Summary:
Preston, Connecticut is served by a small public school system of just two schools — Preston Veterans' Memorial School (PK–5, 284 students) and Preston Plains School (6–8, 141 students) — both part of the Preston School District, which currently ranks 74th out of 153 districts in the state. There is no public high school in Preston, so students transition to a neighboring district or regional high school after 8th grade. The small enrollment numbers are important context, as they can make year-to-year test scores fluctuate dramatically.
Preston Veterans' Memorial School is the clear standout, jumping from the 48th percentile in 2023–2024 to the 82nd percentile in 2025–2026 (ranked 90th of 491 elementary schools with a 4-star rating). Its 3rd grade scores are exceptional — 81.6% ELA and 79.6% math proficiency versus state averages near 47% and 52%. However, the middle school has its own bright spots. Preston Plains School ranks 121st of 258 middle schools (53rd percentile, 3 stars), but its 8th grade math proficiency reached 53.8% versus the 41.9% state average, and 8th grade ELA hit 60% the prior year. Both schools share an 11.9 student-teacher ratio and roughly $19,500 per-pupil spending.
Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern: 28.9% at the elementary and 21.0% at the middle school, both well above the 16.4% state rate. Despite that, the elementary school is improving rapidly. The middle school shows a positive math trajectory — 6th grade math sits near 30% proficiency but climbs to 53.8% by 8th grade. The district's high per-pupil spending doesn't consistently translate to top-quartile outcomes, though the elementary school is the exception. Given the small class sizes and enrollments, parents should interpret single-year swings with caution, but the overall picture is of a district with strong early foundations, promising upper-grade math, and attendance challenges worth addressing.
Thank you for your feedback!