South Windsor Public Schools

Background and Overview

In October 2013, the Board of Education adopted the Elementary Facilities Ten-Year Master Plan to address South Windsor's five aging elementary school buildings. At that time, the buildings ranged in age from 51 to 63 years old. This plan stemmed from the district's 2011-2014 Strategic Plan which called for the development of a "long-range elementary facilities plan that promotes a safe, engaging learning environment accessible to all students and community members.”

Three-Phased Approach

The Ten-Year Plan called for a three-phased approach using multiple referenda to address South Windsor's elementary facilities needs over a span of ten years.

Phase One was officially complete in August 2017 with the opening of a newly constructed Orchard Hill Elementary School.

Phase One of the Ten-Year Elementary Facilities Master Plan called for the construction of a new PK-5 school for Orchard Hill Elementary. The proposal was approved by the Town of South Windsor in a referendum held on March 21, 2014.

The new Orchard Hill school opened in August 2017. The new building is 71,729 square feet, and houses students in grades K-5.

Phase Two was complete in August 2020 with the opening of two newly constructed buildings: Eli Terry Elementary School and Philip R. Smith Elementary School.

PHASE TWO
Referendum: March 2017
New Schools Opened: August 2020

Phase Three, the construction of a new elementary school for Pleasant Valley, was overwhelmingly supported by residents at a referendum held in March 2020. Construction began in 2022 and was completed in 2023.

PHASE THREE
Referendum: March 2020
New School Opened: August 2023