Simsbury High Reports Gains In Rankings, AP Participation; But Also Absenteeism Issue

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury High School reported gains in national and state rankings, Advanced Placement participation and several measures of school discipline while administrators said artificial intelligence, academic integrity and chronic absenteeism will be among the school's priorities this year.

SHS Principal Maggie Seidel presented the school's academic report to the Simsbury Board of Education during its Sept. 22 meeting.

The school's theme for the 2026-27 academic year is "Make Your Mark."

Seidel said Simsbury High is ranked No. 3 in Hartford County, No. 10 in Connecticut and No. 465 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

According to the report presented to the board, those positions improved from No. 5 in the county, No. 14 statewide and No. 530 nationally during 2024-25.

Advanced Placement participation also increased. Seidel said 514 students took at least one AP class last year, compared with 489 the previous year.

Students took 1,122 AP exams, with 87% earning a score of 3 or higher, according to the report.

Successful completion of AP exams can result in college credit, saving future college students money in the future if enough course credits are attained.

Seidel also highlighted science testing results, saying Simsbury High ranked first among schools in its District Reference Group and third statewide on the Next Generation Science Standards assessment. Eighty-nine percent of students tested earned a score of 3 or higher.

The percentage of special education students scoring below goal on that assessment declined from 66%, representing 35 students, to 40%, representing 11 students, Seidel said.

SAT, College And Career Results

The school's average SAT English language arts score was 575, while its average math score was 549.4.

College readiness in ELA stood at 86.2%, which Seidel said ranked first in the district's reference group. Math college readiness was 58.1%, ranking fifth in the group.

SHS Assistant Principal Georgia Robert told the board that 77.4% of the Class of 2026 is attending a four-year college, while 14.5% is pursuing a two-year degree and 0.7% entered military service.

Another 6% went directly into employment, took a gap year, or entered a career education program.

Robert said 19% of graduates were accepted to a top 100 college as identified by U.S. News & World Report.

Administrators are also working to expand students' exposure to careers and trades.

Simsbury High held its second Career Fair for all 10th graders, bringing representatives from 30 industries to the school. It also held a Trade Fair featuring technical schools, general contractors, and others.

Robert said the school's Career Readiness Coordinator plans to send students information twice a month.

Discipline Numbers Decline

SHS Assistant Principal Ken Pera reported declines in several disciplinary measures between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.

Disciplinary referrals decreased 20%, tardiness declined 17%, and class cuts dropped 16%, according to the report.

Pera said chronic absenteeism and its effect on course credit remain areas the high school plans to address this year.

SHS Assistant Principal Scott Redman also presented results from student, family and staff surveys.

Among students surveyed, 62% said they felt supported by school staff, an increase of 6 percentage points from the previous year, while 66% said Simsbury High was safe and supportive.

Only 33% of students said the school's tardy policy motivates them to arrive on time.

Students also raised concerns about the Connect period, recognition of cultural and religious observances, recognition of non-athletic accomplishments, and enforcement of rules against cheating.

Simsbury Board of Education Chairman Jeff Tindall asked how students were cheating given the use of classroom phone storage systems.

Redman said some incidents stem from different testing environments and teachers not consistently requiring students to dock their phones.

Seidel said smartwatches are now also required to be placed in the phone storage system.

Parents Raise Vaping Concerns

The family survey received 149 responses.

Among respondents, 80% said their child feels a sense of belonging at Simsbury High, up 12 percentage points; 81% said students are encouraged to explore their interests, up 10 points; and 82% said students are motivated to learn, up 11 points.

Families continued to identify vaping and substance abuse as major concerns, according to the report.

Administrators said they have increased their presence around school bathrooms, while vape sensors remain in use.

Families also reported low awareness of career-related opportunities but responded positively to the school's cellphone policy.

AI, Academic Integrity Among 2026-27 Priorities

Seidel said Simsbury High's priorities for 2026-27 are centered on instruction, school culture, and maintaining a strong workforce.

Among the issues administrators plan to address are academic integrity, artificial intelligence, chronic absenteeism, communication, and improvements to the Connect period.

The school also plans to work on curriculum alignment, common assessments, grading practices, and strategies for closing academic achievement gaps.

Seidel said another challenge will be personalizing students' experiences, including through a digital Program of Studies and improved communication about post-secondary planning.

For the minutes of the Sept. 22 Simsbury Board of Education meeting, click on this link.