Connecticut, often identified as the Constitution State, is a mix of urban skylines, beautiful shoreline beaches, and forested rural areas. The state is also home to some of the best K-12 schools in the nation, with approximately 1,286 public district schools, 26 charter schools, and 2,002 private schools.
As a parent, picking the right school for your child can be challenging when you have to sift through over three thousand options. We understand that selecting the right school requires careful consideration of your child’s unique needs and interests. To help you out in your search, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the ten best schools in Connecticut.
Our ranking takes into account several factors, including academic performance, faculty training and experience, student-teacher ratios, extra-curricular activities, parent reviews, and many more.
Here are the ten best schools in Connecticut ranked in ascending order.
Best Elementary Schools
Riverside School
90 Hendrie Ave., Riverside, CT 06878
Opened in 1933, Riverside School is a public school within the Greenwich School District that serves students in grades K-5. The school’s enrollment is approximately 484 students. Riverside has a great reputation for academic excellence and was identified as a “School of Distinction” by the State of Connecticut. GreatSchools.org gave it an overall 10/10 rating.
Students at Riverside School typically perform better than other students in the state on standardized tests. 86% attain proficiency in math, 92% in English, and 85% in science, all percentages far above the state average.
The academic success can be attributed to the experienced faculty, where 91% of the teachers have at least three years of experience. Additionally, 94% of its full-time teachers are certified. Students at the school also receive additional support from the full-time school nurse and psychologist.
Parents at the school highly praise the institution’s administration and faculty. According to a review on Niche.com, Riverside School provides a welcoming environment with a great advanced learning program. The school’s stellar academic performance, alongside caring and experienced faculty, makes it a top choice for families living within the Greenwich neighborhoods.
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East Farms School
25 Wolf Pit Road, Farmington, CT 06032
East Farms School, in the Farmington School District, is a top-rated elementary school serving students in grades K-4. The school has a student population of 427 students. It boasts an impressive student-teacher ratio of 11:1. East Farms stands out for its academic performance, small classes, and diverse and inclusive community.
The school received an outstanding 10/10 rating on GreatSchools.org, thanks in part to its students’ excellent results on standardized test scores. East Farms students excel in math and English, with 75% of students attaining proficiency in math and 72% in English.
The school attributes its high student achievement to its experienced faculty. 97% of the full-time teachers are certified. The school also has a full-time nurse and security guard on its payroll. East Farms also employs a part-time law enforcement officer, social worker, and psychologist to support the kids in school.
East Farms School prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse community, with a student body composed of 48% white, 39% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 6% Black students.
Parental reviews on GreatSchools.org are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the principal and teachers for their exceptional care and dedication to their students. One parent mentions their child's success in the school's string lessons, which have helped them develop their musical abilities.
Holland Hill School
105 Meadowcroft Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Hollard Hill School is a highly-rated elementary school in the Fairfield School district, with the Huskies as the school mascot. It serves students in grades K-5 and has a student population of approximately 359. GreatSchools.org gave the school an overall 10/10 rating, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
The students' outstanding performance in standardized test scores reinforces the school’s commitment to providing quality education. 73% of students attain proficiency in math, 79% in English, and 80% in science. Hollard Hill also runs a gifted education program, in line with the school district’s vision, allowing gifted kids to receive tailored instruction at advanced levels.
Holland Hill School prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive community, as the school website indicates. With a student body composed of 61% White, 22% Hispanic, 7% Asian, and 4% Black, the school says it celebrates and values the unique backgrounds and experiences of its students.
Parents at the school praise the teachers for remaining committed and invested in the kids’ education, which creates a supportive learning experience for all students.
Weston Intermediate School
95 School Road, Weston, CT 06883
As part of the Weston School District, Weston Intermediate School serves students in grades 3-5. The elementary school has approximately 509 students who undertake a rigorous and dynamic curriculum designed to enrich their appreciation for arts, science, music, and physical well-being. Parents at the school speak highly of the school, reinforcing GreatSchools.org’s rating of 10/10.
