New London – Winthrop STEM Elementary Magnet School has been recognized as a “School of Distinction,” following the release of the state Department of Education’s Next Generation Accountability Report.

Winthrop was recognized for academic growth and being in the top 10 percent of all schools with reportable growth based on the percentage of points possible and percentage points earned for the high needs student group. Its overall score also improved to 73.2 percent for the 2016-2017 school year, an increase from 67.4 percent for the 2015-16 school year.

Principal Michele Han, in a written statement, attributed the school’s success to the staff’s “high expectations for all students, relentless efforts to improve student achievement in all areas and the school’s extended school day.”

Other schools recognized included the Flanders School and Niantic Center School in East Lyme, Mohegan School and Oakdale School in Montville, Lyme Consolidated School, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Thomas W. Mahan School in Norwich, the Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut in Groton and the Pleasant Valley School in Groton, which has since closed.  

Editor's note: An expanded list of area schools is included in this report.