Naval Submarine Base New London  Education

Education – Introduction

There are no Department of Defense schools in the Groton, Connecticut area.

The majority of students residing in government housing attend Groton Public Schools. Private, charter and magnet schools are also available in the local area. Although located in Connecticut, Naval Submarine Base New London is approximately 15 miles from the Rhode Island border. Therefore, personnel assigned to SUBASE New London reside in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. All local school districts and most private schools can be researched on the internet. It is strongly encouraged that you contact the school liaison Facilitator prior to relocating at 860-694-3772 with any questions about the education options for your child.

Cities and towns near Naval Submarine Base New London have their own schools which are small and responsive to local needs. Due to the close proximity and reasonable travel times to base, most of the children of service members assigned to Naval Submarine Base New London attend school in the public school districts dependent upon where the family resides. Private, charter and magnet schools are also available in the local area to families both living in government housing and living in surrounding communities. For more information on school options, contact the school liaison at 860-694-3772.

Cities and towns near Naval Submarine Base New London have their own schools which are small and responsive to local needs. Due to the close proximity and reasonable travel times to base, most of the children of service members assigned to SUBASE New London attend school in the following public school districts, dependent 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 Blonders 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 or Rhode Island State Department of Education website or the individual school’s website for enrollment, pupil/teacher ratios, graduation rates, state testing results, grading systems and specific program offerings.

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 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. Visit the Connecticut State Department of Education website for more information

Additional items to bring for school enrollment include:

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

Eligibility and Entrance Age Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade

In order to be eligible to enter school in Connecticut:

• Children must be 5 years of age on or before January 1 following their entrance to kindergarten.
• Children must be 6 years of age on or before January 1 following their entrance to first grade

In order to be eligible to enter school in Rhode Island:

• Children must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten.
• Children must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 to enter first grade

For further information, please read the booklet, “What Parents Should Know about Kindergarten Entry, Enrollment and Attendance.

• https://portal.ct.gov/media/SDE/kindergartenbrovhure.pdf (to the booklet)

Immunization Requirements

The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Rhode Island Department of Health implement a comprehensive immunization program. The goal of the immunization program is to stop the spread of diseases that are vaccine preventable. Complete immunizations are required prior to school entrance.

Immunization requirements for newly-enrolled students at Connecticut Schools for the 2022-2023 school year are listed on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.

• https://protal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/schoolNursing/publications/immunization_requirements.pdf

Immunizations requirements for students at Rhode Island schools for the 2022-2023 school year are listed on the Rhode Island Department of Health website.

• https;//health.ri.gov/immunization/for/schools/

Newly-enrolled students are defined as any students who are new to the school district including preschoolers and all students coming in from private, parochial and charter schools located in the same or another community. All students entering kindergarten, including those moving from any public or private preschool program, even in the same school district, are considered new students.

In order to ensure a smooth transition for your child, it is recommended that you have immunizations completed prior to arriving at your new duty station. If that is not possible, they can be administered at the Naval Medical Readiness Training Unit at SUBASEwith a PCM referral from your assigned PCM. if not assigned an "On-base" PCM; you can often obtain required immunizations from local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, school-based health centers, or your off base PCM.

Note that according to Connecticut and Rhode Island state statutes, a student must have proof of immunization and physical before registering in the public school system. Any deviations from this requirement must be discussed with the school nurse.

Mandatory Physicals

In order to provide the best educational experience, school personnel must understand your child’s health needs. State law requires complete primary immunizations and a health assessment by a legally-qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced-practice registered nurse or registered nurse, a physician assistant or the school medical adviser prior to school entrance in Connecticut (per the Connecticut General Statute sections 10-204a and 10-206) and Rhode Island (per the R23-1-IMM and R16-21SCHO regulations).

A physical is required prior to entry into Connecticut and Rhode Island schools and must have been completed within the previous year.

