Simon Lake School is one of nine elementary schools in Milford, CT. We are located less than a mile from beautiful Long Island Sound. Our student population consists of 364 students in grades pre-K through 5.

The Simon Lake staff is committed to improving academic achievement by providing all students with the opportunity to learn according to individual needs and abilities. An academic improvement plan has been developed and the staff meets regularly to review and evaluate student progress. On-going discussions about strategies to develop necessary skills and knowledge for life-long learning are held. The Simon Lake staff is actively involved in updating and improving their professional development by participating in a variety of graduate classes, workshops and institutes.

Students at Simon Lake are immersed in a comprehensive literacy program that includes Reader's and Writer's Workshops. Grade one students who are identified as at risk for reading are given individual instruction in our Reading Recovery program. In grades 2 through 5, a Read for Success program supports students who are not accelerating in reading. The program focuses on providing individual and small group instruction in addition to classroom instruction during the literacy block.

Simon Lake School is one of the first schools in Connecticut to offer the Leveled Literacy Intervention Program developed by Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. This is a small group instruction model for children in Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2. The program is offered by a highly trained teacher and is designed as an additional safety net for students who find reading and writing difficult to learn.

Students at Simon Lake School participate weekly in special subjects such as Physical Education, Music, Chorus, Instrumental Music (band and violin), Library and Art. We offer two one-hour multi-age Enrichment Art classes where young artists can spend an extended time on special projects. Experience in computer enhanced learning is encouraged through our district technology specialist. Children have learned how to create computer graphics, IMac movies and multi-media presentations.

All classrooms at Simon Lake have at least 3 computers. A computer lab and two mini-labs are also used to assist with instruction, which includes remediation and enrichment. A variety of software is used and incorporated into daily lessons.

In addition, Simon Lake has a Ready-to-Learn pre-school program. This program is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accredidation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nations leading organization of early childhood professionals. It offers a combined day care and academic program for three and four year olds from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00.P. M. The program is rich in motor skills, language development and a variety of age appropriate learning experiences.

Make Your Day is a school-wide cooperative citizenship program where students are actively involved and responsible for doing what is expected and doing it the best that they can. Students are expected to follow school guidelines throughout the day, including academic performance. In meeting these expectations, students are challenged to work to their potential. Students' efforts are monitored and rewarded frequently throughout the school day. Behavioral expectations are clearly identified and teachers set expectations for the classroom and for individual time periods.

Simon Lake offers before and after school care to students. The program runs from 7:00 to 8:55 A.M. and 3:25-6:00 P.M. Students have access to homework tutors and recreational activities during the child care program.

The partnership between home and school is a key component to our success as a school community. We encourage our parents and other family members to be an active part of their child's education through participation in the P.T.A. and school sponsored activities, providing engaging learning activities at home, as well as maintaining communication with teachers regarding their child's progress. We strive at Simon Lake School to develop higher order thinking skills, collaboration among peers, and activities which promote extension of learning in creative and imaginative ways. We are proud of our school and hope that you find the information on this website interesting and informative.