New Haven Interdistrict Magnet Schools

511 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511 MAP
(203) 946-8613

Grades: Kindergarten – 8th grade
School Hours: 9:15am - 3:30pm
Principal: Dianne Spence
Enrollment: 700 students

Open House 2012

Tuesday, January 10: 10:30-11:30am

Thursday, January 12: 5-6pm

More Info

Call us at (203) 946-8613 during school hours

School Overview

Conte West Hills is the longest running magnet school in New Haven. It has been in operation for over 38 years. Located in the historic Wooster Square district, Conte West Hills offers an optimal learning environment complete with technology lab, a portable Apple computer station, student computers in each classroom and SmartBoards and ELMO document readers for viewing classroom presentations and educational videos. The school also boasts two art rooms, a swimming pool with aquatic instruction for students in grades 3-8, Lego Robotics and experiments, music classes for all grades and instrumental education for students in grades 5-8.

Conte West Hills Magnet theme of Exploration and Innovation is a substantive part of each grade’s social studies and science curriculum. Each grade selects two major thematic units that are designed to develop our students’ curiosity and creativity in the social sciences. Literature, writing, math, performing arts, visual arts, music and physical education are integrated into each grade’s thematic units. New Haven’s rich community resources offer students many opportunities to explore curriculum content beyond the classroom.

To create a balanced Kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum, we use the Expeditionary Learning Model. This model challenges students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities. In addition to a strong curriculum influence, Expeditionary Learning provides positive character education through a school-wide class called CREW. All students and staff participate in a daily CREW session which explores the importance of character and its impact on our roles as citizens in our school and community.

Our goal as a staff is to offer each child a challenging curriculum that inspires him or her to become a curious, active, independent learner. The staff works together to guide our students on their academic and social journeys towards excellence. Our mission at Conte West Hills is to develop in each student the heart of an explorer and the mind of an innovator.

Additional School Features

• Full Day PreK3 & PreK4 programs (7:30am - 5:30pm)
• State-of-the-art building that merges the latest technology and specialized facilities into a comprehensive preK-8 curriculum
• Learning Expeditions that include field work and case studies
• Project based learning with Exhibition Fairs to display student work
• Comprehensive arts program including general and instrumental music and visual arts
• School Planning and Management Team (SPMT) consisting of the principal, teachers, parents and support staff that establishes curriculum
• 21st Century Before and After school enrichment programs
• Professional Development School (PDS) partnership school with SCSU
• Uniform School - students wear khaki pants/skirts/jumpers with navy tops
• Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program-A school wide support system focused on social and emotional intelligence and behaviors
• CREW- small groups meet with a Conte school member each morning to explore positive behaviors

Education Partners

• Expeditionary Learning
• Yale University
• Southern CT State University School of Education
• New Haven Historical Society
• Peabody Museum
• Connecticut Science Center
• Wooster Square Community

What our students are saying...

"The best part of Conte West Hills School is how the teachers and administrators make sure everyone’s voice is heard. They make sure everyone’s ideas are taken into consideration and everyone is respectful of each other’s opinions. In the years that I have been here, I have learned a lot. I am happy to attend Conte West Hills Magnet School of Exploration and Innovation." -Keyshawn, 8th grade, recipient of the 2011 Heroes of the Heart Award." -Kayla, 8th grade

"The most exciting experience I’ve had at Conte West Hills was being a part of the A.V.I.D. Program in sixth grade. The teachers were caring and the skills they taught helped me prepare for Honors studies. The teachers and administrators really care about students and make it a welcoming place to learn and come together. There are a lot of opportunities at Conte." -Jasmyne G., grade 8