Education in Stamford, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Education in Stamford, Connecticut takes place in both public and private schools and college and university campuses.
, Connecticut
has branches of the University of Connecticut
, University of Bridgeport
and Sacred Heart University
. The University of Connecticut's campus
is located in a large modern building in downtown that opened in 1998 after extensive renovations to an abandoned former Bloomingdales store. The other two are located in small office parks in Springdale. All are commuter campuses.
system is an integrated district with racial balance requirements exceeding those of the state of Connecticut. State standards require that a school's racial makeup be within 25% of the community's racial makeup. Stamford's standard is a more strict 10%. Over the years, schools have become unbalanced. Stamford has three public high school
s, Westhill High School
, Stamford High School and the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering
.
The biggest increase in math scores was from sixth grade students. A total of 54 percent of them reached the state goal, compared with 48 percent in 2006. Fifth grade students had the smallest increase, with 63 percent reaching the state goal, up from 60 percent in 2006. Students in Grades 3 and 7 also had higher scores than the previous year.
In writing, scores improved, with third grade students making the most gains — 60 percent met the state goal, up from 54 percent the previous year. Students in the eighth grade scored only 1 percent higher — 55 percent met the state standard.
In reading, third grade students improved, with 49 percent meeting the state goal, up from 46 percent in 2006. Only 48 percent of fourth grade students met the state goal, down from 55 percent in 2006.
" report (NCLB), five more than in 2005. The NCLB Act sets rising targets for schools, so even though some may have improved since the previous testing, they can be cited if improvement isn't made fast enough, Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr told The Advocate of Stamford (August 24, 2006), which published a list of the local schools provided by Associated Press:
In nearby communities, 11 Norwalk schools were cited, one in Greenwich, one in Wilton, none in New Canaan or Darien.
, and West Haven.
George Gilberti, principal of the Scofield Magnet Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year, was reassigned as principal at Rippowam for the school year beginning in the fall of 2007. Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr said Gilberti has experience in raising math scores and has been in charge of large traditional middle schools in New York City and Long Island. Gilberti switched places with Jan Rossman, who took over Gilberti's job at Scofield, where she had previously been assistant principal. The transfers were part of a large number under a policy by Starr to give administrators more varied experiences.
Various groups use the Rippowam building on weekends, including a The Stamford Youth Foundation's chess league and wrestling program, a youth basketball program in the gym, a Chinese school on Sundays, and, starting after Labor Day in 2007, the German School of Connecticut.
The German School currently teaches more than 300 students each Saturday in 20 to 22 classrooms. The school also runs classes in Hartford. In addition to German language, the school teaches German history, geography, literature, poetry contests, music instruction, German holiday celebrations, and participation in the Steuben Parade in New York City. Students range from adults to children as young as 2 years old. Students drive from as far as 90 minutes away to attend the classes, according to German School officials The auditorium is used by various groups, including the drama group (High School Musical, Aladdin, A Christmas Carol). The website is: http://germanschoolct.org
as a "cultural ambassador" who would help build classrooms and live with villagers as part of the Bridgeport, Connecticut
-based Higher Education and Responsibility through Overseas Exchange program.
Trailblazers features small class sizes, after-school activities and an expanded school day that lasts until 6 p.m. The school holds a weekly ceremony recognizing successes. Family advocates are assigned to students to give them extra social and emotional guidance along with help with academics.
(closed since 2006)The Mead School, Bi-Cultural Day School and Trinity Catholic High School
.
Administration:
Dr. Gerald B. Kirshenbaum, Headmaster (Who is retiring soon in 2011).
Rabbi Richard Auman, Senior Administrator
Mrs. Rachel Bahar, Director Early Childhood (Pre-K and K)
Mrs. Jacqueline Herman, Director of Secular Studies, Grades 1-8
Mrs. Yocheved Singer, Director of Jewish Education, Grades 1-8
Mr. Robert Abrams, Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations
Rabbi David Israel, Director of Community Education and Advancement
Mrs. Judith Maya, Business Manager
The school's curriculum is a complement of secular and Judaic studies, which include, according to the school's Web site, "an understanding of Jewish values, a broad knowledge of Jewish history and religious practice, sensitivity to community needs, a strong bond with Israel and an appreciation of their dual heritage as American Jews".
Hebrew language, Torah and all aspects of Jewish observance are taught. In the past decade (up to 2007), the school has organized and sent more than 200 marchers a year to the annual Israel Day Parade in New York.
Higher education
StamfordStamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
has branches of the University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
, University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is a private, independent, non-sectarian, coeducational university located on the Long Island Sound in the South End neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The University is fully Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges...
and Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University is a Roman Catholic university located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. Sacred Heart was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sacred Heart University was the first Catholic university in...
