New London Public Schools

New London Public Schools (NLPS) is set to become Connecticut’s first and only all-magnet school district.

A racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse community, New London Public Schools serves southeastern Connecticut students in newly constructed campuses.

The district currently serves more than 3,300 students in grades PreK-12 and consists of six (6) district campuses; one Early Childhood Center, three K-5 elementary schools, one middle school and one 9-12 high school which includes a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-themed magnet high school designated as a school-within-a-school. In addition, the middle school contains Renzulli Academy, a non-magnet program designed for gifted and talented students in grades 4-8.

Ten years ago, with the opening of the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut (STMHS), New London Public Schools began its transition to become the state’s first all-magnet school district.
• New London successfully constructed STMHS, a 9-12 STEM magnet high school that serves more than 350 students, more than 25 percent of whom reside outside of New London. The school also maintains a waiting list and attracts students from approximately 20 surrounding towns.
• New London also successfully opened Winthrop Elementary Magnet School, a newly constructed K-5 STEM-themed magnet school located adjacent to New London’s historic Riverside Park and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Winthrop also boasts a waiting list.
• Nathan Hale Arts Magnet Schools, the district’s second K-5 elementary magnet school, is dedicated to performing and visual arts. Nathan Hale opened in its newly constructed location near Ocean Beach Park in 2013, and serves New London and out of district students.

The transformational magnet plan for New London Public Schools into a regional system of high performing schools will continue over the next five to seven years, and will result in three magnet elementary schools and four magnet middle/high schools.

The district follows comprehensive and detailed operations plans for each of its magnet school pathways/themes that ensure all aspects of school facility design (educational specifications), program and curriculum development, recruitment, hiring, and retention of highly-qualified staff, and the marketing and recruitment of students and families throughout the region meets the highest of expectations and standards. In addition, each magnet school operations plan is approved by the State Department of Education.

Unique to the design, development and implementation of New London’s magnet programs is a strong commitment to exceptional public-private partnerships with local colleges, universities, and various business organizations that include the following: Connecticut College, Mitchell College, the United States Coast Guard Academy, The Garde Arts Center, Electric Boat and many others.

These partnerships extend beyond the regular school day of our magnet-themed elementary and high schools as special projects and themed activities occur on weekends and well into the summer.