Greenwich's New Lebanon School Wins State Blue Ribbon

New Lebanon School in Greenwich just joined an elite group of six Connecticut schools earning the state's 2026 Blue Ribbon honor for academic excellence and closing achievement gaps.

The recognition marks a triumphant milestone for a school that opened just seven years ago. With 363 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and nearly 60% qualifying for free or reduced lunch, New Lebanon achieved an impressive 89.3 accountability score, above the state's 85 target and the school's highest ever.

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker created Connecticut's Blue Ribbon program last year after the federal government discontinued its national version. The state initiative recognizes schools demonstrating both exceptional academic performance and success in supporting every student, regardless of background.

New Lebanon earned distinction in both categories measured by the program. The school excels at high overall performance while simultaneously narrowing achievement gaps for students facing economic challenges.

The awards arrive at a crucial time for public education. Connecticut's decision to maintain recognition for outstanding schools sends a clear message about the value of celebrating academic success when national support disappeared.

Five other schools earned the honor alongside New Lebanon. Great Oak Elementary in Oxford, Nathan Hale School in Meriden, Ridgefield High School, Webster Hill School in West Hartford, and Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies Elementary Magnet School in Danbury all demonstrated similar excellence.

The Ripple Effect

New Lebanon's steady improvement tells a broader story about what happens when schools focus relentlessly on individual student needs. The school's accountability scores have climbed consistently in recent years, with 2024-25 marking their best performance since opening.

The achievement extends beyond one building. Meriden now celebrates three Blue Ribbon schools in ten years, showing how district-wide commitment to excellence creates lasting change across entire communities.

Connecticut educators are proving that state-level recognition can fill the gap left by discontinued federal programs. By identifying schools through the Next Generation Accountability System, the state ensures meaningful standards drive the selection process rather than subjective measures.

The June 9 awards ceremony in West Hartford will honor all six schools, giving communities a chance to celebrate the teachers, families, and students who made this success possible.

Connecticut continues ranking among the nation's best for public education, and schools like New Lebanon show exactly why that reputation holds strong even without federal validation.