Elementary Schools Lead the Way in Academic Performance and Growth

MILFORD, CT – Seven Milford Public Schools have been honored as Schools of Distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year, a prestigious recognition that highlights exceptional academic performance and growth across the district. The achievement places multiple Milford elementary schools among the top performers in Connecticut, with Orchard Hills Elementary School earning special distinction by landing in the top 10% of all schools statewide with an accountability score of 89.6%. Schools Recognized for Excellence

The seven honored schools and their areas of distinction include: Calf Pen Meadow Elementary School

High Growth (All Students) in Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in Math

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

High Performance and High Growth (All Students) in English Language Arts & Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in ELA & Math

Live Oaks Elementary School

High Growth (All Students) in Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in Math

Mathewson Elementary School

High Growth (High Needs Students) in ELA & Math

Meadowside Elementary School

High Growth (All Students) in ELA & Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in Math

Orchard Hills Elementary School

Level 1 Distinction (Top 10% statewide) High Performance and High Growth (All Students) in ELA & Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in ELA & Math

Pumpkin Delight Elementary School

High Growth (All Students) in Math High Growth (High Needs Students) in ELA & Math

Beyond Test Scores To be named a School of Distinction, a school must demonstrate overall high performance (schools in the top 10% of the state's Accountability Index scores) and/or high academic growth (schools in the top 10% for academic growth) in a given year. milforded The recognition is based on Connecticut's Next Generation Accountability System, which evaluates schools using 12 comprehensive indicators that extend beyond traditional test scores and graduation rates. These indicators include academic achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness, high school graduation, postsecondary entrance, physical fitness, and the arts.

Overall, Milford Public Schools earned 78.5% of its total possible points on the accountability system, demonstrating strong performance across multiple success measures.

Leadership Celebrates Achievement Superintendent Dr. Anna M. Cutaia represented Milford at an October 30 state press conference alongside Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, where districts across the state were recognized for significant academic achievements.

"The recognition of the committed work of our staff can be seen in many ways, including the results we see on the state's Next Generation Accountability System. This represents a shared belief in all students and their individual path to success," milforded Dr. Cutaia said. "It celebrates the extraordinary efforts of our educators and the shared commitment of our community to providing high-quality instruction that helps every student achieve their goals."

Focus on College and Career Readiness During the state press conference, Dr. Cutaia highlighted Milford's expanding Dual Enrollment program as a key component of the district's success. In the 2024–25 school year, 429 MPS students participated in Dual Enrollment courses, earning college credits while in high school, realizing substantial cost savings, and achieving higher rates of degree and certificate completion after graduation. milforded

This program allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their secondary education, providing both financial benefits and academic advantages for students' post-graduation success.

Board of Education Support Milford Board of Education Chair Susan Glennon emphasized the strategic investments that contributed to these results:

"Through its work with the administration, the Board of Education has prioritized investments in coherent high-quality instruction, teacher support, and student resources that have contributed to these outstanding results. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our vision and the dedication of our school communities working together to advance student outcomes." milforded Community-Wide Effort

The district's strong performance reflects collaborative efforts across the entire educational community. Milford Public Schools' strong results across these measures represent the collective efforts of all Pre-K-12 students and staff, the Board of Education, and community partners. milforded

The recognition particularly highlights success in serving high-needs students, with multiple schools showing exceptional growth in this demographic across both English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Looking Forward These achievements position Milford Public Schools among Connecticut's educational leaders and demonstrate the effectiveness of the district's comprehensive approach to student success. The recognition serves as both a celebration of current accomplishments and a benchmark for continued excellence in education.

For parents and community members, the Schools of Distinction designation offers tangible evidence of the quality education being delivered in Milford's elementary schools and the dedication of educators working to ensure every student reaches their full potential. For more education news and updates from Milford Public Schools, visit The Milford Times online.