According to GreatSchools.org, students at Weston Intermediate outperform their peers across the state in math, English, and science. The faculty members at the school are highly qualified, with all teachers having at least three years of teaching experience. Additionally, all full-time teachers are certified.
The school website indicates that Weston Intermediate prides itself on being an inclusive community where every student can feel welcome and respected. While most students are white, Weston Intermediate’s student body has diverse backgrounds, including 6% Hispanic, 6% Asian, and 6% two or more races.
A look at the parent reviews at GreatSchools.org reveals a small, inclusive learning community, with parents appreciating Weston Intermediate’s support for students with learning differences.
Best Middle Schools
Middlebrook School
131 School Road, Wilton, CT 06897
Middlebrook School is a top-rated middle school within the Wilton School district that serves just over 1,000 students in grades 6-8. GreatSchools.org gave the school an impressive 10/10 overall rating, cementing the school as one of the best learning institutions in the state.
The highly experienced staff does an excellent job of preparing the students for high school life and beyond. 80% of the students at Middlebrook attain proficiency in math and English, with 83% gaining proficiency in science. Additionally, all students that undertook the Algebra 1 standardized test passed.
Besides the impressive academic performance, the school provides a range of extracurricular activities your child can participate in. The Wilton School District employs highly qualified staff; all full-time teachers are certified and have over three years of experience.
Parent reviews from GreatSchools.org indicate that the teachers are committed to their work, helping students find their place at the school and succeed academically. Middlebrook is an excellent pick for families living within the Wilton neighborhoods.
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House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy
30 Pendleton Road, New Britain, CT 06053
House of Arts, Letters, And Science (HALS) is a high-performing middle school under the New Britain School District. The school serves 148 students in grades 6-8. The small school setting allows for each student to receive personalized attention. HALS received a 10/10 overall rating from GreatSchools.org.
Students at the school excel on standardized tests more than their peers across the state. According to CT SBAC test scores, 88% of HALS students attain proficiency in English, 83% in science, and 73% in math. The strong academic performance can be attributed to the highly dedicated and experienced faculty, with all full-time teachers certified and having more than three years of experience.
Diversity and Inclusivity are key pillars for the school, and it's reflected in the student body’s backgrounds. 41% of the students are white, 39% are Hispanic, 10% are Black, and 6% are Asian.
Parents praise the school's supportive and nurturing environment, with teachers and students forming close bonds. HALS' commitment to providing highly personalized education and creating an inclusive school culture makes it one of the best middle schools in the state.
Middlesex Middle School
204 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Darien, CT 06820
Middlesex Middle School is a public middle school within the Darien School District that serves students in grades 6-8. It has a student population of approximately 1,101 students and enjoys an excellent 9:1 student-teacher ratio. The small classes allow students to receive personalized attention from the teachers.
Students at the school typically perform better than their peers across the state, with 77% attaining proficiency in math and 77% in English. GreatSchools.org also notes that of the 26% of students that sit for Algebra 1, 99% pass the test.
Besides its academic prowess, Middlesex Middle provides numerous extracurricular opportunities for students to develop their interests and talents. Your child may have an opportunity to join the Model UN, Rockestra, Quiz Bowl, GSA, and Camerata, among many other clubs. The school also has Matball, Basketball, Disc Golf, and Volleyball teams.
The school has a highly qualified staff looking after the kids. 96% of the faculty members have over three years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified. Additionally, the school also has a full-time nurse, security guard, and psychologist on its payroll.
According to a parent review on GreatSchools.org, Middlesex Middle School provides exceptional classroom education and developmental experience. The parent was also pleased with the teachers’ involvement and the athletics programs. Middlesex Middle School is an excellent pick for families in Darien.
Best High Schools
Darien High School
80 High School Lane, Darien, CT 06820
Darien High School is a top-rated high school within the Darien School District. The school serves 1,417 students in grades 9-12. The school is well-known for its college preparation metrics, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
Darian High School boasts an impressive 99% high school graduation rate. The school does excellent work preparing its students for college, with students recording an average SAT score of 1240. It’s worth noting that 97% of students undertake the SAT exams.
