If you're considering a move to Greenwich, Connecticut, chances are schools are at the top of your list. I get it. They were at the top of mine too. When we moved here from the Upper West Side five years ago, I spent countless hours researching Greenwich schools, touring campuses, and talking to other parents.
Greenwich has some of the best schools in the country, and figuring out the system is overwhelming at first. That is what I wish someone had told me upfront. Public or private? Which neighborhood's elementary school is the best fit? How competitive is the kindergarten application process at Brunswick or Greenwich Academy?
Start with the district data, then check enrollment, programs, and school boundaries for your family.
Greenwich Public Schools: An Overview
Greenwich Public Schools (GPS) is one of the highest-performing districts in Connecticut, a state known for excellent public schools. The district serves about 8,600 students across 15 schools. They spend around $30,600 per student each year. That's way above the national average of about $17,800.
Greenwich Public Schools by the Numbers
Elementary Schools (K-5): 11 schools
Middle Schools (6-8): 3 schools
High School (9-12): 1 school
Total Students: 8,589
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1
National Average: 16 to 1
Per-Pupil Spending: $30,595 (2025-26)
Average Teacher Salary: $109,908
Academic Performance
Math proficiency (SBAC 2025-26): 78.3%
English proficiency (SBAC 2025-26): 80.3%
Graduation Rate: 94%
College Attendance: 90% go to 4-year colleges
SAT math benchmark: 64.3% (slightly up)
SAT English benchmark: 79.9% (down from 86.1%)
AP Courses Offered: 30+
National Merit Semifinalists: 15-25 each year
State data released September 2, 2026 showed Greenwich's best-ever Smarter Balanced scores in English and math, well above Connecticut averages of 51% and 46.7%. SAT English slipped. Look at these scores alongside rankings when comparing schools.
Rankings and Awards
Greenwich Public Schools gets top marks from education rating sites. Niche gives the district an A+ overall grade. Here's how they rank in Connecticut:
- Best Public High Schools in Connecticut: #5 of 202 (Niche 2026)
- Best College Prep Public High Schools in Connecticut: #3 of 194
- Best Public High Schools in America: #268 of 20,162
- Best Places to Teach in Connecticut: Number 3 out of 133
- Districts with Best Teachers: Number 3 out of 130
- US News Connecticut public high schools: GHS is routinely grouped with Staples (Westport), Darien, and Weston in the state's top tier. Local officials have also cited a #2 ranking this fall. Treat ranking lists as marketing, not a reason to pick a neighborhood.
Greenwich High School sends students to top colleges every single year. The elementary and middle schools are well-funded and well-staffed. Parents here take education seriously.
Where Greenwich High School Graduates Go
Judge a school by where its students end up. Greenwich High School graduates go to some of the best colleges in the country. Here are the most popular choices:
University of Connecticut (564 students)
Boston University (329 students)
New York University (269 students)
Northeastern University (226 students)
Fordham University (224 students)
University of Connecticut Stamford (192 students)
Syracuse University (181 students)
Quinnipiac University (180 students)
University of Michigan (170 students)
Boston College (166 students)
GHS students attend a range of competitive colleges, including Ivy League schools in smaller numbers.
My Take: The public schools here are excellent. My kids attend GPS, and the quality of teaching, resources, and extracurricular programs rivals many private schools. That said, there's pressure. These are high-achieving communities, and that trickles down to the kids. It's not laid-back.
Elementary Schools by Neighborhood
Greenwich has 11 public elementary schools, and which school your child attends depends entirely on where you live. There's no choice or lottery system. Your address determines your school, so families with young kids should choose a neighborhood by its elementary school.
Buy the feeder with the house
Greenwich public school map, in one table
Address assigns the elementary and middle school. There is no town-wide lottery. All three middle schools feed Greenwich High School. Confirm the specific address on the Greenwich Public Schools site before you bid.
| Neighborhood | Elementary | Middle | What parents say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Greenwich | Old Greenwich School | Eastern | Walkable village. Late elementary start is common. |
| Riverside | Riverside School | Eastern | Early drop exists (~7:30). Strong PTA. |
| Cos Cob | Cos Cob School | Eastern / Central | Locals praise it. Walkable to shops and the station. |
| North Mianus | North Mianus School | Eastern | Parents often call this the strongest public combo in town. |
| Downtown | Julian Curtiss | Central | Most international. New Central Middle opened Aug 2026. |
| Backcountry | Parkway / North Street | Western | Drive to everything, including the train. |
Greenwich Public School Zones: Find Your Catchment School
Greenwich assigns every address to one elementary, one middle and one high school. Check the exact house, not the neighborhood name, before you sign: zone lines cut through streets that look alike. Use the district's School Finder (type the street in capital letters, abbreviations without periods) or its street-by-street assignment list.
