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Preston Plains School

Q: Is Preston Plains School a good school?

Preston Plains School ranks 121 st of 258 Connecticut middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

121^st

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 258 Connecticut Middle Schools

Better than 53% of Connecticut middle schools

Summary

Preston Plains School is a small middle school in Preston, Connecticut, serving 141 students in grades 6–8 within the Preston School District. The school holds a solid mid-range position in Connecticut, ranking in the 53rd percentile of middle schools statewide for 2025–2026 with a 3-star rating. When compared with nearby schools, Preston Plains School generally outperforms most of its regional neighbors, including Ledyard Middle School, Groton Middle School, and Leonard J. Tyl Middle School, while trailing only Stonington Middle School, which ranks in the 81st percentile.

The school's clearest academic strength is eighth-grade mathematics, where proficiency has consistently exceeded state averages over the past several years—53.8% in 2025–2026 compared with 41.9% statewide, and 60% in 2023–2024 compared with 38.2% statewide. Among nearby schools, only Stonington Middle School posted higher eighth-grade math scores. Preston also has a notable history of strong results for students who often face the biggest challenges: in 2020–2021, its low-income students ranked 7th out of 218 schools statewide, and its special education students ranked 32nd out of 244 schools. This is an exceptional equity story, though more recent subgroup data is not available to confirm whether the strength has persisted.

The most consistent area for improvement is sixth-grade math, which has lagged below state averages for four straight years, including 31.7% proficiency in 2025–2026 versus 44.4% statewide. Chronic absenteeism is also elevated at 21.0%, above the state average of 16.4% and well above nearby Ledyard Middle School's 9.2%. The school spends generously—roughly $19,400 to $20,000 per student, among the highest in the area—and maintains a moderate student-teacher ratio of about 12:1. Because enrollment is just 141 students, year-to-year swings in test scores and attendance can be dramatic; a difference of a few students can shift results noticeably. Still, the gap between weak sixth-grade and strong eighth-grade math suggests the school is adding real value as students progress, and that progress is a promising sign for families.

141

Students ?

11.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$29,544

Per pupil spending ?

32.6%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1 Route 164
Preston, CT 06365

(860) 889-3831

District: Preston School District

Feeder schools for Preston Plains School:

Elementary:

Preston Veterans' Memorial School

Racial breakdown:

White:

77.3%

Hispanic:

11.3%

African American:

3.5%

See top rated Connecticut middle schools

Compare Preston Plains School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 72nd percentile in 2015 → 53rd in 2026

Strengths

✓Above the Connecticut median (53rd percentile)

✓Small classes — about 12 students per teacher

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 19 percentile points since 2015

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school45%

District avg45%

Connecticut avg48%

121^st of 258

Connecticut public middle schools ?

Top 47%▼ down 16 pts since 2016

From top 30% (2016) to top 47% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Connecticut Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

74^th of 153Preston School District among Connecticut districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2026	50.5	121 of 258	53.1%	★★★☆☆
2025	51.5	118 of 252	53.2%	★★★☆☆
2024	54.6	112 of 250	55.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	68.7	79 of 249	68.3%	★★★☆☆
2022	41.8	131 of 250	47.6%	★★☆☆☆
2021	52.7	121 of 275	56.0%	★★★☆☆
2019	63.2	103 of 259	60.2%	★★★☆☆
2017	62.6	92 of 250	63.2%	★★★☆☆
2016	72.0	75 of 246	69.5%	★★★★☆
2015	75.2	78 of 280	72.1%	★★★★☆
2013	76.3	67 of 278	75.9%	★★★★☆
2012	72.9	91 of 272	66.5%	★★★☆☆
2011	74.2	78 of 269	71.0%	★★★★☆
2010	70.4	103 of 268	61.6%	★★★☆☆
2009	63.6	123 of 255	51.8%	★★★☆☆
2008	47.2	160 of 252	36.5%	★★☆☆☆
2007	59.2	129 of 250	48.4%	★★☆☆☆
2006	52.7	148 of 248	40.3%	★★☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2021	53.0	103 of 235	56.2%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2021	95.5	7 of 218	96.8%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2021	52.5	97 of 224	56.7%	★★★☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2021	78.3	32 of 244	86.9%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Connecticut percentile	Rating
2026	24.6	117 of 150	22.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	35.9	100 of 153	34.6%	★★☆☆☆
2023	41.6	95 of 158	39.9%	★★☆☆☆
2022	9.4	139 of 151	7.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	28.8	131 of 175	25.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	34.2	113 of 166	31.9%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Low Socio Economic Status (2021)97th percentile+41 vs school

Special Education (2021)87th percentile+31 vs school

Male (2021)57th percentile~ school

Female (2021)56th percentile~ school

White (2026)22nd percentile-31 vs school

By subject vs Connecticut (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts46%-6 vs state

