SHARE

New Rankings: 2 Hartford County Schools Named Best In State

Niche released its Best High Schools in the Country list this week, and while no Connecticut school made it onto the national charts, several of the state's public schools scored near the top. 

Staples High School in Westport ranked as the best in the state in a new report. 

Staples High School in Westport ranked as the best in the state in a new report. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

Here is a breakdown of the top 10 rated schools in Connecticut. 

Click here for the full list, and click here for a breakdown of the survey's methodology. 

10: Glastonbury High School

Researchers credited Glastonbury High's teacher-to-student ratio with his solid test scores. With 13 pupils per educator, the Hartford County school allows teachers more time to work with the school's 1,800 students one-on-one, the report said. 

9: Farmington High School

A survey of current and former students at the Hartford County school found that Farmington High has the second-best teachers in the state. One review noted the teachers' prowess in the classroom has helped many students move on to competitive colleges. 

"Farmington High School is widely known to be a top-notch educational facility, producing the most educated, well-rounded, ambitious, and innovative students," the review noted. 

8: Avon High School

"My experience at Avon High School has been great," one student wrote. "I think that no school is perfect and of course my school has room for improvement and there are students and teachers willing to make that happen. We are a very tight-knit community and we're working hard to create a better one. There are always resources at hand to help when needed whatever the problem."

7: Center for Global Studies in Norwalk

One Hundred percent of students and alumni surveyed said they were happy with this Fairfield County school. Most reviews noted the school's small size, which allows for more personalized instruction and better prepares students for college. 

"Because the school is so small, you’re really able to create a community where you’ll never feel left out or alone," one student wrote. "CGS feels like a family and less of a school."

6: Ridgefield High School

Many students surveyed noted the Fairfield County school's dedication to athletics which teaches teamwork and dedication while providing a larger safety net offf of the field. 

"There is no shortage of support or guidance, and the overall vibe in school is unbeatable," one senior wrote. 

5: Wilton High School

This Fairfield County high school scored A+ in academics and teaching scores in the Niche rankings. Those surveyed said the school set a high bar and provides students with the tools to reach it. 

"If you want a safe environment, high academics, and the chance to go to any college if you apply yourself in the right ways, you can find that here," a senior wrote. 

4: Greenwich High School\

With an overall score of A+, this Fairfield County school ranks as one of the best college prep schools in the state. That is likely because of the Cardinals' expansive offerings for AP courses. 

"From the principal on down… Administrators and teachers are always willing to help and communicate," one parent wrote. "The school makes it easy to transition your child from middle school to college."

3: Darien High School

This is a rare example of a school that prioritizes education and athletics and succeeds at both. Darien High in Fairfield County has top scores in state-mandated reading and math tests and ranks as the best school in the state for athletes. 

"DHS's wide variety of clubs, team sports, art and science programs, and electives make it an extremely diverse place where everyone can find something they enjoy," one student boasted. 

2: New Canaan High School 

This Fairfield County high school has proven to be a pipeline for students looking to be accepted to an elite university. That's largely because of its teachers, who rank third best in the state, according to Niche. 

Many testimonials say New Canaan High gave them a place to grow and explore their interests. 

"They offered me countless opportunities and put me in a safe place where I could thrive," a senior wrote. "I was able to successfully prosper at NCHS with academics, friends, and friendly relations with the teachers."

1. Staples High School in Westport

The list of accolades for this Fairfield County school dwarfs nearly all other public high schools in the state. It ranks as having the best teachers and college prep, and is in the top 10 for athletics. 

Students and alumni raved about their time in the survey. 

Honestly, I love my time at Staples high school. The environment is so motivating while still maintaining soft and friendly to students. Out of all my experience at different schools, Staples was definitely the best. There is is an amazing quality to school and all they do, everything competes with private schools across the nation especially with sports and academics.

to follow Daily Voice Rocky Hill and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE