If you're considering a move to Greenwich, Connecticut, chances are schools are at the top of your list. I get it—they were 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.
Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: Greenwich has some of the best schools in the country, but navigating the system can be overwhelming. Public or private? Which neighborhood's elementary school is the best fit? How competitive is the kindergarten application process at Brunswick or Greenwich Academy?
This guide covers everything—the stuff you'll find in official brochures and the insider knowledge you won't. Let's dive in.
Greenwich Public Schools: An Overview
Greenwich Public Schools (GPS) is one of the highest-performing districts in Connecticut. That's saying something in a state known for excellent education. The district serves about 8,600 students across 15 schools. They spend around $30,500 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: $30,506
Average Teacher Salary: $109,908
Academic Performance
Math Proficiency: 67% of students at grade level
Reading Proficiency: 76% of students at grade level
Graduation Rate: 94%
College Attendance: 90% go to 4-year colleges
Average SAT Score: 1290
Average ACT Score: 31
AP Courses Offered: 30+
National Merit Semifinalists: 15-25 each year
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 School Districts in Connecticut: Number 5 out of 120
- Best Places to Teach in Connecticut: Number 3 out of 133
- Districts with Best Teachers: Number 3 out of 130
- US News Best High Schools: Top 5% nationally
These rankings matter because they show real results. 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, and it shows.
Where Greenwich High School Graduates Go
One of the best ways to judge a school is to see where 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)
These numbers show that GHS students get into competitive schools. Many also go to Ivy League colleges, though those numbers are smaller. The point is, your kids will have options. The school prepares them well for college and beyond.
My Take: The public schools here are genuinely 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. This is why neighborhood selection is so critical for families with young kids.
Riverside School →
Serves: Riverside neighborhood
Highly regarded, walkable from much of Riverside. Strong parent involvement and excellent after-school programs. Known for a warm, community-oriented feel.
Old Greenwich School →
Serves: Old Greenwich neighborhood
Beloved by families in the beach-town community. 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 reflecting 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/Glenville area
Strong community feel, dedicated teachers. Known for outdoor learning programs 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 start to have more course options and extracurricular activities expand significantly.
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
Located near downtown. Strong STEM program. Excellent accessibility to town resources.
Western Middle School
Serves: Glenville, Pemberwick, Byram
Most diverse middle school. Strong arts integration. Dedicated teaching staff.
Greenwich High School
Here's something that surprises many newcomers: Greenwich has only one public high school for all 61,000+ residents. 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 can be 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. The opportunities are endless, but you 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—100+ acres with 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 in upper grades allow for co-ed experiences in some 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). Known for developing 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 admissions 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 maximize options.
Public vs Private: The Real Trade-offs
This is the question every Greenwich parent grapples with. The truth is, there's no wrong answer—both paths lead to excellent outcomes. Here's my honest comparison:
| 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 transition 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.
Tips for Families Moving to Greenwich
Pick your neighborhood based on elementary school
If you have young kids and plan to go public, this matters. 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.
Don't underestimate Greenwich High School
Many NYC families assume private is "better." GHS sends kids to top colleges every year and offers opportunities that smaller schools simply can't match.
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. Real experiences matter more than rankings.
Need Help Navigating Greenwich Schools?
I know this is overwhelming. Let's talk through your family's specific situation—your kids' ages, learning styles, and priorities. I can help you understand which neighborhoods align with your school preferences.