Education

Each installation provides information about the types of schools and programs offered to your child on or near your installation. Learn about the kinds of programs, guidelines, and requirements for each school. Whether you choose to send your child to a Department of Defense School, a private school, or a public school, your installation can help you explore all of your options to make the right decision for you and your child. contact the School Liaison at 860-694-3772 with any questions about the education options for your child.

Education – Introduction

There are no Department of Defense schools in the Groton, Connecticut area. Most students residing in government housing attend Groton Public Schools. Private, charter, and magnet schools are available in the local area. Although located in Connecticut, Naval Submarine Base New London is approximately 15 miles from the Rhode Island border. Therefore, SUBASE New London personnel reside in Connecticut and Rhode Island. All local school districts, as well as most private schools, can be researched on the Internet. It is strongly encouraged that you contact the School Liaison at 860-694-3772 with any questions about the education options for your child.

Enrollment Requirements: Be advised that, in addition to the school-specific forms, the following documents are needed to enroll your children in the area schools:

• Proof of residency.
• Child's birth certificate – The birth certificate with a raised seal from the town or city of birth (long form).
• Child's immunization record – a complete list of required immunizations
• Proof of physical exam – All students entering school are required by law to have a complete health assessment record.
• Complete school records - Past report cards, IEP/504 plans, testing results, and other records
• Eligibility and Entrance Age Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade

Local Schools

Cities and towns near Naval Submarine Base New London have schools that are small and responsive to local needs. Children are assigned to public school districts based on where the family resides. Each town manages its school system. Private, charter, and magnet schools are also available to families living in government housing and in surrounding communities. For more information on school options, contact the school liaison at 860-694-3772.

Due to the proximity and reasonable travel times to the base, most of the children of service members assigned to SUBASE New London attend school in the following public-school districts, depending upon where the family resides:

• Groton Public Schools http://www.grotonschools.org, 1300 Flanders Road, Mystic, CT 06355; phone: 860-572-2100
• Ledyard Public Schools – 4 Blvd., Ledyard, CT 06339; phone: 860-464-9255
• New London Public Schools – 134 Williams St., New London, CT 06320; phone: 860-447-6000
• Norwich Public Schools – 90 Town St., Norwich, CT 06360; phone: 860-823-4200
• Waterford Public Schools – 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385; phone: 860-444-5801
• East Lyme Public Schools – 165 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333; phone: 860-739-3966
• Old Lyme Public Schools – 49 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371; phone: 860-434-7238
• Montville Public Schools – 800 Old Colchester Road, Oakdale, CT 06370; phone: 860-848-1228
• Stonington Public Schools – 40 Field St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379; phone: 860-572-0506
• North Stonington Public Schools – 298 Norwich-Westerly Road, North Stonington, CT 06359; phone: 860-535-2800
• Preston Public Schools– 325 Shetucket Turnpike, Preston, CT 06365; phone: 860-889-6098
• Salem Public Schools – 200 Hartford Road, Salem, CT 06420; phone: 860-859-0267
• Lisbon Public Schools – 15 Newent Road, Lisbon, CT 06351; phone: 860-376-2403
• Lebanon Public Schools – 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT 06249; phone: 860-642-7795
• Griswold Public Schools – 211 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT 06351; phone: 860-376-7600
• Colchester Public Schools – 127 Norwich Ave., Suite 202, Colchester, CT 06415; phone: 860-537-7260
• Franklin Public Schools – 206 Pond Road, North Franklin, CT 06254; phone: 860-642-7063
• Bozrah Public Schools – 8 Bozrah Street Extension, Bozrah, CT 06334; phone: 860-887-2561
• Sprague Public Schools – 25 Scotland Road, Baltic, CT 06330; phone: 860-822-8264
• Voluntown Public Schools – 195 Main St., Voluntown, CT 06384; phone: 860-376-2325
• Westerly Public Schools – 23 Highland Ave., Westerly, RI 02891; phone: 401-315-1500
• Chariho Regional School District – 455A Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI 02894; phone: 401-364-7575

Local Schools

Cities and towns near Naval Submarine Base New London have schools that are small and responsive to local needs. Children are assigned to public school districts based on where the family resides. Each town manages its school system. Private, charter, and magnet schools are also available to families living in government housing and in surrounding communities. For more information on school options, contact the school liaison at 860-694-3772.

