2023 Best Public High Schools in Middlesex County

• Old Saybrook School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: Old Saybrook Senior High School is filled with different learning opportunities; it allows students to dive deeper within their passions, and work on their weaknesses. The teachers inspire their students to do their best by demonstrating support beyond the necessary. In the three years, I have attended, I have not only gained more knowledge in educational classes but have also learned the importance of leadership and empathy through their care and class assemblies. Old Saybrook High School creates an environment that allows students to individually grow their character and knowledge while also introducing them to the challenges of the future.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Regional School District No. 17, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  156 reviews

Junior: I have been there for 3 years, and have had an amazing academic experience. The Drama program has really helped me find my feet in tough times, and the Arts and STEM is celebrated there. We have recently started to offer blended learning classes, and expanded our Health curriculum. The building is dated, and the heating and cooling is uneven, but can you expect anything more from the time in which it was built? Things have been slowly taken care of but we got a new auditorium and solar panels!... Read 156 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 615

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School District No. 4, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  131 reviews

Senior: Valley Regional High School is a pleasant school with a great administration and many excellent teachers. Although recently (due to Pandemic) there have been more than usual teacher turn over, it has been minimal at this school and administration has done its best. There are many sports offerings and clubs. The property is clean and in great condition. There are options for advance placement t classes and for students that may require addition assistance due to disabilities as well. It would be nice to see more remote options here though. Or some online Summer course offerings for credit.... Read 131 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 576

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Westbrook School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: I liked the small student population and activities. The school is rather informal and you can have a large amount of freedom. For such a small school, there are many activities and clubs to participate in. The new career connection center is useful because it allows students to find internships and do activities such as mock interviews and resume workshops. There is a very large amount of classes offered and most people are friendly. Most teachers are nice and fine at teaching. Westbrook High School is very small, but has many programs that would usually not be found in such a small school.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 208

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Middletown School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  273 reviews

Senior: I have attended Middletown High School for all four years of my high school experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MHS, but I am also prepared to leave. I believe administration can do a better job of working with and handling students with behavioral issues, and I can speak from experience. I have seen students with behavioral or mental issues cast aside or disregarded on multiple occasions by security and admin. If a student is in need they should be receiving help from a counselor or ESS advisor, not a security guard who is unaware of how to handle the situation. I also think that there should be equal treatment of all sports, as football and basketball are very obviously favored by the athletics department.... Read 273 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,269

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cromwell School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  79 reviews

Alum: Cromwell High is a solid high school! I really enjoyed my time here. Great academic opportunities for those of all learning levels are available and college prep is great. Where CHS excels, though, is in extra-curriculars. An abundance of in-school and after-school opportunities are available. From solid sports teams including football, basketball, soccer, baseball and more to a plethora of musical ensembles (concert band, jazz band, concert choir, select choir, etc.) there is something for everyone.... Read 79 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• East Hampton School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: It was a great school to go to! For the most part, the school provided many educational opportunities and experiences. The teachers were very nice and understanding, and allowed for a wonderful four years at this high school. I was able to learn a lot and overall, the school was clean and safe, a good place to go to school. However, the food was not good and the administration was lacking in their duties. But overall, the school provided me with the necessary means to get into a good college and allowed me to have a wonderful high school experience.... Read 79 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 523

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Clinton School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: The Morgan School is an amazing high school. Administration, above all, are very accommodating and tailor their changes to reasonable student requests. School spirit is somewhat lacking, but this is up to the students to improve. Wide array of sports and clubs to help make students feel included and at home. Teachers are amazing and will help you whenever they can. Helps to make learning easier for less motivated students.... Read 85 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Portland School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  75 reviews

Senior: Portland High School, located in the secluded river-side town of Portland CT, has been my home since Freshman year. As a Senior now, I can definitely say the 79 graduating students in my grade make for a tight knit feel. There is never a face you’ll be unable to recognize or put a name to in our school. Although PHS is small, our school’s enthusiasm manifests in the form of colossal school spirit! Our teachers working at our school are all extremely caring, understanding, and are passionate about being there for you. No teacher will leave you feeling neglected or abandon you in times of need. Additionally, PHS is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring clubs such as the “GSA” (Gay Straight Alliance). Discrimination cannot be found within our walls and will not and has never been tolerated. Portland is also well known for our breath-taking plays! As a PHS Stage Manager, I can say first hand, that our commitment to our productions is an exceptional highlight of our ability! :)... Read 75 reviews

• grade B

• Students 348

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• East Haddam School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  124 reviews

Senior: Nice teachers, students, faculty. Newer students are a little less involved, but my guess is because of covid. Plenty of athletics and clubs. I wish more funding was given to athletics though. The track team is excellent yet doesn't have a track and has old equipment. The cheerleading team has 2 out of 7 mats, and they're spliced up. The teachers care about students as individuals. It is super easy to get help if you ask. I have formed valuable connections with teachers and students. Teachers teach life lessons along with their curriculum.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B

• Students 294

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Connecticut Technical High School, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.1 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: I liked how most of the teachers at the school were there to help further your educational goals. I also really enjoyed my chosen trade of Criminal Justice and Protective services. Because through that trade I was able to learn about the innerworkings of police reports, emergency management, and medical emergencies. Also, through it I was able to gain a lot of certifications like stop the bleed, basic life support, and different emergency management ones. Things I would like to see changed at the school is for more interesting academic classes. For example, in English class I would like more options when it comes to reading. Or an actual math class instead of it being all online.... Read 59 reviews

• grade C

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1