Why Choose MSMHS?

The Marine Science Magnet High School (MSMHS), established in 2011, is a public, interdistrict magnet high school serving Connecticut students grades 9-12. MSMHS is located in Groton CT and is operated by LEARN. LEARN is one of six Regional Education Service Centers (RESC) established by the State of Connecticut under legislative mandate to provide more diverse, high-quality, cost-effective educational opportunities to students in Connecticut. MSMHS enrolls 271 students who are accepted through an open, non-merit based, blind lottery that currently draws from 32 different middle schools. We are fortunate to have a beautiful, state-of-the-art aquaculture facility that brings our marine science theme to life.

In 2021, MSMHS was awarded the CT State Department of Education School of Distinction Award for the Highest Overall Performance for a state record 6th time. MSMHS has ranked top in the state amongst all public high schools on state standardized exams: Science CAPT (1st in 2017) and SAT ELA (1st in 2018). MSMHS has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as a 2018 Gold Medal High School, by Washington Post as the 2nd most challenging private or public high school in Connecticut and Newsweek ranked MSMHS as one of the top 500 high schools in the nation. In August 2016, MSMHS received full accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). MSMHS offers an extensive array of marine science themed programs and opportunities, as well as academically rigorous college preparatory opportunities that meet the needs of all students. Freshmen are heterogeneously placed in college-prep only courses. Sophomore year, advanced levels of study are offered in Honors Algebra II, Honors English II, Honors Chemistry, ECE World Maritime History, and ECE Environmental Science. Junior year, students enroll in AP and UConn Early College Experience (ECE) courses. Students must take foundational science courses that prepare them for AP and ECE science courses offered junior and senior year.