Enrollment Requirements: Be advised that, in addition to the school-specific forms, the following documents are needed to enroll your children in the area schools:

• Proof of residency – Provide a current driver's license, rental receipt, utility bill, or copy of the lease agreement. Some districts require multiple examples of proof of residency.
• Child's birth certificate – The birth certificate must be a valid document with a raised seal from the town or city of birth.
• Child's immunization record – For a complete list of required immunizations, follow the links provided in the Immunization Requirements section.
• Proof of physical exam – All students entering school are required by law to have a complete health assessment. Links to the appropriate state physical forms are found in the Mandatory Physicals section. In Connecticut, a separate health assessment is required for early childhood education.

Additional items to bring for school enrollment include:

• Complete school records
• Past report cards
• IEP/504 plans, testing results, and other records

To ensure a smooth transition for your child, it is recommended that you have sports physicals completed before arriving at your new duty station. If that is not possible, they can be administered at the Naval Medical Readiness Training Unit at SUBASE with your assigned PCM. If not assigned an "On-base PCM" you can often obtain required physicals from local walk-in clinics, school-based health centers, or your off-base PCM, Specify that you need a sports physical and provide the correct school form for the medical staff. To obtain an appointment with your assigned "on-base" PCM, please contact the appointment line at 888-628-9633.

Public School

Cities and towns near Naval Submarine Base New London have schools that are small and responsive to local needs. Due to the proximity and reasonable travel times to the base, most of the children of service members assigned to SUBASE Enrollment Requirements. Be advised that, in addition to the school-specific forms, the following documents are needed to enroll your children in the area schools:

• Proof of residency.
• Child's birth certificate – The birth certificate with a raised seal from the town or city of birth (long form).
• Child's immunization record – a complete list of required immunizations
• Proof of physical exam – All students entering school are required by law to have a complete health assessment record.
• Complete school records - Past report cards, IEP/504 plans, testing results, and other records 
• Eligibility and Entrance Age Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade

New London attend school in the following public-school districts, depending upon where the family resides:

• Groton Public Schools - http://www.grotonschools.org 1300 Flanders Road, Mystic, CT 06355; phone: 860-572-2100
• Ledyard Public Schools – 4 Blvd., Ledyard, CT 06339; phone: 860-464-9255
• New London Public Schools – 134 Williams St., New London, CT 06320; phone: 860-447-6000
• Norwich Public Schools – 90 Town St., Norwich, CT 06360; phone: 860-823-4200
• Waterford Public Schools – 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385; phone: 860-444-5801
• East Lyme Public Schools – 165 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333; phone: 860-739-3966
• Old Lyme Public Schools – 49 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371; phone: 860-434-7238
• Montville Public Schools – 800 Old Colchester Road, Oakdale, CT 06370; phone: 860-848-1228
• Stonington Public Schools – 40 Field St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379; phone: 860-572-0506
• North Stonington Public Schools – 298 Norwich-Westerly Road, North Stonington, CT 06359; phone: 860-535-2800
• Preston Public Schools– 325 Shetucket Turnpike, Preston, CT 06365; phone: 860-889-6098
• Salem Public Schools – 200 Hartford Road, Salem, CT 06420; phone: 860-859-0267
• Lisbon Public Schools – 15 Newent Road, Lisbon, CT 06351; phone: 860-376-2403
• Lebanon Public Schools – 891 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT 06249; phone: 860-642-7795
• Griswold Public Schools – 211 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT 06351; phone: 860-376-7600
• Colchester Public Schools – 127 Norwich Ave., Suite 202, Colchester, CT 06415; phone: 860-537-7260
• Franklin Public Schools – 206 Pond Road, North Franklin, CT 06254; phone: 860-642-7063
• Bozrah Public Schools – 8 Bozrah Street Extension, Bozrah, CT 06334; phone: 860-887-2561
• Sprague Public Schools – 25 Scotland Road, Baltic, CT 06330; phone: 860-822-8264
• Voluntown Public Schools – 195 Main St., Voluntown, CT 06384; phone: 860-376-2325
• Westerly Public Schools – 23 Highland Ave., Westerly, RI 02891; phone: 401-315-1500
• Chariho Regional School District – 455A Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI 02894; phone: 401-364-7575 

Please see the Connecticut School Districts https://portal.ct.gov/services/education/k-12-education/schools-and-districts

The School Liasion Program NAVSUBASE NLON Groton, CT. Phone: 860-694-3772, 

Private/Independent Schools

Southeastern Connecticut offers numerous choices regarding a private education. You may also contact the school liaison at the Naval Submarine Base New London at 860-694-3772.

