New Canaan #2 in US as Best School System for Learning by Great Schools.org

Saxe Middle School in New Canaan

New Canaan is being praised again by GreatSchools.org as one of the nation’s best towns for learning. And to hear Nick Williams tell it, they’re a little better than the California district holding down the top spot.


“They may have better surfing, but if I read the break correctly, we have a better school system,” Williams, chairman of the New Canaan Board of Education, said in a humorous salvo aimed at Manhattan Beach, Calif. New Canaan is listed by GreatSchools as the No. 2 education town with a median home price of $800,000 or more. Manhattan Beach was voted No. 1.

Westport, at No. 5, and Darien, at No. 6, also made the list. Ahead of them were two other California towns: Lafayette and Palo Alto. Rounding out the Top 10 are Orinda, Calif.; Weston, Mass.; Rye, N.Y.; and Cupertino, Calif.

Williams said the No. 2 ranking is great news for New Canaan, which was third in the 2010 GreatSchools rankings. “We’re delighted to be on the list last year, and we’re equally delighted to be on the list this year, especially since we’ve moved up,” Williams said. “It’s an honor for the entire district, the teachers and staff as well as the students and parents