About

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The West Haven Public School District is committed to the belief that all children are capable of attaining high levels of achievement in preparation for productive, rewarding lives and responsible citizenship. Students will reach this goal through their own diligence and effort, a learning climate that responds to individual academic needs, a curriculum that challenges and is aligned with the state standards, adequate resources, and skilled, professional instruction. Furthermore, a belief in social equality underlies West Haven's commitment to providing a high quality of education for all students.

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Portrait of a Graduate

Learn what it means to be a graduate of West Haven Public Schools: [Click Here]

West Haven Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate, BLUE, provides a framework for developing the skills students need to succeed in school, their communities, and beyond. Through Become an informed thinker and problem solver, Lead, learn, collaborate, and communicate, Understand your civic duty, and Explore your passion, students build these skills from elementary school through high school.

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    Learn what it means to be a graduate of West Haven Public Schools: [Click Here]

    West Haven Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate, BLUE, provides a framework for developing the skills students need to succeed in school, their communities, and beyond. Through Become an informed thinker and problem solver, Lead, learn, collaborate, and communicate, Understand your civic duty, and Explore your passion, students build these skills from elementary school through high school.

    Welcome to the district

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    Ms. Ranfone joins Carrigan Intermediate School as a 5th grade math and science teacher. She previously worked as a long-term substitute in 3rd grade in Cheshire and 4th grade in Cromwell. She holds a 6th Year degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport.

    - Ms. Rachel Ranfone

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    Ms. Gleason joins Washington Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher. She is in her second year in education and comes to West Haven from the New Haven School District. She is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University.

    - Ms. Christina Gleason

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    Mr. Hill returns to West Haven High School as a science teacher, where he will be teaching Chemistry, Meteorology, and Astronomy to students in grades 10–12. This year marks his 30th year of teaching. He is excited to reconnect with former colleagues and students.

    - Mr. Nathaniel Hill

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    Ms. Dowd is a new 2nd grade teacher at Forest Elementary School. A graduate of Sacred Heart University and a 2020 alumna of West Haven High School, she is excited to begin her first year of teaching and make a positive impact in her hometown community.

    - Ms. Maura Dowd

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    Mrs. Penagos is a new kindergarten teacher at Forest Elementary School. She brings over 16 years of experience from the Bridgeport School District and holds degrees from UConn, Sacred Heart University (MAT), and Walden University (M.S.).

    - Mrs. Bannon Penagos

    Teacher

    Ms. Markey joins Savin Rock Community School as a 4th grade teacher. She has one year of substitute teaching and five years as a K–12 tutor in the Hamden School District. A Southern Connecticut State University graduate, she is eager to share her passion for learning.

    - Ms. Kaitlyn Moore-Markey

    Did You Know?

    Championship Team
    Back in the Championship Spotlight

    West Haven returned to the championship spotlight in 2026, as Varsity Division 1 and Unified Basketball brought home championships, raising the school’s total to 23 state titles.

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    Fun Fact

    WHHS’s school motto is “Gardez Bien,” which is French for “Guard Well” or “Keep Well.

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    West Haven’s Newest School

    West Haven’s new state-of-the-art Washington Elementary School was completed in 2025 as a $44.28 million project that came in $1.2 million under budget.

    West Haven High School
    A New Era for WHHS

    West Haven High School underwent a $130 million transformation, completed in 2022, bringing state-of-the-art learning spaces, technology and amenities to its 270,000sqft campus.

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    Fun Fact

    The Class of 2039 will begin its West Haven Public Schools journey in 2026, entering kindergarten and beginning the 13-year path that will lead to graduation in 2039.

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    Schools of Distinction

    In 2025, four West Haven Public Schools were named Schools of Distinction: Mackrille, Seth Haley, Savin Rock, and Washington.

    Mackrille Elementary
    Top 25 in Connecticut

    Mackrille was ranked the 25th-best elementary school in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, placing it among the top elementary schools statewide.

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    Fun Fact

    Edgar C. Stiles was West Haven’s first Superintendent of Schools, serving from 1898 until 1933.

    Rain Garden
    West Haven's First Rain Garden

    The city’s first rain garden was installed at Pagels Elementary School and was designed to treat more than 40,000 gallons of stormwater each year.

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    Nine Schools, 6,000+ Students

    West Haven Public Schools serves more than 6,000 students across nine schools, providing opportunities to learn, grow and succeed from K-12

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    Fun Fact

    Savin Rock Community School sits in the same neighborhood that once hosted one of New England’s most famous amusement parks.

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    Reaching Colleges Nationwide

    West Haven graduates have continued their education at colleges across the country, from USC to Yale and everywhere in between, opening doors to opportunities nationwide

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    Fun Fact

    Seth Haley Elementary School was built on land that was once home to West Haven Airport, connecting the school to a unique chapter of the city’s aviation history.

    Facilities
    Built for Blue Devil Athletics

    West Haven High School’s athletic campus offers an impressive lineup of facilities, including a stadium, fields, track, pool and even an on-site ice rink.

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    Fun Fact

    West Haven High School has produced notable alumni, including Super Bowl champion Ulish Booker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Strong.