The school provides an opportunity for students to earn college credits in high school through its AP and Dual Enrollment programs. Darien High School offers 25 courses approved by the College Board, with a 32% participation rate. The Dual Enrollment participation rate at the school is an impressive 99%, compared to the state average of 11%.
Parents with kids at the school are full of praise for the institution's facilities, administration, and faculty. One parent appreciates the experienced teachers and counselors for creating a positive learning environment at the school. Another parent points out that the students are exposed to a variety of activities and courses. Darien High School is an ideal option for families on Connecticut's Gold Coast.
Notable Alumni
Martha Peterson – Former CIA officer known for her participation in the TRIGON mission
Topher Grace – Actor
Mark Tinkler – Producer and director
Chris Shays – Former U.S. Representative
Moby – Musician and animal rights activist
Wilson Cleveland – Actor and producer
Garrett M. Brown – Actor
Gus Van Sant – Director
Joanna Scott – Award-winning author
Coventry High School
78 Ripley Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238
Founded in 1956, Coventry High School is a public high school located in the historic town of Coventry, under the Coventry School District. The school has a student population of 440 attending classes in grades 9-12. The relatively small population allows Coventry High to enjoy a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1, lower than the state average.
The school does an excellent job of preparing students for college, boasting a 98% graduation rate. The average SAT participation rate is 31%. Moreover, students can get college credits by attending AP courses or dual enrollment programs. Coventry High offers 16 AP programs, with 42% of students participating. 35% enroll in dual enrollment programs.
Teachers at Coventry High School are highly experienced and qualified. All full-time faculty members are certified and have over three years of experience. The school also has a nurse, psychologist, security guard, and social worker. The staff creates a conducive learning environment for all students.
Parents rate the school highly, with one indicating that their daughter received a considerable scholarship from a prestigious university, courtesy of the education received at Coventry. The daughter was able to enroll as a second-semester freshman with the college credits earned from the AP courses.
Fairfield Ludlowe High School
785 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Fairfield Ludlowe High School is a co-ed, public high school within the Fairfield School district. It serves approximately 1,533 students in Grades 9-12. Fairfield Ludlowe is renowned for its musical, drama, and athletic accomplishments. It earns a deserved 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
The school’s performance in standardized test scores is exemplary, with scores far above the state average. It’s no wonder that Fairfield Ludlowe enjoys a 99% graduation rate. The students also participate in AP and dual enrollment classes, with 26% and 5% participation rates, respectively.
All students sit for the SAT, with the school posting an average score of 1168. Besides academic prowess, Fairfield Ludlowe provides its students with numerous extracurricular activities. The school fields 32 varsity teams within the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC).
Despite the huge student population, the school has a low student-teacher ratio of 12:1, matching the state’s average. 96% of the teachers have over three years of experience, and all are certified.
According to a review by a former student on GreatSchools.org, the school provided everything they asked for and more. The student also acknowledges that the AP classes helped them adjust better in college.
Fairfield Ludlowe High School is an excellent choice for families searching for quality education in Fairfield, CT.
Notable Alum
Fairfield Ludlowe High has one notable alum: Julie Benko. Benko is best known for her portrayal of Fanny Brice in the 2022 Broadway revival of Funny Girl. Benko began acting in theater at 14, when she was cast in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. She attended NYU for both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Benko is expected to portray Ruth Stern in the upcoming musical Harmony, which is set to debut in November 2023. She has made some music with her husband, Jason Yeager; they released an album together in 2022.
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Finding the Right School for Your Child
Picking a school for your kids requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The right school needs to meet the student’s individual needs and interests. Luckily, Connecticut has numerous top-rated schools that can be an excellent fit for your child.
From schools focusing on arts, such as the House of Arts, Letters, and Science, to schools with strong athletic programs, like Fairfield Ludlowe, we hope this list can help you pick the ideal fit for your child.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Just dance/Shutterstock.com.