Public Education System
The commitment to education is clearly evident in the caliber and performance of the public school districts in Connecticut, which encompass an impressive number of recognized and award-winning schools. Year after year, the state consistently ranks among the highest in the percentage of National Merit Scholars and equally impressive numbers of students admitted to the most prestigious institutions of higher education. The influence of Yale University sets a high standard of academic excellence for the entire state.
Child Care
The Child Care Infoline is a confidential and free child-care referral telephone service that is available by dialing 211 from any Connecticut area code on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Counselors maintain a comprehensive database and are ready to assist parents and child-care providers in locating the right resources and referrals. Counselors strive to refer services that meet individual needs and consider such variables as program openings, age group, capacity, hours, fees, cost, and transportation.
Child Care Infoline
Dial 211
www.childcareinfoline.org
Private Education
Both independent and parochial private schools have a long and successful history in Connecticut. Parents who are interested in private-school alternatives can begin researching the available institutions.
Registration Requirements
Students entering kindergarten must be five years of age by January 1 of the current school year. Parents have the option of enrolling a child in public school as late as six years of age. However, this request must be made in person at the school district office. Registration documents include a certified birth certificate for the child and proof of residency (examples include a utility bill, mortgage verification, or rental agreement). If the student is transferring from another school, recent transcripts are also recommended. Students must verify that all required immunizations are current and complete before attending school. The only exceptions are students who are currently engaged in the immunization process and must wait before receiving the next immunization. The Connecticut State Department of Education provides a wealth of information on its website.
Connecticut State
Department of Education
860-713-6500
www.state.ct.us/sde
Immunization Information
For specific answers to questions about immunization requirements, contact your local school district or the school nursing department on the state level. You can learn more about the state laws and requirements through the Department of Public Health.
School Nursing Department
860-807-2108
www.state.ct.us/sde
State Department of Public Health
860-509-8000
www.state.ct.us/dph
Open Choice
Connecticut provides Open Choice in metropolitan areas, a program that allows urban students to attend public schools in nearby suburban towns. Suburban and rural students can also attend public schools in a nearby urban center. The program currently operates in the Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport metropolitan areas. For more information, contact:
Open Choice Program
860-713-6918
www.sde.ct.gov/sde
Magnet & Charter Schools
Magnet schools serve Pre-K through 12th grade students by providing a publicly funded school that features an educational theme or focus. The state has also developed charter schools, defined as nonsectarian public schools organized as a nonprofit corporation and operated independently from the local/regional board of education.
Charter/Magnet School Information
860-713-6523
www.state.ct.us/sde
Regional Educational Service Centers
Connecticut established six regional service centers, each one with a mission to promote the success of the area school districts and their communities by providing educational and related services. Each regional center website provides information and links to member school districts and schools.
Regional Vocational-Technical
School System
Nearly 20 schools make up the largest secondary school system in Connecticut, offering state-of-the-art training to students of all ages. For more information, contact:
Vocational/Technical Schools
800-822-6832
www.cttech.org
Higher Education
Respected state-supported colleges and universities combine with many private institutions of higher learning to ensure Connecticut’s place as a mecca of higher education. For more information on the network of available institutions, contact:
Connecticut Department
of Higher Education
Hartford 860-947-1800
www.ctdhe.org
Connecticuts’ Virtual University
Accredited by the state and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, the Consortium has created an interactive distance-learning community. Public and private collegiate institutions and non-profit organizations share academic resources and use technology to enhance the quality of learning. The Consortium intends to break down the barriers of time and distance to meet the needs of a changing world through a virtual university. Learning is customized around the needs of the student to include teams of learners and mentors when applicable. For details on course offerings and participating colleges and universities, contact:
Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium
860-832-3888
www.ctdlc.org
Connecticut’s College Savings Program
The spiraling cost of tuition, dormitory, books, meals and other college expenses leave many parents wondering if they will be able to afford a quality higher education for their children. Connecticut developed a special savings program with unique financial benefits to help parents launch a workable plan. The Connecticut Higher Education Trust or CHET is a flexible, tax-advantaged program that allows anyone — parent, relative, or friend — to open an account for a designated beneficiary. Account options are flexible and account earnings grow on a federal and state tax-deferred basis until the beneficiary is ready to attend college. Even then, the funds are taxed as the beneficiary’s tax rate, which is usually much lower than that of the account owner. For details on CHET, contact:
Connecticut Higher Education Trust
888-799-CHET
www.aboutchet.com