Oxford School Recognized By State

OXFORD, CT — An Oxford elementary school has earned statewide recognition under Connecticut’s new Blue Ribbon Schools program.

Great Oak Elementary School was one of six schools named a 2026 Connecticut Blue Ribbon School, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced. The school was recognized as both Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing, according to the announcement.

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The Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a state-run program that replaced the former National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was discontinued by the U.S. Department of Education in 2025.

Great Oak Elementary serves students in grades 3 through 5 and has about 380 students. About one-third of the students are considered high-needs students, according to state officials.

State officials said Great Oak has earned School of Distinction status for four straight years. In 2024-25, the school earned all possible accountability points for academic achievement in English language arts, math and science for all students.

The school’s performance index also exceeded the state target in every subject, officials said. Students with high needs also posted their highest scores in all subjects since the accountability system began in 2014-15.

Great Oak was also recognized for academic growth in math among all students and growth in English language arts among high-needs students. State officials said both measures placed the school among the top 10 percent of elementary and middle schools statewide.

Lamont congratulated the schools selected for the honor and said their success reflects the strength of Connecticut’s public schools.

Russell-Tucker said the recognition shows what can happen when educators, students, families and communities work together to support student success.

The other schools recognized were Nathan Hale School in Meriden, New Lebanon School in Greenwich, Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Webster Hill School in West Hartford and Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies Elementary Magnet School in Danbury.

The state is scheduled to hold an awards recognition for the six schools June 9 in West Hartford.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.