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11/13/2019 07:00 AMChester Elementary School was ranked first out of the 21 public elementary schools in Middlesex County, according to the website niche.com. According to the site, the 2020 ranking is based on an analysis of test scores, student-teacher ratio, student diversity, teacher quality, grade school ratings, and student and parent reviews. Niche.com, a Pennsylvania-based company formerly known as College Prowler, runs a ranking and review site for K-12 schools, colleges, and neighborhoods.
“It’s an honor for our school to be recognized for all the wonderful things we are doing here,” said Chester Elementary School Principal Tyson Stoddard. “This is quite an accomplishment and it takes an entire community of students, teachers, parents, and staff.”
He pointed out the success of many new programs at the school, including a new math program that includes the school’s math coach, the English and language arts teachers, and the new social and emotional learning curriculum called Choose Love, which focuses on courage, gratification, forgiveness, and compassion.
“This program has really united the school culture and climate,” said Stoddard, who noted that Niche.com also recognized Chester Elementary School as being number one for teacher quality in Middlesex County.
“We are all very, very proud,” said Stoddard. “Our teachers work tirelessly to meet our students’ needs in every way. Chester Elementary School focuses on the whole child, socially, academically, and emotionally.”
Essex Elementary School was ranked number two for public elementary schools in Middlesex County by Niche.com.
“I am so very proud of our students and staff,” said Essex Elementary School Principal Jennifer Tousignant. “All at Essex Elementary School have worked diligently in teaching and preparing our students to be the best that they can be in all areas, including academics. It is wonderful to see the results of our efforts recognized in state test scores; however, our students’ successes and abilities are evident to us in various ways each and every day.”
She added, “I am thankful for the supportive community we have in Essex including our Board of Education who continue to have students at the heart of all of their decisions. EES is a great place to learn and grow.”
Deep River Elementary School was ranked fourth out of the 21 schools in the county.
“Obviously I am incredibly proud of our school,” said Deep River Elementary School Principal Christian Strickland. “But, I am equally as proud of all three elementary schools in our district. I think we all work in concert with one another to ensure that we are doing the best we can for our students, preparing them for John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School. We want to make sure that their experience in the district from K-12 is a positive one.”
Strickland added, “Our school is a collaboration of the students, staff, teachers, and parents and we have a high level of expectations in our classrooms and we are very proud of our accomplishments.”
“We are so fortunate in Region 4 to have such outstanding schools. Since coming to the district, I have observed firsthand the talent and dedication of our faculty and staff,” Superintendent of Schools Brian White said. “Equally apparent is the tremendous support of our families and the broader communities of Chester, Deep River, and Essex.”
He added, “I am so proud of our staff who are very deserving of this recognition.”