Darien Public Schools Prepares for a New School Year
Darien Public Schools is getting ready for the first day of school, which will take place on Wednesday. As the district gears up for the new academic year, interim Superintendent Eric Byrne has shared several updates and changes that families should be aware of.
Key Changes in Student Enrollment
One of the most notable changes this year is the reduction in student enrollment. According to recent data, there are 4,511 students enrolled for the 2025-26 school year, which is 21 fewer than the previous year and 69 below the projected numbers. Richard Rudl, the district’s director of finance and operations, explained that this decrease was due to 126 student withdrawals. Of these, 94 students moved to private or parochial schools, while 31 left the district altogether.
Curriculum Updates Across All Levels
The curriculum is also undergoing some significant changes across the district. At the elementary level, the focus will be on strengthening literacy instruction. Professional learning opportunities will help teachers improve their knowledge of the science of reading and effective phonics instruction. The district is also implementing a new K–3 literacy resource called Into Reading, which aligns with state Right to Read legislation.
For middle school, an updated math resource has been adopted, and new units have been developed for eighth-grade accelerated algebra and honors geometry. Additionally, curriculum writing teams and school counselors are working on a comprehensive school counseling program that supports student success plans.
Middlesex Middle School is introducing the eighth-grade level of Mandarin, and the social studies curriculum is being revised to meet state standards. At Darien High School, three new courses—American Sign Language level 3, cybersecurity, and astronomy—are being added to provide students with new opportunities for discovery and skill development.
Facility Improvements
In addition to curriculum changes, several facility improvements have been made. Additions at Hindley, Holmes, and Royle Elementary Schools are nearly complete, with furniture installation and finishing touches underway. Tokeneke Elementary School has updated its main entrance and repaved its parking lot and bus loop.
Middlesex Middle School launched a comprehensive facilities plan this summer, with architects evaluating the building for potential improvements. At Darien High School, lighting fixtures have been replaced with energy-efficient LED units, and parking areas for the B & C buildings have been resurfaced.
Cell Phone Policy Changes
Starting this school year, ninth through 11th graders at Darien High School will be required to store their phones in pouches throughout the day. This policy follows the success of a similar initiative implemented in elementary and middle schools last year. Seniors will not need to use a pouch but must keep their phones in their backpacks. They will only be allowed to use their phones in designated senior privilege spaces or when off campus during free periods.
New Website Launch
Darien Public Schools has launched a completely redesigned website, which went live on July 29. The site, still accessible at www.darienps.org, offers improved usability and mobile-friendly features. Families are encouraged to explore the new site and report any issues by submitting a support ticket.
