In Newsweek's 2005 poll, FHS was ranked #1 in Connecticut and #271 in the nation, scoring high on both the challenge index and the equity and excellence index.

Presently, the school is ranked #5 in the state by U.S. News & World Report.

[5] In June 2017, a town vote to build a new school occurred.

Advocates for the new building highlighted the severe aging and inadequacy of the existing facilities.

[6] In June 2021, a subsequent referendum was held, with the proposed renovation estimated to cost $135.6 million; this referendum passed by a wide margin.