By Rob Forleo
Special to the Voice
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has released the 2025 results of the Next Generation Accountability System, highlighting West Haven Public Schools for several notable achievements. Four elementary schools, Mackrille, Savin Rock, Washington, and Seth Haley, earned the state’s School of Distinction designation, an honor given to schools in the top 10 percent of the state for their performance and/or growth.
This recognition reflects both strong academic achievement and meaningful growth for all students, including high-needs groups. Superintendent Neil Cavallaro noted how these results positively affect students, families, and teachers, saying, “The results send a strong message to those in the community that our schools are successful, and are proof that we provide high quality instruction to all who attend. I am extremely pleased with these results, but they would not be possible without the dedicated teachers and administrators who choose to work in this district. That’s where it all begins.”
In 2024–25, Mackrille Elementary made one of the district’s most notable leaps, moving from Category Two to Category One, the highest performance category. The school earned recognition for high performance and high growth among all students in English Language Arts and mathematics, as well as for high growth among high-needs students in these subjects. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mackrille is ranked 47th out of 547 elementary schools in Connecticut, based on state-required tests, graduation rates, and preparation for high school. Savin Rock, Washington, and Seth Haley Elementary schools also posted strong growth in English Language Arts and mathematics for all students, including high-needs populations, reflecting the district’s commitment to academic excellence and meaningful student progress.
Bailey Middle School recorded one of the most exceptional performances district-wide, posting a ten-point increase on all twelve indicators in its state report card. In accountability terms, growth of this magnitude is rare.
Principal Taryn Driend spoke about the dedication of Bailey’s staff and students and how their collective effort led to this success, saying, “The Bailey staff has done a tremendous job working together to promote student learning. Teachers have been team-teaching, analyzing student strengths and weaknesses, and differentiating their instruction to meet the students’ individual needs. The district has continued to provide professional development to further enhance instructional practices. The administration couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the staff here at Bailey.”
The school’s climate and sense of community have strengthened alongside these academic gains, creating an environment where students feel supported and motivated.
West Haven High School also posted meaningful gains. The percentage of students passing Advanced Placement exams increased by ten percent, student performance in ELA, Math, and Science improved, high needs students made gains in ELA and Science, and the graduation rate rose, reflecting growth in college and career readiness outcomes.
When asked about the student performance improvements, Principal Rob Bohan said it was a team effort.
“The positive outcomes for our students are a reflection of the hard work and attention to detail of the teaching staff and support staff at West Haven High School,” he said. “There is a collaborative approach to developing a rigorous academic program to prepare students for not only state assessments, but more importantly to prepare them to be independent, creative thinkers as they move into their next phase of education, or as they move into the work force. The typical West Haven High School student is focused, motivated, and hard working, these accountability results are above all a testament to those intangibles.”
District-wide, West Haven outperformed the state average on all indicators related to high-needs students, including academic growth and readiness measures for students who are English learners, economically disadvantaged, or have disabilities.
The district also exceeded the state average in English language proficiency, fulfillment of graduation requirements, and physical fitness. With many improvements falling under Coordinator Raffaela Fronc’s oversight, she explained how she works with teachers and staff to ensure all students are progressing and how the district’s strategies are driving meaningful growth.
“As the EL coordinator, I collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure that each student’s needs are met,” she said. “Our success relies on the ability and opportunity for teachers and support staff to work together, share ideas, and develop strategies through the data-team process. The entire team, along with the central office and building administrators, meets regularly to review all students’ progress and discuss any necessary changes. According to the state accountability report, our district’s high-needs students (EL, Special Education, and free or reduced lunch) perform at the same level as other students and exceed the state average. All success is due to everyone working as a team; nothing is done in isolation.”
Together, officials noted these results tell the story of a district making measurable progress from elementary through high school. The recognition of high-performing schools, they insist, combined with gains at the middle and high school levels and district-wide strengths, illustrates West Haven’s ongoing commitment to student success, equity, and growth.
They concluded saying these achievements mark a year of momentum and provide a strong foundation for continued progress across the district.