• https://www.navymwrnewlondon.com/programs/e0aad06f-959f-42aa-a1d0-77de8b0b26ce

Private Schools: You can contact the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools:

• Legal and Governmental Affairs, Connecticut State Department of Education P.O. Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145, Telephone: (860) 713-6520
• https://portal.ct.gov/sde/legal/private-schools

You may also contact the school liaison at the Naval Submarine Base New London at 860-694-3772 or Miranda Chapman, (SLP) NAVSUBASE NLON Groton, CT. miranda.c.chapman.naf@us.navy.mil

• SACRED HEART SCHOOL (PK-8) 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 06340 Phone: 860-445-0611
• MONTESSORI DISCOVERY SCHOOL (PK-6) 218 Dudley Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-889-0340
• ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL (K-8) 25 Squire Street, New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-1720
• PINE POINT SCHOOL (PK-9) 89 Barnes Road, Stonington, CT 06378 Phone: 860-535-0606
• ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL (PK-8) 63 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 Phone: 860-599-1084
• NORTH STONINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PK-12) 12 Stillman Road, North Stonington, CT 06359 Phone: 860-599-5071
• WILDWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (PK-8) 35 Wawecus Hill Road, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-887-7830
• ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL SCHOOL (PK-8) 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-889-4174
• SACRED HEART SCHOOL (PK-8) 15 Hunters Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380 Phone: 860-887-1757
• ST. JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PK-8) 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT 06330-1029 Phone: 860-822-6141
• THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL (6-12) 182 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-443-5333
• ST. BERNARD SCHOOL (6-12) 1593 Norwich New London Tpke, Uncasville, CT 06382 Phone: 860-848-1271
• ACADEMY OF THE HOLY FAMILY (9-12, FEMALE) 54 West Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330-1300 Phone: 860-822-9272
• ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL (8-12, MALE) 45 Cottage Road, Oakdale, Connecticut 06370 Phone: 860-859-1900
• NORWICH FREE ACADEMY (9-12) 305 Broad Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-887-2505

Home Schooling

If a parent chooses not to enroll a child in public or private schools, home-based instruction is a viable alternative. Home Schooling: If a parent opts for a home-based instruction environment, you can gain additional information by contacting the school liaison at the Naval Submarine Base New London at 860-694-3772 for questions . 

If a parent chooses not to enroll a child in public or private schools, home-based instruction is a viable alternative, you can gain additional Information on the State’s website.

• Connecticut State Department of Education
• 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103, Telephone: 860-807-2130
• https://portal.ct.gov/sde/homeschooling/homeschooling-in-connecticut
• https://portal.ct.gov/

Adult education opportunities are available through the local public school systems. New London, Groton, and Norwich offer adult education classes to get a HS diploma or GED, as well as ESL and Citizenship classes.

The programs can be found at:

• New London Adult Education
• Groton Adult Education
• Norwich Adult Education

For more information contact School Liaison Program (SLP) NAVSUBASE NLON Groton, CT. 860-694-3772

School Liaison Program

The School Liaison Officer is the primary point of contact between the military installation, the local schools, and school districts, transitioning families, and the community at large. The Navy School Liaison Program helps installation and regional commanders work with state departments and local school districts to foster awareness of the stressors on military families caused by frequent transitions and extended deployments. These education professionals are located on all major Navy installations and serve as liaisons between Navy families and area schools. contact the School Liaison they can assist with the following: 

• Assisting with school transfers
• Providing information on local schools and boundaries
• Providing information on graduation requirements
• Helping families navigate the special education process
• Providing information on homeschooling regulations
• Assisting with post-secondary preparations
• Connecting incoming youth with a youth sponsor

Please contact your local school liaison you’re your specific questions or concerns. The school liaison can be reached at 860-694-3772 or SLO. SUBASENLON.fct@navy.mil

Graduation Requirements for Connecticut

Local school districts have varying graduation requirements. Some schools have requirements that surpass the basic graduation requirements mandated by the State of Connecticut. To review the basic graduation requirements at your school, please read the Graduation Requirements information on your assigned high school's website.

