Arts & Culture
Family Life
Families in Old Lyme enjoy small town life in a community rich in the arts and
the beauty of its natural surroundings.
A highly-regarded school system, a variety of sports and cultural activities, and nonprofit organizations such as LYSB make raising a family in Old Lyme an enriching experience.
Old Lyme is part of a regional school district with our neighbor to the north, the Town of Lyme. "Region 18," also known as Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools, offers a learning environment focused on enabling children of all ages to reach their full potential as scholars, artists and athletes of character.
Children attend preschool at our historic Center School on Lyme Street. Kindergarten through fifth grade students attend one of two elementary schools, based on their geographic location. Our middle schoolers and high schoolers are back on the Lyme Street central campus from sixth grade on, where they are in walking distance of the library and nearby small businesses.
These five schools have a combined enrollment of roughly 1,300 students. Our small size allows for a low student to teacher ratio that provides individualized attention with an average class size of just 12 to 15 students.
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Both Elementary Schools named Connecticut Tier 1 Schools of Distinction
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Consistently high ranking High School across all measures
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Board of Education committed to key principles, including the first school system in Connecticut to pledge carbon-neutral by 2030.
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Learn more about attending Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools here.
Youth & Family
2-1-1 Child Care is Connecticut’s statewide child care resource and referral agency. 2-1-1 Child Care provides free, confidential referrals to child care programs. Use their search function with our 06371 zip code to find local childcare including in-home care providers, and before and after school care.
Youth Organizations
Learn more about Lyme-Old Lyme Public School Extracurricular offerings and clubs here.
Music & Creative Arts
Learn more about Lyme-Old Lyme Public School Arts offerings here.
A variety of performance opportunities are available for our favorite theater kids. The elementary and middle schools typical produce a school musical during the Spring semester, the High School produces a Fall play and Winter/Spring Musical. "Amped Up" is a competitive Show Choir group that competes with the Show Band throughout New England. A number of the students who participate in the high school plays take part in LYSB's Acting Up, a prevention drama troupe dedicated to supporting younger students through performances that consider issues such as peer pressure, bullying/teasing and more.
Youth Sports Clubs & Leagues
Learn more about Lyme-Old Lyme Public School Athletics here.
Town playgrounds and recreational parks are listed here.
Connecticut River "Ticks" Lacrosse Club
Old Lyme and Surrounding Towns
Offering lacrosse from Kindergarten to 8th grade, the Ticks is dedicated to the skill development of lacrosse players and teaches a game of speed, position, and finesse rather than physical intimidation or promoting a team's winning record.
Additional recreational opportunities are available throughout the area. The Valley Shore YMCA located in Westbrook offers swim lessons and fitness opportunities for all ages, and is home to the Valley Shore YMCA Marlins, one of the top USA Swimming competitive age group programs in the region, with a high percentage of our swimmers going on to higher levels of competition. The swim team is composed of boys and girls ranging in age from 6 to 18.
Welcome to Old Lyme
Welcome to Old Lyme, a small, historic town on the Connecticut coastline. We are known for our art galleries and beaches, and have so much more. Whether you are thinking about relocating your home or business here, or just looking to visit for the afternoon, welcome! We are glad to have you.