If both parents commute
Budget a 12-hour nanny or au pair
Several Greenwich elementary schools start around 9am. A 7:45 train and a 9am bell do not mix. Riverside has an early drop around 7:30. Sick-day pickup is under an hour.
If you work in Midtown
Live walking distance to a station
Express from Greenwich station runs ~40-45 minutes. Locals from Cos Cob, Riverside, and Old Greenwich run 50-75. Backcountry adds a 15-minute drive before you reach the train.
If you work in FiDi or Hudson Yards
Ride it twice before you offer
Add the subway. Families who skip this test are the ones who move back to Westchester or the city. Scarsdale is faster. Greenwich is cheaper on taxes.
Riverside School →
Serves: Riverside neighborhood
A favorite with local families, walkable from much of Riverside. Strong parent involvement and excellent after-school programs. Warm, community-oriented feel.
Old Greenwich School →
Serves: Old Greenwich neighborhood
Families in this beach-town community love it. Recently renovated facilities. Very active PTA with strong community events and fundraising.
Cos Cob School →
Serves: Cos Cob neighborhood
Diverse, welcoming environment. Strong arts programs to match Cos Cob's artistic heritage. Slightly smaller class sizes than some other schools.
North Street School
Serves: Central/Mid-Country Greenwich
One of the largest elementary schools. Excellent programs and facilities. Very active in STEM education and technology integration.
North Mianus School
Serves: North Mianus / east side
Strong community feel and dedicated teachers, with a focus on outdoor learning and environmental education.
Julian Curtiss School
Serves: Downtown Greenwich
Most diverse elementary school in the district. International population with strong ESL programs. Walkable from downtown.
Other elementary schools include: Glenville School, Hamilton Avenue School, International School at Dundee (magnet), New Lebanon School, and Parkway School.
Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)
All Greenwich students attend one of three middle schools based on their neighborhood. This is where students get more course options and a much wider range of extracurricular activities.
Eastern Middle School
Serves: Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob
Strong academics and athletics. Recently renovated. Active drama and music programs.
Central Middle School
Serves: Central Greenwich
New building opened August 28, 2026. Strong STEM. Near downtown resources.
Western Middle School
Serves: Glenville, Pemberwick, Byram
Most diverse middle school. Strong arts integration. Dedicated teaching staff.
Greenwich High School
Greenwich has only one public high school for all 61,000+ residents, which surprises many newcomers. Greenwich High School (GHS) is one of the largest high schools in Connecticut with approximately 2,700 students.
Greenwich High School Stats
Enrollment: ~2,700 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 94%+
College Attendance: 90%+ go to 4-year colleges
AP Courses: 30+ offerings
Sports Teams: 80+ teams across 30 sports
Clubs: 100+ student organizations
National Merit Semifinalists: 15-25 annually
GHS offers over 200 courses, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a wide range of AP classes. The school has a $43 million performing arts center, state-of-the-art science labs, and one of the best athletic facilities in the state.
My Take: GHS is a fantastic school, but its size is intimidating if you're coming from a small private school in NYC. My advice: get your kids involved in activities early. The school is so large that finding your "tribe" through sports, theater, music, or clubs makes all the difference. There are 100+ clubs and 80+ teams, but your kids have to seek them out.
Notable Programs
- •IB Diploma Programme: Full International Baccalaureate curriculum for motivated students
- •AVID Program: College readiness support for first-generation college students
- •Performing Arts Center: Broadway-quality theater with regular productions
- •STEM Center: Robotics, engineering, and computer science labs
- •Cardinal Stadium: Recently renovated athletic complex
Private Schools in Greenwich
Greenwich is home to several elite private schools that attract families from across Fairfield County and beyond. These schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and in some cases, boarding options. But with tuition ranging from $35,000 to $55,000+ per year, they're a significant investment.
Brunswick School (Boys, Pre-K-12)
One of the premier all-boys schools in the Northeast. Brunswick emphasizes academics, athletics, and character development. The campus is stunning, with 100+ acres and top-tier athletic facilities. Strong college placement, particularly to Ivy League schools.
Best for: Families seeking rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on athletics and traditional values.
Greenwich Academy (Girls, Pre-K-12)
The sister school to Brunswick, Greenwich Academy is a leader in girls' education. Strong STEM programs, arts, and athletics. Coordinate programs with Brunswick put boys and girls together in some upper-grade classes and activities.
Best for: Families who believe in single-sex education and want their daughters in a highly supportive, achievement-oriented environment.