Graduation Requirements for Rhode Island

Many local school districts are in the process of adapting their graduation requirements and implementing a proficiency-based graduation requirement and student graduation portfolio project. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on graduation requirements in the Rhode Island schools, please see the school’s website

Graduation requirements frequently change or are modified as states try to lessen the achievement gap. Please contact your local school district for more specific information regarding specific graduation requirements and upcoming changes at your child’s school.

State Testing in Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island has chosen the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test for its Common Core state testing. For more information on Rhode Island's or the local school district’s implementation of the Common Core, please visit their websites.

State Testing in Connecticut

The State of Connecticut conducts yearly testing to assess student progress. Connecticut has chosen the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium for its Common Core state testing. For more information on Connecticut's or the local school district’s implementation of the Common Core, please visit their websites. Note: in Connecticut, all 11th graders within the state's public schools take the SAT college admissions test [or ACTs].

A child's academic success is one of the chief concerns of military parents. Being informed on all aspects of a school's potential is a vital part of making successful school choices for children. Both Connecticut and Rhode Island have adopted the Common Core State Standards. Since the State Board of Education's adoption of the Common Core, districts across Connecticut and Rhode Island have begun implementation of the standards and prepared for the next generation of assessments. Districts are at different phases of implementation across the states.

Special Needs/Exceptional Children Program

Local districts provide comprehensive special education programs and services. Both in-district and out-of-district programs are made available for students based on their individual needs as determined by the district. The school liaison is a resource to help you navigate the local special education processes. In addition, the Exceptional Family Member Program liaison can provide information on community-based programs, resources and support groups. Contact SUBASE Fleet and Family Support Programs to be connected to an EFMP Case Liaison - 860-694-3383.

School Sports/Activities

Each school district in Southeastern Connecticut has its own specialized sports program. Sports are offered at the high school level and some districts offer limited middle/junior high school sports options. Some districts charge students for participation in sports and other extracurricular activities. For a list of sports and activities offered at your school, please refer to the school's website.

Navy Child and Youth Programs also offers sports programs and other activities throughout the year. These are often at a lower cost than programs provided within the community. For more information on the sports and activities offered, please contact the Navy CYP at 860-448-6843.

Before-School and After-School Programs

Limited districts offer before- and after-school programs for students. Contact each district for their specific offers.

Navy Child and Youth Programs offers the school-aged Care program. This program is designed to meet the needs of school-aged youth (ages 5-12 years) in the hours before and after school. Organized and supervised activities are conducted at specific times before and after regular school hours. Transportation to and from certain schools may be available for students who participate in the school-aged Care program.

Naval Submarine Base New London provides a school liaison program that assists with school transitions, deployment support, and post-secondary preparation. The base also offers a variety of childcare programs, youth services and Education Support Services:

• School Liaison Program: Helps families navigate school transitions as a result of permanent change of station moves, provides support during deployments and connects educators with resources for military children.
• Post-Secondary Preparations: School liaisons assist graduating students with information and opportunities for higher education.
• Child Care Programs: The base offers childcare options such as Child Development Centers and School Age Care programs.
• Children and Youth Programs: The Youth Center provides a range of activities for youth development.

It’s never too early to start: Things you can do even before you have official orders:

• Request copies of your children’s records from the school they have been attending. Make sure you hand carry these to your new location.
• Request copies of your children’s immunization records and hand carry these to your new location.
• Research deadlines in your new location, such as dates for school registration, sports try-outs, and other extracurricular activities sign-ups.
• Research withdrawal requirements and potential accelerated withdrawal opportunities at your current school.
• To help navigate your children’s educational needs and make school transitions smoother, here are some helpful resources.
• Your installation school liaison is your main point of contact for pre-K - 12 education. School liaisons provide an array of transition support for children. They can assist with information about school districts and boundaries, as well as campus-specific programs and activities to ensure you find the best fit for your child’s educational and extracurricular needs. School liaisons can also help with transferring school records and credits, registering for classes, locating after-school activities, and much more.
• School liaisons are experts in transition support and well-versed in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. If your child will be attending a public or Department of Defense Education Activity school, learn more about successful educational transitions in this Guide for Parents from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. 
• Education consultants at Military OneSource can help connect you to a wide variety of education resources, including information about local schools and assistance finding a tutor in the area for your child.
• If your family has a child with special needs, your local school liaison can connect you with your installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program, as well as help you navigate your local school’s special education program. Learn more about EFMP family support and special needs resources. 

