In 1811, Cromwell High School occupied the building now used as Belden Library, which is adjacent to the town hall. There were 278 students total in this year. In 1902, the Nathaniel White School was built, and was used as the high school for 54 years, until the current high school, Cromwell High School, was built in 1956. The Nathaniel White School is now known as Cromwell Middle School and until September 2006 was used for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8. Fifth grade is now taught at Woodside Intermediate School along with 3rd and 4th grade. The high school is used for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Nathaniel White, who died 17 August 1711, was Middletown's second largest landowner, leaving an estate of more than 1500 acres of land, and property. Nathaniel's will showed he gave 1/4th of his share in the common land to "the schools already agreed upon in the town of Middletown, forever. He had already been allowing a school to reside on this property, while he was living, and it is the first instance of an American settler donating their land to the government for public use. When the first proper school was opened in that part of town, now called Cromwell, the town voted unanimously to name it "The Nathaniel White Public School."
Description
Cromwell High School is a four-year secondary school offering curricular and co-curricular programs to about 600 students in grades 9-12. In 2004, 95% of the seniors received acceptances to four- or two-year colleges. The remaining students entered a branch of the armed forces or accepted employment in neighboring businesses. The courses taken must include 4 years of English, at least 3 years each of social studies, math, and science, at least ½ credits in career/technological education, at least 1 credit of fine arts/vocational education, 1 credit of physical education, ½ credits in health and at least 8 credits in electives, which includes language classes. This adds up to 24 credits.
Enrollment
There are currently about 600 students in attendance. The largest single class ever to attend this school was the class of 2011, with about 175 students.
Qualification for Graduation
To graduate Cromwell High School, 24 credits must be accumulated. Prior to 2011, 22.5 credits were required for graduation. In addition to this, 30 community service hours must be completed.
Actor and film producerDavid Gere graduated from Cromwell High School. Former head of U.S. Digital Service Mikey Dickerson graduated from Cromwell High School.