Sacred Heart Greenwich (Girls, Pre-K-12)
Part of the worldwide Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Combines rigorous academics with Catholic values and service learning. Beautiful campus with a strong sense of community and tradition.
Best for: Families seeking faith-based education with strong academics and emphasis on service.
Whitby School (Co-ed, Ages 18 months-8th grade)
Unique blend of Montessori education (early years) and International Baccalaureate (grades 4-8). Whitby builds independent, globally-minded learners. Beautiful 30-acre campus.
Best for: Families who want an alternative educational philosophy focused on independence and global citizenship.
Greenwich Country Day School (Co-ed, Pre-K-9)
The largest co-ed day school in Greenwich. Progressive, child-centered approach with strong arts and athletics. Feeds into top boarding schools and Greenwich High School. Notable alumni include George H.W. Bush.
Best for: Families wanting a well-rounded co-ed experience through middle school.
My Take: Private school admission in Greenwich is competitive, especially for kindergarten entry at Brunswick and Greenwich Academy. If you're considering private school, start the process a year in advance. Attend open houses, schedule tours, and get on waitlists early. Some families apply to 3-4 schools to keep their options open.
Greenwich Academy Ranking (2026)
Niche ranks Greenwich Academy #2 of 18 private K-12 schools in Connecticut, #2 of 9 all-girls high schools in the state, and #11 of 71 private high schools in Connecticut. Nationally it sits #23 of 288 all-girls high schools. The school enrolls 832 girls from pre-K through 12th grade at an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and Niche lists tuition at $55,830 for the highest grade.
Source: Niche 2026 Greenwich Academy rankings, checked October 10, 2026. Rankings shift every year, so confirm admissions details with the school.
Public vs Private: The Real Trade-offs
Compare the programs, size, and cost of public and private schools for your child. Both paths send 90%+ of graduates to four-year colleges.
| Factor | Public Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | Free (taxes cover it) | $35,000-$55,000+ |
| Class Size | 18-22 students | 12-16 students |
| Diversity | More socioeconomic diversity | More homogeneous |
| College Prep | Excellent (90%+ to 4-year college) | Excellent (95%+ to 4-year college) |
| Extracurriculars | Extensive but crowded | More opportunities per student |
| Community Feel | Neighborhood-based | School-centered, tight-knit |
My Take: Many families start in private school for the early years (especially if moving mid-year), then switch to public school. The reverse happens too. Some families start public and switch to private in middle school. There's no stigma either way, and many kids thrive after switching.
Special Education & Support Services
Greenwich Public Schools has a well-resourced special education department, and several private schools offer specialized learning support. If your child has an IEP or you're just beginning to explore options, look at what's available across the state before you start touring programs.
For a broader look beyond Greenwich, this Connecticut special needs schools directory lists over 100 special education programs and therapy centers statewide, plus free IEP and school-selection guides.
Tips for Families Moving to Greenwich
Pick your neighborhood based on elementary school
If you have young kids and plan to go public, your address decides the school. Tour schools before finalizing your home purchase.
Start private school applications a year early
Applications open in September for the following fall. For kindergarten at competitive schools, some families apply 2 years ahead.
Do not assume private beats GHS
A lot of NYC families default to private out of habit. GHS sends kids to competitive colleges every year and offers AP depth and activities smaller schools cannot match. Tour both before you decide.
Visit during the school year
Summer tours don't show you the real energy of a school. Schedule visits during regular school days when possible.
Connect with current families
I'm happy to connect you with parents at specific schools. Ask current families about their day-to-day experience alongside reviewing the rankings.
Treat residency verification as a closing item
Greenwich Public Schools require proof you live in town: typically a lease or mortgage plus utility bills. New families register through Aspen; if you do not know the catchment, use the GPS School Finder on greenwichschools.org before you bid. SY26-27 registration opens on the district site. Dual-commuter parents should also ask about early drop programs. Riverside has one around 7:30am; several elementary schools start closer to 9am.
Next step
Moving for schools? Storage and new-home coverage while you settle.
Storage while you relocate for school
Bridge closing dates or declutter before the school year starts.
Find storage nearbyHome insurance for a new address
Families often rethink coverage when kids change schools and zip codes.
Compare quotesNeed Help Navigating Greenwich Schools?
I know this is overwhelming. Let's talk through your family's situation: kids' ages, learning styles, and which neighborhoods match your school preferences. Start with the neighborhood guides and the moving hub.
Ester Zolotnitsky
Greenwich Relocation Expert & Real Estate Consultant
Ester helps families move from city life to the Connecticut coast. She offers guidance on Greenwich neighborhoods, schools, and daily life as you compare places to live.