Schools in Chester, CT

Chester, Connecticut, is served by a single public school, Chester Elementary School, which enrolls 198 students in grades Pre-K through 6 and is part of the Chester School District.

Because Chester has only one school, the district and school are one and the same, and every metric reflects Chester Elementary’s performance. The school is a strong performer overall, ranking in the top 20% of Connecticut districts (31st of 153) and earning a 4-star rating for the past two years after receiving 5 stars in 2023–2024. Academically, the school outpaces state averages in every subject and grade tested. In ELA, proficiency averages 68.75% versus a 52.2% state average, while math proficiency averages 76.1% versus 47.5% statewide. The most dramatic gap is in 5th grade math, where 83.3% of students are proficient compared to 45.8% statewide. Science is also a highlight, with 73.5% of 5th graders proficient versus 52.2% in Connecticut overall. Chronic absenteeism is exceptionally low at just 4.1%, far below the state’s 16.4%, which signals strong attendance and engagement.

Chester Elementary is a small school, and that appears to be a benefit. With only 198 students across eight grade levels, it likely offers close-knit support and individualized attention. Notably, 28.28% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, yet academic results remain well above state norms, suggesting the school effectively supports learners from diverse economic backgrounds. Per-student spending is high at $23,501, which is common for a single-school district that must cover fixed costs with fewer students. While the school’s star rating dipped slightly from 5 to 4 stars in recent years, test scores remain strong across the board, and there is no evidence of a real decline. For parents in Chester, the town’s only school is a reliable, high-achieving option from Pre-K through 6th grade, after which students likely move on to a regional middle and high school.