GREENWICH, CT — One of Greenwich's elementary schools was chosen by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) as a 2026 Blue Ribbon School in recognition of demonstrating high levels of academic excellence, creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, and advancing strong outcomes for all students.
New Lebanon School is one of six schools to earn the distinction, according to an announcement from Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker.
The others are Great Oak Elementary School (Oxford); Nathan Hale School (Meriden); Ridgefield High School (Ridgefield); Webster Hill School (West Hartford); and Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies Elementary Magnet School (Danbury).
"Congratulations to these Connecticut schools on being selected for this honor and earning this well-deserved recognition," Lamont said in an announcement. "The success of these schools is an example of why Connecticut’s public schools continue to rank among the best in the nation and why we must continue supporting the educators and school communities working on behalf of our students every day."
New Lebanon School was recognized in the categories of Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing.
The school is one of 11 elementary schools in Greenwich and enrolls 363 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. Nearly 60 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Lamont’s office said the school earned an overall accountability index score of 89.3 in 2024-25, above the state target of 85 and the highest in the school’s history.
The school has steadily improved in recent years, earning School of Distinction status for the first time in 2021-22 and again in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Lamont's office said academic achievement and academic growth were among the school’s strongest areas in 2024-25.
New Lebanon posted its highest subject performance index scores since 2014-15 across all subjects for both all students and students with high needs. Mathematics growth also reached its highest level to date, with students meeting an average of at least 86 percent of their growth targets in the subject.
The state accountability system also measures growth toward English language proficiency for English and multilingual learners.
About 12 percent of New Lebanon students fall into that category, according to Lamont’s office. State officials said the school’s oral and literacy growth measures ranked among the top 2 percent statewide, with students achieving an average of 84.2 percent of oral targets and 96.5 percent of literacy targets, both school records.
District administrators attributed the school’s success to the principal’s instructional leadership, targeted student support during the school day and extensive arts programming, according to Lamont’s office.
Administrators also said staff members take pride in their work and students are enthusiastic about attending school.
The Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a state-operated initiative that replaces the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was discontinued by the U.S. Department of Education in 2025 after honoring schools on a nationwide basis during the previous four decades.
In response to the termination of the national program, Lamont and Russell-Tucker launched this state-operated program last year, stressing the importance of recognizing and highlighting schools that are excelling in academic success.
The honorees were identified by CSDE using 2024-25 results from the Next Generation Accountability System. All selected schools were designated as Schools of Distinction.
"This distinction reflects what is possible when educators, students, families, and communities come together to create supportive learning environments, showcase innovative practices that support student success, and demonstrate a strong commitment to unlocking lifelong potential for all students. Congratulations to this year’s award winners for their hard work, dedication, and continued commitment to excellence," Russell-Tucker said in an announcement.
CSDE will host an awards recognition for the six schools on June 9 in West Hartford.
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