Madison Named One Of Top Cities To Live And Learn In Northeast

Madison was named one of the top ten places live and learn in the northeast by GreatSchools, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that provides information on school performance.

Madison Superintendent of Schools David Klein said he was pleased to hear the news.

“Madison is a wonderful shoreline community and a terrific place for parents to raise a family," Klein said.

He attributed the success of the school district to several "important and highly interdependent factors" including

• "excellent students who are motivated and come to school prepared to learn"
• "very supportive and involved parents"
• "talented, focused and dedicated educators"
• "and a community that values and supports quality education."

"We are proud and humbled by this recognition,”  Klein said.

Cities were selected from more than 17,377 analyzed, using school enrollment data, test score information, median home price information and population data, the website said. 

Madison is ranked ninth out of ten selected in the northeast, in a group that includes New Canaan, CT, Basking Ridge, NJ, Bedford, NH, and Barrington, RI.

The article accompanying the ranking gave Madison an educational quality score of 90.06 out of a possible 100 and cited a median home price of  $450,350.  It also notes that Madison is third in Connecticut when it comes to test scores.

"Not far from New Haven, Madison is a coastal town and the site of popular Hammonasset Beach State Park, which features over two miles of public beach," the article says. "Madison community leaders work hard to maintain the town's unique character by limiting the development of franchises. Its historic downtown includes a bookstore, restaurants, shops, and the century-old brick E. C. Scranton Library."

The article also made reference to the Daniel Hand High School girl's soccer team.

"Wait, there's more! In Madison, even the jocks are brainiacs: For the past four years, the girls' soccer team at Daniel Hand High School received the state's National Team Academic Award for a team GPA exceeding 3.0. Chalk it up to a tight-knit community, schools with high expectations, and an abundance of opportunities."

Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson said he was pleased to hear about the ranking and added that the article referred to only a few of the many advantages of living here.

"Everything they say is true, but they do not even mention the open space in town. All over town, we take great pride in how we have protected coastal areas, farmland, and upland woodlands for the enjoyment of all," he said. "That, in addition to our schools, beaches, and our quaint downtown with its perfect mix of shopping and entertainment does make it a great place to live and learn."

To find out more, read the article on the GreatSchools website.