About Us

School Song
by Jack North

All around Long Island Sound there's beauty everywhere.
But most agree with you and me, our schools beyond compare.
We're K through 4 and watch us soar with breezes from the sea!
Here's to you, Niantic Center! You are the school for me!

The symbol of the school we love is a little scallop shell,
And every day you'll hear it say, "In school you must do well!"
Now let us sing 'til echoes ring and pledge our loyalty,
"Here's to you, Niantic Center! Live on in memory!"

History of Niantic Center
 

In the 1800's there were 9 school districts in East Lyme, each with a one room school house. In 1883-4 a four room school was erected on Pennsylvania Avenue to replace the small building there. It was located just north of the present Town Hall and behind what is now the Probate offices. It consisted of Primary, Intermediate and Grammar grades with four teachers. High school aged students went to school in New London.

Following World War I the school became over-crowded and land was purchased on the corner of (East) Pattagansett Road and West Main Street. A new brick building was built there for $80,000 and first occupied in January 1928. There were 229 pupils grades 1-8 and seven teachers.

In 1948 an addition was made to the south side of the building with a new auditorium/ gymnasium and more class rooms. At that time the enrollment was 288 with a principal, ten teachers and a helping teacher. The cost for that addition was $250,000.

A third addition was added in 1976 and the original building was torn down. The parking area and the playgrounds were also changed at that time.

Elizabeth Hall Kuchta
East Lyme Town Historian