The top reported proficiency rate is 73% in Math. The lowest is 68% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Lillie B. Haynes School
Lillie B. Haynes School serves kindergarten through fourth grade in Niantic, a small residential and coastal village within East Lyme. The school sits near the downtown village center, placing it within walking distance of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, Main Street shops and restaurants, and waterfront parks. It is one of three elementary schools in the East Lyme district, all of which were renovated within the past decade with upgrades to air quality, security, and technology.
The school enrolls a small to mid-sized cohort. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The student body is predominantly white, with substantial populations of students of Asian and Hispanic background, and a smaller representation of Black students. Data on the share of students receiving special education services or identified as English learners was not available.
On state assessments administered in spring 2025, third-grade students showed proficiency in math at a solid rate, with proficiency in English language arts slightly lower. Fourth-grade results in math were suppressed by the state, likely due to a small cohort; fourth-grade English language arts proficiency was reported and somewhat lower than the third-grade figure. When results across all tested grades are averaged, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile relative to districts in the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. Participation rates were strong across both subjects and grade levels. State testing data for kindergarten through second grade is not reported because those grades are not assessed statewide.
The school's most recent state results represent only one year of performance, so trend data and patterns over time are not yet available. A parent may want to ask the school directly about prior-year results, classroom practices, and how the school targets support for students who are not yet proficient.
The broader East Lyme district has faced recurring budget pressure over the past several years. In early 2023, the district proposed significant staffing cuts; in May 2026, voters rejected the proposed town budget, which included cuts to school district staff, forcing a second referendum in June 2026. These budget strains have affected the district's ability to maintain full staffing and may influence class sizes and support services. The elementary school buildings themselves are well-maintained following recent renovations, but families should be aware that the district continues to navigate financial constraints that could shape the resources available to classrooms.
Niantic itself is a walkable village with a strong sense of place. The boardwalk, bay beaches, downtown shops, and seasonal events create a community-oriented environment. Housing values in the zip code are above state and national medians, reflecting the waterfront location. The town's largest recent development, Gateway Commons, has brought new apartments and retail, including a major supermarket, which has reshaped the local economy. The Millstone Power Station, located just west in Waterford, remains the region's largest employer.
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