Brien Mcmahon High School is 0.57, 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
#666 out of 939 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
47%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
5%
Hispanic
61%
31%
Black
13%
12%
White
20%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Senator
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brien Mcmahon High School's ranking?
Brien Mcmahon High School is ranked #666 out of 939 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What schools are Brien Mcmahon High School often compared to?
Brien Mcmahon High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Norwalk High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% CT state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Brien Mcmahon High School?
The graduation rate of Brien Mcmahon High School is 89%, which is equal to the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend Brien Mcmahon High School?
1,766 students attend Brien Mcmahon High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Brien Mcmahon High School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 13% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Brien Mcmahon High School?
Brien Mcmahon High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does Brien Mcmahon High School offer ?
Brien Mcmahon High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Brien Mcmahon High School part of?
Brien Mcmahon High School is part of Norwalk School District.
School Reviews
Review Brien Mcmahon 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
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