. The University of Connecticut's campus
Campus
A campus is traditionally the land on which a college or university and related institutional buildings are situated. Usually a campus includes libraries, lecture halls, residence halls and park-like settings...
is located in a large modern building in downtown that opened in 1998 after extensive renovations to an abandoned former Bloomingdales store. The other two are located in small office parks in Springdale. All are commuter campuses.
Stamford public schools
Stamford's public educationPublic education
State schools, also known in the United States and Canada as public schools,In much of the Commonwealth, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, the terms 'public education', 'public school' and 'independent school' are used for private schools, that is, schools...
system is an integrated district with racial balance requirements exceeding those of the state of Connecticut. State standards require that a school's racial makeup be within 25% of the community's racial makeup. Stamford's standard is a more strict 10%. Over the years, schools have become unbalanced. Stamford has three public high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
s, Westhill High School
Westhill High School
Westhill High School may refer to:* Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut* Westhill Senior High School in Syracuse, New York* West Hill School - Stalybridge in Stalybridge, NW, UK...
, Stamford High School and the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering
Academy of Information Technology and Engineering
The Academy of Information Technology and Engineering is a college preparatory, inter-district public magnet high school based in Stamford, Connecticut. AITE serves the communities of Stamford, Darien, Greenwich, Norwalk, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston, all of which are located in...
.
No Child Left Behind Act in Stamford
The state Department of Education usually publishes results of Connecticut Mastery Test scores for districts in July and for individual schools in late August.2007 results
Districtwide 2007 Connecticut Mastery Test results for Stamford public schools showed improvements in math and writing compared with the 2006 scores, but lagged in reading. The school district uses the data to adjust teaching. The district has been concentrating its efforts in improving math skills and also in bringing up scores for black students. This year's results showed small gains in almost all grades for black students.The biggest increase in math scores was from sixth grade students. A total of 54 percent of them reached the state goal, compared with 48 percent in 2006. Fifth grade students had the smallest increase, with 63 percent reaching the state goal, up from 60 percent in 2006. Students in Grades 3 and 7 also had higher scores than the previous year.
In writing, scores improved, with third grade students making the most gains — 60 percent met the state goal, up from 54 percent the previous year. Students in the eighth grade scored only 1 percent higher — 55 percent met the state standard.
In reading, third grade students improved, with 49 percent meeting the state goal, up from 46 percent in 2006. Only 48 percent of fourth grade students met the state goal, down from 55 percent in 2006.
2006 results
Thirteen of the city's 20 public schools made the 2006 list of failing schools, based on Connecticut Mastery Test results, according to the state Department of Education's "No Child Left Behind ActNo Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
" report (NCLB), five more than in 2005. The NCLB Act sets rising targets for schools, so even though some may have improved since the previous testing, they can be cited if improvement isn't made fast enough, Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr told The Advocate of Stamford (August 24, 2006), which published a list of the local schools provided by Associated Press:
- Rippowam Middle School — "whole school deficiencies in math and reading"
- K.T. Murphy School — "whole school deficiencies in reading"
- Julia A. Stark School — "whole school deficiencies in reading"
- Newfield School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Rogers School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Roxbury School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Springdale School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Toquam Magnet School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Davenport Ridge School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Stillmeadow School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Hart School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Turn of River School — "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
- Scofield Middle SchoolScofield Magnet Middle SchoolScofield Magnet Middle School is a public magnet middle school, based in Stamford, Connecticut, that heavily focuses on science, mathematics and technology...
— "subgroup deficiencies in math and reading"
In nearby communities, 11 Norwalk schools were cited, one in Greenwich, one in Wilton, none in New Canaan or Darien.
District Reference Group H
Stamford is one of the eight public school systems in District Reference Group H, a classification made by the state Department of Education for the purpose of comparison with the achievement levels of similar schools and districts. District reference groups are defined as "districts whose students' families are similar in education, income, occupation and need, and that have roughly similar enrollment". The other seven school districts in the group are Ansonia, Danbury, Derby, East Hartford, Meriden, Norwich, NorwalkEducation in Norwalk, Connecticut
There are an assortment of public, private, and parochial schools in Norwalk, Connecticut.-Post-secondary education:There are four post-secondary schools within the city of Norwalk:*Norwalk Community College is in West Norwalk...
, and West Haven.
