2023 Best Schools in Middlesex County

• Middletown, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  239 reviews

Senior: I transitioned from Wolcott High School to Xavier High School in my junior year. The first time I walked into Xavier, I felt the difference in the environment immediately. Everyone was invested in education, faith, service, and being involved in extracurricular activities. The academic pace was faster with a more challenging curriculum. I had spent two years with no science labs, mostly virtual learning, absent teachers, and a lack of consistent instruction due to COVID-19, so it was extremely difficult to adapt to the rigors of a private school. I had to balance good grades, working to make a better basketball team, and trying to make new friends. Being part of clubs and the basketball team helped me connect with many of the students and teachers. What started off as a hardship soon developed into an opportunity to excel in my education, better prepare for college, establish outstanding friendships, and made for an awesome academic experience these past two years.... Read 239 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Westbrook, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: My son is truly happy at Oxford Academy. Academically is it a dream! His teachers challenge him but are willing to slow things down if it appears he is struggling (you won't find that in a traditional school). This can allow for extra review in an area so that the concepts become clearer before moving on (that is key to a student with ADHD). The parent portal is excellent with weekly reviews and term reports. Each teacher explains (in detail) what is involved with the day-to-day class time explaining what they worked on and how they approached solutions to help the student understand and be successful. Being that the ratio is 1:1 students are 100% accountable so there's no excuse for not understanding what's expected. The standards are high, consistent and fair. The staff is like family and I have no doubt that they care for my son.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 48

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Middletown, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  233 reviews

Parent: As parents, we are pleased and happy that our daughter spent her four years of high school at Mercy. She grew, learned, and made beautiful connections within a caring community. The school provided her with a solid academic curriculum, competitive sports program, a variety of clubs, and a strong sense of social responsibility through the school’s participation in community service activities. Her preparation and involvement helped her being accepted into multiple college programs with the opportunity to continue her participation in sports and diverse scholastic activities. We appreciate all the support from its teachers, staff, and coaches. We highly recommend Mercy High School!... Read 233 reviews

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Centerbrook, CT•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Very small, allows for more one on one learning opportunities. Very safe. Very political, little diversity.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 311

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Chester, CT•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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

• Westbrook School District, CT•

• 5-8

• grade A minus

• Students 168

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Deep River, CT•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Westbrook School District, CT•

• PK, K-4

• grade A minus

• Students 269

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Old Saybrook School District, CT•

• 5-8

• grade A minus

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Regional School District No. 13, CT•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The John Lyman elementary school is exceptional in so many ways! With its Integrated Day program and HOT school status it is unique in meeting students needs and providing opportunities for students that improve self esteem, teaming and creativity. It is truly a diamond in the rough! I would recommend this school to any student! Be sure to check out this school!!!!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 197

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Regional School District No. 17, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  160 reviews

Senior: My high school experience was pretty good. Freshman year we were sent home because of COVID, sophomore year was online, my junior year we were still in masks and finally, senior year has been the first normal year. COVID did not deter this school and things stayed relatively normal course-wise. It was a good experience for a public school and I would recommend it over the private schools near me.... Read 160 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 615

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School District No. 4, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  132 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 132 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 576

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Regional School District No. 17, CT•

• K-3

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: During the time I went to this school, I felt safe and happy. There is two playgrounds which are amazing and I overall really like this school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Middletown School District, CT•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We have had a great experience at moody school! The teachers have been awesome! Very helpful with each child and accommodating of their different needs. The teachers are open to conversation throughout the year and it makes me feel so comfortable sending my kids there due to the constant open and honest communication. The teachers for specials are fantastic too!... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 210

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Regional School District No. 17, CT•

• PK, K-3

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School District No. 13, CT•

• 6-8

• grade B+

• Students 342

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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

• Regional School District No. 13, CT•

• 3-5

• grade B+

• Students 216

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School District No. 13, CT•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  128 reviews

Senior: I had an amazing experience at Coginchaug Regional High School. I was able to make tons of friends and gain an amazing education (especially for a public school). Additionally, the overall support from the school was pretty good I would just say that mental health should be promoted more. Overall, though, the school is very connected and there is no tolerance for bullying etc.... Read 128 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 447

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Old Saybrook School District, CT•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Wonderful School, amazing teachers. Low teacher to student ratio, any problems are solved quickly and efficiently... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Cromwell School District, CT•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 469

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Middletown School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  274 reviews

Sophomore: Middletown High School has many opportunities for students. It provides many interesting and specific courses, along with an ag program. It's full of sports and has a great, student-based gym program. It lets students know about credit requirements and has a helpful career center. It's bathroom situation isn't great, as they restrict who enters--this means it takes a lot of class time just to use it. There used to be a lot of fights, even making the news. There's a shortage of teachers, meaning multiple courses just don't have anyone to teach them. It's very hard to access resources like guidance and the career center if you don't have a study hall. Even so, it's a great school compared to others and I would recommend it.... Read 274 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,269

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Portland School District, CT•

• 7-8

• grade B+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cromwell School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  83 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 83 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1