Mathematics45%~ state avg

★

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Schools Near Preston Plains School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				NGSS Science (2026)		SBAC English Language Arts (2026)					SBAC Mathematics (2026)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	NGSS Science 5th Grade	NGSS Science 8th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 4th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 5th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 6th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 7th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 8th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 4th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 5th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 6th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 7th Grade	SBAC Mathematics 8th Grade	Total
Preston Plains School	Public	6-8	1 Route 164	Preston	06365	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Preston School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 889-3831	141	12	11.9	32.6%	109 (77.3%)	5 (3.5%)	16 (11.3%)	5 (3.5%)	1 (0.7%)	1 (0.7%)	4 (2.8%)	50.5	121^st of 258 public middle schools	53.1%		51.5	118^th of 252 public middle schools	53.2%	3		807.0			2524.0	46.0	2587.0			31.7	46.0	53.8	$29,544
Ledyard Middle School	Public	6-8	1860 Route 12	Gales Ferry	06335	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Ledyard School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 464-3188	535	45	12.0	28.6%	358 (66.9%)	16 (3.0%)	86 (16.1%)	15 (2.8%)	7 (1.3%)	1 (0.2%)	52 (9.7%)	43.9	138^th of 258 public middle schools	46.5%		44.6	132^nd of 252 public middle schools	47.6%	6		57.4			47.6	35.4	48.4			33.9	34.1	42.6	$18,170
Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	25 Mahan Dr.	Norwich	06360	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Norwich School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(860) 823-4211	593	52	11.4	73.9%	171 (28.8%)	105 (17.7%)	224 (37.8%)	47 (7.9%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.5%)	43 (7.3%)	19.1	190^th of 258 public middle schools	26.4%		20.9	183^rd of 252 public middle schools	27.4%	7		31.9			26.8	27.8	37.6			18.5	20.0	26.5	$23,513
Teachers' Memorial Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	15 Teachers Dr.	Norwich	06360	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Norwich School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(860) 823-4212	447	41	10.7	82.3%	94 (21.0%)	117 (26.2%)	177 (39.6%)	18 (4.0%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	38 (8.5%)	13	218^th of 258 public middle schools	15.5%		8.6	232^nd of 252 public middle schools	7.9%	14		23.0			32.8	18.6	24.3			27.0	10.9	13.8	$26,755
Griswold Middle School	Public	5-8	211 Slater Ave.	Griswold	06351	Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Griswold School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 376-7630	529	38	14.0	54.3%	390 (73.7%)	17 (3.2%)	68 (12.9%)	11 (2.1%)	3 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	39 (7.4%)	40.6	144^th of 258 public middle schools	44.2%		37.9	147^th of 252 public middle schools	41.7%	3	502.0	792.0		2508.0	37.5	56.6	2574.0		36.8	2495.0	30.9	2517.0	$16,816
Leonard J. Tyl Middle School	Public	6-8	166 Chesterfield Rd.	Oakdale	06370	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Montville School District	No	No	No	No	(860) 848-2822	519	45	11.5	46.4%	292 (56.3%)	34 (6.6%)	87 (16.8%)	32 (6.2%)	5 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	69 (13.3%)	46.3	132^nd of 258 public middle schools	48.8%		45.1	131^st of 252 public middle schools	48.0%	1		55.9			52.5	46.4	45.4			48.4	28.6	37.5	$20,797
Groton Middle School	Public	6-8	35 Groton Long Point Road	Groton	06340	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Groton School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 446-4200	884	76	11.7	80.8%	418 (47.3%)	63 (7.1%)	248 (28.1%)	44 (5.0%)	5 (0.6%)	3 (0.3%)	101 (11.4%)	46.7	129^th of 258 public middle schools	50.0%		38.6	144^th of 252 public middle schools	42.9%	15		45.0			48.9	53.4	49.1			40.1	44.0	31.7	$21,487
Interdistrict School For Arts And Communication	Public, Charter	4-8	190 Governor Winthrop Blvd.	New London	06320	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Interdistrict School for Arts and Community District	Yes	No	No	Yes	(860) 447-1003	328	28	11.7	68.3%	42 (12.8%)	51 (15.5%)	191 (58.2%)	4 (1.2%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (11.0%)	46.3	133^rd of 258 public middle schools	48.4%		39.1	142^nd of 252 public middle schools	43.7%	9	510.0	798.0	2476.0	57.7	51.2	53.5	2549.0	2463.0	2520.0	48.8	33.7	30.0	$18,268
Stonington Middle School	Public	6-8	40 Field St.	Pawcatuck	06379	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	Stonington School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 536-9613	366	45	8.2	28.1%	307 (83.9%)	5 (1.4%)	23 (6.3%)	10 (2.7%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (5.5%)	80.1	50^th of 258 public middle schools	80.6%		83.1	37^th of 252 public middle schools	85.3%	13		63.0			62.4	73.0	63.2			60.3	73.0	65.4	$27,679
Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School	Public	5-8	36 Waller St.	New London	06320	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region	New London School District	No	No	No	Yes	(860) 437-6480	343	47	7.2	94.2%	22 (6.4%)	62 (18.1%)	223 (65.0%)	4 (1.2%)	2 (0.6%)	2 (0.6%)	28 (8.2%)	7.4	242^nd of 258 public middle schools	6.2%		6.6	239^th of 252 public middle schools	5.2%	3		24.4			9.6	2444.0	14.3			2386.0	8.8	5.9	$24,593

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston Plains School

What district is Preston Plains School in?

Preston School District

How many students attend Preston Plains School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 141 students attended Preston Plains School.

Is Preston Plains School a good school?

Preston Plains School ranks 121^st of 258 Connecticut middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Preston Plains School?

Students at Preston Plains School are 77% White, 11% Hispanic, 4% African American, 4% Asian, 3% Two or more races.

Rate Preston Plains School!

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CTConnecticut Middle School Rankings

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Schools in Preston, CT

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Latest Connecticut data All new data »

2024–25 through 2025–26 attendance data & graduation ratesAug 31, 2026

2025–26 NGSS, SAT & SBAC test scoresAug 31, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataApr 2, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataNov 6, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Connecticut Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.