 How to gathering information about local schools at your next duty station.

• Your installation’s school liaison office can provide information about local schools and programs, as well as assist with a variety of transition issues such as transferring credits, registering for classes, locating extracurricular activities, and more. They also provide deployment support, college, career, military readiness, scholarship information, and more.
• Education consultants at Military OneSource can provide information about local schools and help you find a tutor in the area for your child.
• For information about Department of Defense Education Activity schools, visit the DODEA website.
• The U.S. Department of Education website offers information about student loans and grants, helpful data and statistics, and tools such as this Search for Public Schools from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Choosing the right school is a priority for families. Some things to think about are:

1. What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
2. How are behavior problems handled? 
3. How is different learning styles supported? 
4. How are teachers supported? What are the expectations for students?
5. Does the school offer specific subjects or activities your child is interested in, such as arts, music, foreign language, STEM, JROTC, sports, etc.?
6. Does the distance from the installation to school fit your family’s needs? Especially if you have young children, is school close enough for a quick pick up if they get sick?
7. Is there a before-and-after care program at the school or childcare in the area that serves the school?
8. Finally, and most importantly, take a tour of the school. 

Transitioning my child to an overseas location?

Start planning for a successful school transition as soon as you learn about your move – the more your child knows about the new location and school, the more confident your child will feel. Learn more about helping your children change schools. Your installation school liaison office provides an array of transition support for children in grades pre-K through 12. School liaisons can provide information about local schools, help with transferring credits and registering for classes, provide tutoring and youth sponsorship referrals, and a whole lot more.

There are several resources available to help military families with the transition to schools overseas.

• Your installation school liaison office offers a wide array of transition support for children in grades pre-K through 12. School liaisons can provide information about local schools, help with transferring credits and registering for classes, provide tutoring and youth sponsorship referrals, and more. If your family has special needs, your school liaison can connect you with your installation's Exceptional Family Member Program and help you navigate your school’s special education program.
• Military OneSource education consultants are available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. They can provide information on local education options, refer you to education services that best meet your needs, and connect you to a wide variety of community resources. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options, or schedule a live chat.
• The Department of Defense Education Activity, or DODEA, operates 160 schools worldwide. Learn more about what schools are available to children on military installations. Visit the DODEA website to search for your school by region.
• Your installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, provides support for families with special needs. 
• All overseas PCSs include screenings for all family members, which are completed prior to finalizing an assignment. If a family member presents with a special medical or educational need, the coordination with EFMP begins.
• The educational screening determines whether there are similar educational services available in the new location. The screening includes completion of paperwork by you and your child’s school. A copy of your child’s current IEP is also required, so it is very important that your child’s current IEP accurately reflects his/her needs.
• Learn more about EFMP family support and special needs resources. 

The Department of Defense Education Activity operates schools in 11 foreign countries, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DODEA school districts are accredited by U.S. accreditation agencies and maintain high academic standards.

DODEA's student eligibility and preregistration system helps streamline the registration process and allows school officials to better predict school enrollment, make informed decisions regarding teacher and staff requirements, and prepare for special services and supplies. Parents can preregister their children by visiting DODEA Online Registration for Students.

Non-DODEA Schools Program, or NDSP

In international locations where there is no DODEA school, DODEA provides educational support and financial assistance to defray education costs and help ensure educational continuity through the Non-DOD Schools Program, or NDSP. Command-sponsored school-age dependents of DOD sponsors assigned overseas, where a school operated by the DOD is not reasonably available, are eligible to apply to the NDSP.

Many important decisions coincide with a transition to an overseas assignment without a DODEA school. DODEA NDSP does not approve or certify schools. Families choose the education option that is appropriate for their child. Visit the following websites for more information:

• NDSP School Interactive Map –  A tool to assist with locating schools at your assigned duty station. The listing is not all-inclusive.
• U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools – See their “Resources” menu for information about child mental health resources, homeschooling, boarding schools, a Foreign Service Assignment Notebook, and more.

Parents have the right to choose the educational setting for their child, with authorization up to the NDSP education allowance rate for that location and educational option. For first-time family registration or if adding a new dependent, register with the NDSP by using the NDSP Student Online Registration system.