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Area Schools Named 'Schools of Distinction'

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has recognized 124 schools as Schools of Distinction for the 2016-2017 school year. Of those recognized, a dozen are from the shoreline area.

To be recognized as a School of Distinction schools must meet criteria to be considered a "highest performing", "highest growth", or "greatest improver".

Highest Performing schools are those in the top 10 percent with respect to the Accountability Index.

Highest Growth schools are those in the top 10 percent of points earned in academic growth for all students and/or those in the top 10 percent of points earned in academic growth for the high needs student group.

Greatest Improvers are schools where the CSDE is unable to apply the academic model because of the grades tested in that school but the schools fall in the top 10 percent of improvement on the Accountability Index.

Locally, the Mary T. Murphy School in Branford, Chester Elementary School, North Haven's Green Acres Elementary School,  and Westbrook Middle School were recognized as Highest Growth schools for all students and the high needs student group.

Deep River Elementary School was recognized as a Highest Growth school for the high needs student group.

In Guiford, Calvin Leete School and Melissa Jones School both earned distinctions for Highest Performer schools and Highest Growth schools for all students. Westbrook's Daisy Ingraham School was also earned both distinctions.

Clinton's Lewin G. Joel, Jr. School, Guilford Lakes School, Madison's J. Milton Jeffrey Elementary School, and Haddam-Killingworth High School were recognized as Highest Performing schools.

View a complete list of Schools of Distinction here.