One Of West Hartford's High Schools Deemed Best In State

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local school officials are beaming with pride this week as one of West Hartford's public educational institutions was deemed the best in Connecticut.

Conard High School has been named the 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School of the Year, West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus announced in a letter to the school community on Monday.

The CAS recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence across areas, including school safety and wellness, academic and intervention supports, extracurricular offerings, instructional practices, personalized learning, and curriculum design.

“It is with incredible pride that I share that Conard High School has been named the 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School of the Year,” Vicinus said in his letter.

Vicinus said the award reflects the work of educators, staff and the broader school community, and cited the district’s “Every Child, Every Day” approach as a contributing factor.

He added that Conard’s performance builds on preparation across West Hartford’s elementary and middle schools.

Conard Principal Jocelyn Carmen Tamborello-Noble separately informed the school community of the designation, calling it “a tremendous honor” and attributing the recognition to students, staff, families, and community partners.

“This award celebrates the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community partners,” Tamborello-Noble said.

She said the recognition reflects both academic achievement and efforts to support students’ overall development and sense of belonging.

Tamborello-Noble also thanked district staff across roles for their contributions.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the incredible educators and staff within West Hartford Public Schools who support every child every day,” she said. “Thank you to every teacher, counselor, clinician, special educator, service provider, library media specialist, para-educator, teaching assistant, bus driver, security officer, cafeteria staff, custodian, office staff, department supervisor, and assistant principal for the part they play in supporting your child.

The school's major parent organization was also celebrating on Monday.

"Congratulations are in order," wrote the Conard High School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). "We already know how amazing our Conard community is; this is a well-deserved external recognition."