Old Saybrook Senior High School

I attended OSHS from 1997-2001 then went on to top-ranked Connecticut College (New London, CT) early decision. At OSHS I experienced dedication and individual attention from the faculty normally seen only in expensive private school. One AP class I took had only 7 people in it, making for great student-faculty interaction. The top 25% of our class by and large made it into very good schools. Throughout the class, I believe everyone who wanted to go got into a college. We were encouraged to be involved across the board in all extracurricular activities from athletics to academics to music to mock-trial, and I was happily involved in all of these. People were always respectful of others' abilities in different areas. When I arrived at Connecticut College, I found myself well-prepared, socially confident and in much better shape academically than many of my privately schooled classmates. OSHS is a great public school!
--Submitted by a former student

This high school is run like a fine private school. The teachers are generally excellent. The principal, Scott Schoonmaker, and assistant principal, Tara Winch, are very responsive to the needs of individual students. Extracurricular activities are extraordinary: Football players go out for the school's dramatic productions and musicals, the quality of which is first rate. Almost 90% of graduates go directly to college; the best routinely get accepted by the Ivy Leagues. Athletics is highly participatory -- focus is on development, not just winning. For the academically inclined, the school routinely wins Quizbowl, debate and monologue competitions. The band and chorus also get high marks, and have been invited to Disney World. In summary: A great school!
--Submitted by a parent