Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 06712

Zip code 06712 in Prospect, Connecticut is served by exactly one middle school, Long River Middle School, which enrolls 434 students in grades 6 through 8 and is part of the highly rated Regional School District 16. Long River Middle School stands out as a top-performing school not just locally but across the entire state, earning a 4-star rating and ranking 49th out of 258 Connecticut middle schools for the 2025–2026 school year, up from 81st just two years earlier. The school outperforms state averages in every tested subject and grade, often by 15 to 23 percentage points in math, English language arts, and science. Chronic absenteeism is exceptionally low at only 4.3% compared to the state rate of 16.4%, and the school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.1, with per-pupil spending above $15,000.

Academically, Long River Middle School shows particular strength in math, where 6th and 8th graders exceed state averages by over 20 points, while 7th grade ELA is the single highest proficiency rate at 73.7%. The most recent school year saw dramatic one-year gains in 8th grade, with ELA jumping from 60.4% to 71.9% and math from 52.2% to 64.7%, suggesting focused interventions or a particularly strong cohort. The school serves a relatively mixed-income population, with about 30% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, yet achievement remains consistently high across all demographic groups, reflecting an effective and well-supported learning environment. Its district, Regional School District 16, ranks in the top 20% of Connecticut districts with a 4-star rating, and Long River's scores exactly match the district's middle-level metrics since it is the sole middle school in the district.

For parents considering this area, Long River Middle School offers a rare combination of strong academics, excellent attendance, and ample resources. The school has improved its state ranking by 32 positions over three years, moving from a 3-star to a 4-star rating, and its overall trajectory is clearly positive. While there are some year-to-year fluctuations in specific grades—such as a slight dip in 6th grade ELA and 7th grade math—these do not overshadow the school's broad and consistent success. With low chronic absenteeism, a low student-teacher ratio, and above-average test scores across every subject, Long River Middle School is an academically robust option that provides a high-quality education for families in zip code 06712.