Elementary schools
- Westover Elementary School, 412 Stillwater Avenue, dedicated its auditorium on September 16, 2006 to former principal Edmund Barbieri, who became principal in 1979 and continued to head the school for 13 years. He died in 2004. Barbieri built up the magnet program at the school, set up the city's first gifted-students program and the state's first full-day Kindergarten, according to a committee of parents, teachers and city officials who supported the dedication.
- Toquam Magnet Elementary School - it focuses on Social Studies as the main study. The former principal, Eileen Swerdlick, was chosen as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She was sad to move on but, she did in July 2004
- Roxbury Elementary School is an elementary school containing approximately 600 students. It is right across the street from Westhill High School, one of the three high schools in Stamford, Connecticut. The former principal of Roxbury, Gail Flaster, retired before the 2008-2009 school year. She was replaced by Gloria Manna. Ironically, Roxbury Elementary School is located on Westhill Road, while Westhill High School is located on Roxbury Road.
Turn of River Middle School
In early 2007, school officials said they worry that a child might be seriously injured in an accident involving the school's many large glass windows, some of which are floor-to-ceiling and not shatter-resistant. The windows of the building, which was constructed in 1963, are often made of single panes of glass instead of more modern double- or triple-panes that insulate better. A few years before 2007, a student leaning back in his chair accidentally struck a window pane which then shattered.Rippowam Middle School
Located on High Ridge Road, Rippowam is the district's largest traditional middle school.George Gilberti, principal of the Scofield Magnet Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year, was reassigned as principal at Rippowam for the school year beginning in the fall of 2007. Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr said Gilberti has experience in raising math scores and has been in charge of large traditional middle schools in New York City and Long Island. Gilberti switched places with Jan Rossman, who took over Gilberti's job at Scofield, where she had previously been assistant principal. The transfers were part of a large number under a policy by Starr to give administrators more varied experiences.
Various groups use the Rippowam building on weekends, including a The Stamford Youth Foundation's chess league and wrestling program, a youth basketball program in the gym, a Chinese school on Sundays, and, starting after Labor Day in 2007, the German School of Connecticut.
German School of Connecticut
The German School holds classes on Saturday mornings and early afternoons. The language school had been renting space in Weston Middle School, but town officials there decided they only wanted to rent to organizations that primarily served residents of that community. Since Summer 2007 the school has relocated to Rippowam Middle School in Stamford.The German School currently teaches more than 300 students each Saturday in 20 to 22 classrooms. The school also runs classes in Hartford. In addition to German language, the school teaches German history, geography, literature, poetry contests, music instruction, German holiday celebrations, and participation in the Steuben Parade in New York City. Students range from adults to children as young as 2 years old. Students drive from as far as 90 minutes away to attend the classes, according to German School officials The auditorium is used by various groups, including the drama group (High School Musical, Aladdin, A Christmas Carol). The website is: http://germanschoolct.org
Rites of Passage
Rites of Passage is an after school program on African American history. It is hosted by the Stamford Public Schools. Students attend classes for 12 Staturdays and learn about African origins, slavery, and civil rights. The program culminates in an educational trip to West Africa to see the ancestral home of many African Americans. The program requires competitive admission and acceptance.Stamford Academy
Stamford Academy is a charter school run by the Domus Foundation. Michael McGuire is the director of the school. The school accepts students who have failed out of other high schools in the area.In the summer of 2007 a student selected by school officials traveled to BeninBenin
Benin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
as a "cultural ambassador" who would help build classrooms and live with villagers as part of the Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
-based Higher Education and Responsibility through Overseas Exchange program.
Trailblazers Academy
Trailblazers Academy, a charter school with 150 students in grades 6 through 8 run by the nonprofit Domus Foundation of Stamford, has been housed in the J.M. Wright Technical High School building at Scalzi Park since 2000. Trailblazers students have struggled in traditional schools. As of the 2006-2007 school year, about 98 percent of the students were from Stamford.Trailblazers features small class sizes, after-school activities and an expanded school day that lasts until 6 p.m. The school holds a weekly ceremony recognizing successes. Family advocates are assigned to students to give them extra social and emotional guidance along with help with academics.
J.M. Wright Technical High School
J.M. Wright Technical High School, located just south of Scalzi Park, is a vocational school run by the State of Connecticut.Private Education
The city has several private schools, including King Low Heywood Thomas, The Long Ridge School, Sacred Heart AcademySacred Heart Academy (Stamford, Connecticut)
Sacred Heart Academy was a regional, female only Catholic school for grades 9-12, founded in 1922 under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport.. It was located at 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut and served parts of Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York...
