About Us
About Us
The Town of Ellington is nestled in northern Connecticut, east of the CT River in Tolland County, just 24 minutes from Hartford, CT. Ellington was established in May 1786 with a current population of approximately 16,400 residents. Ellington hosts the waters of Crystal Lake, which in the late-1890s through the Great Depression, was a sought-after summer destination, despite the town being considered an agricultural community. While Ellington today continues to be a robust farming community, engrained in a rich history, it is also fast-growing; evolving from an agricultural hub to a lively suburban community with new construction projects, local businesses, and restaurants. The town of Ellington offers a variety of community programs and services for all generations.
Ellington is home to an exemplary school system. Ellington Public Schools serve as a benchmark for high education outcomes in Connecticut. According to the 2021–2022 release of state assessment results by the CT State Department of Education, Ellington was the only school district in Connecticut (of approximately 169 districts) to increase overall growth in grades 3-8 and SATs in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. That said, annually, Ellington is in the bottom five for per pupil expenditure state-wide at $16,162. Ellington houses 2,592 students across three elementary schools, one middle, one high school, and alternative programs.
The Ellington Public Schools is rooted in the Seeds of Civility. The Seeds of Civility are seven tenets to promote a fair exchange of ideas within the walls of our schools and throughout our community. It is our responsibility to ensure our students develop the skills to passionately advocate for their beliefs and learn about controversial issues through unbiased teaching. The Town of Ellington and the Ellington Public Schools recognize the value of civil discourse. Residents are encouraged to democratically participate in all community matters even when it may be uncomfortable. We live together and create together imploring all students to be courageous, reflective, and contributing citizens of the world – a common sense approach to education.
The Ellington Board of Education is comprised of ten members. Our dedicated Board members serve on many committees and work in the best interest of the students and families in Ellington. The Board works collaboratively with the Superintendent of Schools to advocate on behalf of Ellington families on many legislative topics - most recently, funding, verbal testimony, and in 2021, a letter to the CT Department of Public Health (DPH). On our website, you will find Board Member contact information, meeting agendas, and minutes. The Ellington Board of Education shares a quarterly communication, Communications Corner, highlighting the active involvement of our Board members in our school community.
As you continue to explore our website, you will find a unique feature in that you can view snapshots of the school day as shared by our staff right on our homepage - so be sure to visit often! You can also tune into our weekly video series, Education in Ellington, which highlights the great things happening in our district. Across the top of the home page, you will find a variety of additional information in the drop-down tabs. Use the “Quick Links” provided to access our most popular pages. The Ellington Board of Education regularly shares on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While we will not participate in a two-way dialogue with our followers on these platforms, we do utilize them to share exciting things happening across our district.
Ellington is an excellent place to grow for all…we hope to see you soon!
Vision and Mission Statement
VISION STATEMENT
Ellington Public Schools grows exceptional learners and leaders who are courageous, reflective, and contributing citizens of the world.
MISSION STATEMENT
Ellington Public Schools creates a culture of learning that challenges and inspires all students on their personalized educational journeys.
CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS
- We empower students and staff with the skills to discover and pursue their own passions and to embrace opportunities to be courageous, reflective, and contributing citizens of the world.
- We create an equitable, inclusive and supportive culture where people are safe, accepted, and valued.
- We value learning as an enlightening, lifelong process that happens in multiple ways.
- We believe that positive relationships among all stakeholders create synergy and are the foundation for our learning community.
- We celebrate innovation, collaboration, creativity and multiple forms of success.
- We ensure that our learning environments are flexible spaces that encourage interaction, co-creation and independence.
- We have an unrelenting commitment to the belief that everyone can continually learn and grow.
Vision of the Graduate
Directions
Central Office | Get Directions |
Ellington High School | Get Directions |
Ellington Middle School | Get Directions |
Windermere School | Get Directions |
Center School | Get Directions |
Crystal Lake School | Get Directions |