Type of School            PreK-5 independent elementary school for underserved children in Stamford, CT

Number of Students     155

The Waterside School opened its doors to its children and the Stamford community on September 12, 2001 and since then has grown into a model of academic excellence.  Waterside is blessed with visionary leadership, a socio-economically and culturally diverse student body, a talented and passionate teaching faculty, an involved parent body, and the generous support of the greater community. In the inspiring culture that is Waterside, the promise of every child is respected and honored and everyone involved in the School is challenged to strive to the highest academic and personal standards.

Guiding the School's efforts is a clear set of pillars that define and describe the program, place and process:

·      An overarching emphasis on academic achievement and character development

·      A culture of high expectations and unyielding standards

·      A learning environment of purpose and joy, commitment and compassion

·      A focus on the individual student and his/her full intellectual, physical, personal and moral growth

·      A commitment of investment and involvement from every family

·      Small class size allowing for a student/teacher ratio of 8-1

·      An extended school day and school year

·      No excuses, no compromises, no short-cuts

Waterside’s mission is “to provide children too often underserved access to opportunities for educational and personal excellence and to prepare them in time for positions of leadership and responsibility”. With a student enrollment that is 90% African American and Latino and funded primarily by generous support from local corporate and individual donors, Waterside is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. Every year, most of Waterside’s graduates gain admission to competitive independent schools in the area.