(closed since 2006)The Mead School, Bi-Cultural Day School and Trinity Catholic High School
Trinity Catholic High School (Connecticut)
Trinity Catholic High School is a regional, coeducational Catholic school for grades 9-12 located in Stamford, Connecticut. It serves parts of Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. The school is a member of the FCIAC athletic conference. Trinity Catholic is accredited by...
.
The Long Ridge School
The Long Ridge School is a co-educational independent day school for children two years old through Grade 5. The school was founded by Harriet Rowland in 1938 in her home on Old Long Ridge Road. Mrs. Rowland founded the school based on the premise that children learn in different ways and at different rates and that challenging academics can go hand in hand with a joyful educational experience. The school moved to its 14-acre Erskine Road campus in the mid 1950s. An Arts and Athletics Center, winner of the Connecticut HOBI award for excellence in new construction, was opened in 2007. The Long Ridge School is one of the few schools in Fairfield County focusing specifically on early childhood and elementary education. Headmaster: Kris BriaThe Mead School
The Mead School, founded in 1969, serves children in preschool programs through Grade 8. The school, with an enrollment of 178 in the 2004-2005 academic year, adds programs in drama, music, art and dance to a traditional curriculum. The school also emphasizes community service and skills in negotiation and mediation.Bi-Cultural Day School
The Bi-Cultural Day School is a co-educational, nonprofit Jewish institution founded in 1955 and serving children in Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Students in 8th Grade spend a month in Israel, while the 6th Graders go to Philadelphia in June, and the 7th Grade goes to Greenkill in October and Washington D.C. in June. The school had an enrollment of 431 students in the 2004-2005 academic year.Administration:
Dr. Gerald B. Kirshenbaum, Headmaster (Who is retiring soon in 2011).
Rabbi Richard Auman, Senior Administrator
Mrs. Rachel Bahar, Director Early Childhood (Pre-K and K)
Mrs. Jacqueline Herman, Director of Secular Studies, Grades 1-8
Mrs. Yocheved Singer, Director of Jewish Education, Grades 1-8
Mr. Robert Abrams, Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations
Rabbi David Israel, Director of Community Education and Advancement
Mrs. Judith Maya, Business Manager
The school's curriculum is a complement of secular and Judaic studies, which include, according to the school's Web site, "an understanding of Jewish values, a broad knowledge of Jewish history and religious practice, sensitivity to community needs, a strong bond with Israel and an appreciation of their dual heritage as American Jews".
Hebrew language, Torah and all aspects of Jewish observance are taught. In the past decade (up to 2007), the school has organized and sent more than 200 marchers a year to the annual Israel Day Parade in New York.
External links
- Stamford Public Schools
- The William Pitt Child Development Center
- Stamford Adult Education
- Stamford page at Great Schools website
Private schools
- The King and Low-Heywood Thomas SchoolKing and Low-Heywood Thomas SchoolKing Low Heywood Thomas, commonly referred to as King, is a private, co-educational day school for Grades PreK-12 in Stamford, Connecticut...
http://www.klht.org - The Bi Cultural Day Schoolhttp://www.bcds.org
Catholic schools
- Trinity Catholic High School, 926 Newfield Ave., Kevin Burke, president and chief financial officer; Robert D'Aquila, principal
- St. Cecilia Elementary School, PreK-5, 1186 Newfield Ave.; Joann Borchetta , principal
- Sacred Heart School Kindergarten PreK for 3- and 4-year-old children; 1 Schuyler Ave.; Sheri Tarantino, Director
- Holy Spirit School, 403 Scofieldtown Road, Pat Torchen, principal
- Our Lady Star of the Sea School PreK-5; Gail Ryan, principal-retired; From the school Web site: "[T]here is one class per grade. We strive to have 25 students in grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade and 20 children in each of the Pre Kindergarten 3 and Pre Kindergarten 4 programs. We strive to have 190 students enrolled in the school."
- Trinity Catholic Middle School Grades 6-8, 948 Newfield Ave., R. Fox, principal
Colleges and universities
- University of ConnecticutUniversity of ConnecticutThe admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
, Stamford campushttp://www.stamford.uconn.edu/ - Fairfield UniversityFairfield UniversityFairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
http://www.fairfield.edu/ - Sacred Heart UniversitySacred Heart UniversitySacred Heart University is a Roman Catholic university located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. Sacred Heart was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sacred Heart University was the first Catholic university in...
http://www.sacredheart.edu/ has a campus in the Springdale neighborhood of Stamford. - The University of BridgeportUniversity of BridgeportThe University of Bridgeport is a private, independent, non-sectarian, coeducational university located on the Long Island Sound in the South End neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The University is fully Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges...
http://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/1.asp has a campus in the Springdale neighborhood.