Meriden's magnate middle school, Thomas Edison, draws more than half of its more than 700 students from the city, while others come from Middletown, Middlefield, Madison, Durham and Wallingford. The science-, math- and technology-focused school is for students grades 6-8. Entrance is based on a lottery. Technology is integrated into every student's school day at Edison, as the school provides a laptop for each student and teacher.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, founded in 1944, is one of three parochial schools in Meriden. It is sponsored and supported by the neighboring church of the same name. Students in preschool through 8th grade attend full-day classes. Part-time preschool classes are also available.
Small, compact and friendly, Our Lady of Mount Carmel has a diverse student body representing a mix of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
In addition to a brand new playscape, OLMC has a modern computer lab and will soon have smart boards in all classrooms. Extracurricular activities include peer tutoring, student council, basketball, ski club, theater, yearbook, choir and scouting.
The school offers before- and after-school programs, as well as summer school and school-vacation programs. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the only Catholic school in town that has a year-round program, according to Principal Noreen McDermott. "From technology to the arts, we have something for everyone here," she says.
Located on the city's East Side near Falcon Field, Washington Middle School offers a robust curriculum to students grades 6 through 8. General education classes are supplemented by courses in fine arts, world languages and practical arts. The school is led by Principal Robert Montemurro. Washington broadcasts school and community news in the mornings, hosted by students, on http://www.schooltube.com/user/wmsb.