• Access the Connecticut form at the Connecticut State Department of Education website.
  • K-12 physical https://portal.ct.gov/media/SDE/school-nursing/forms/HAR3_2018.pdf
  • Birth-5 (prior to entering Kindergarten) https://portal.ct.gov/media/SDE/school-nursing/forms/EC_HAR.pdf
• Access the Rhode Island form at the Rhode Island Department of Health website
  • https://health.ri.gov/forms/school/physical.pdf

In Connecticut, an immunization update and additional health assessments are required in the 6th or 7th grade and in the 9th or 10th grade. Specific grade levels will be determined by the local board of education.

In Rhode Island, an immunization update and additional health assessments are required in the 7th grade. Children entering kindergarten and all new students must also have a vision screening.

In order to ensure a smooth transition for your child, it is recommended that you have physicals completed prior to arriving at your new duty station. If that is not possible, they can be administered at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton which is located on base. To obtain an appointment, please contact the appointment line at 888-628-9633.

Sports Physicals

Students who compete or plan to compete in school sports activities in both Connecticut and Rhode Island schools must have a sports physical completed prior to beginning practice or tryouts. Sports physicals must be completed on a yearly basis. Sports physicals are generally more comprehensive than the school entrance physicals. Contact your local school district for more information and to obtain their district-specific form.

In order to ensure a smooth transition for your child, it is recommended that you have sports physicals completed prior to 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.

Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island offer numerous choices regarding a private education. To explore these educational opportunities visit Naval Submarine Base New London. You may also contact the school liaison at the Naval Submarine Base New London at 860-694-3772 or miranda.c.chapman.naf@us.navy.mil.

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

If a parent chooses not to enroll a child in public or private schools, home-based instruction is a viable alternative. Information on home-schooling in Connecticut and Rhode Island can be found at the Naval Submarine Base New London website. 

• https://www.navymwrnewlondon.com/programs/e0aad06f-959f-42aa-a1d0-77de8b0b26ce 
• School Liaison Officer Phone: 860-694-3772; FAX: 860-6945056 Box 14 or miranda.c.chapman.naf@us.navy.mil

Adult education opportunities are available through the local public school systems, and Navy College will provide specific details for GED information. The local Navy College Office can be contacted at 833-330-MNCC (6622). For further information, visit the Education- Training (College- Technical) section of Military Installations.

What is the School Liaison Program?

The School Liaison Program 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(SLP) helps installation and regional commanders work with state departments and local school districts to foster awareness of the stressors on military families brought about by frequent transitions and extended deployments. These education professionals are located on all major Navy installations and serve as liaisons between Navy families and schools.

How Can a School Liaison Assist Families?

Choosing the right school for their children is a priority for military parents. This handbook will educate you on the local school options and help guide your choices as you plan for your child’s educational needs. Your local School Liaison Program can provide additional information and provide support.

The School Liaison Program specializes in serving military students and families, and offers a wide spectrum of services including:

• Assisting families with inbound/ outbound school transfers
• Providing information on local schools and boundaries
• Providing information for parents to make informed school choice
• Providing information on graduation requirements
• Providing military and community agency referrals
• Helping families understand and navigate the special education process
• Providing information on home schooling regulations
• Assisting with post-secondary preparations

This is not an exhaustive list of school liaison service provided. Please contact your local school liaison with your specific questions and concerns.

Miranda Chapman, (SLP) NAVSUBASE NLON Groton, CT. miranda.c.chapman.naf@us.navy.mil

Graduation Requirements: 

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 by information on your assigned high school's website.

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

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 stat's public schools take the SAT college admissions test [or ACTs].

Common Core

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 made preparations for the next generation of assessments. Districts are at different phases of implementation across the states.

Private Schools  

You can contact the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools if you seek additional information.

Home Schooling

If a parent chooses a home-based instruction environment, you can gain additional Information on the State's  website.

• https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Homeschooling/Homeschooling-in-Connecticut

Special Needs/ Exceptional Children Programs

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.

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 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 offerings.

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.