58 North Ave
Westport, CT 06880

My son has had a wonderful first year of middle school. He has grown in academics, art, and music. There are so many clubs and opportunities to take advantage of. The teachers are so talented and committed.

For two years, Long Lots teachers missed that my son is dyslexic. Every time I asked for a meeting with the reading specialist, they refused because of his high test scores. Bright kids can have learning disabilities too. The school did identify him as a gifted student, but offered no enrichment for 1st or 2nd graders. He was extremely bored in school. My daughter, who was an advanced and avid reader in 1st grade, was miserable with the books she was given. I asked her teacher several times for a reassessment, but was assured she had been assessed correctly. It took me 3 months to discover that they thought she couldn't read at all. (Parents do not have access to the classroom, nor would the teacher send books home until December.) Their explanation for the “oversight” - she was shy during the assessment. She had always loved school until 1st grade at Long Lots.After almost 2 years at Long Lots, I hand-delivered a letter to the principal about our experience and concerns. I never got a reply. When I notified the principal's office my kids were transferring to a local private school, they had no interest why. A few students had significant behavioral problems that were disruptive in the classroom. Lunch was chaotic and loud. Supervision during recess was not adequate. Classwork focused on lots of worksheets - little opportunity for creativity, intellectual curiosity, etc. A few positives: my kids and I made some very nice friends we still see, the classroom atmosphere was generally good, and teachers were professional.

We intended to move to Westport "just for the schools" but after much thought decided to keep our kids in the Norwalk school district. We came to the conclusion that compared to Brien McMahon and Norwalk high schools, Staples high is in actuality equally rated and not all that. More modern classrooms though. Brien McMahon high in Norwalk offers an international baccalaureate degree, which is demanding to get. And a global studies program. Norwalk high has early college courses, students can graduate with a highschool diploma AND an associates degree Can wholeheartedly confirm that the Norwalk school district is without question a leader in educational innovation, new initiatives and preparing students for a competive world. Plenty of Norwalk students get into Ivy Leagues on their own merit.