Westport Information
Westport is a charming haven for commuters located approximately forty-seven miles north of Manhattan. This town offers the best of everything to a diverse and culturally exciting population. The schools are top notch, there are a myriad of sport’s facilities, and the dining and cultural opportunities are unparalleled. Also, Westport’s location on the Long Island Sound means that there are truly stunning views, and incredible waterfront properties adorning the coastline.
Westport’s unique history can be traced to the Native American tribes who frequented this area. Names such as “Saugatuck”, meaning “mouth of the tidal river” and “Compo” meaning “the bear’s fishing ground” are derived from the early Paugauset tribe. The colonists came from the three neighboring towns-Norwalk, Fairfield and Weston. A small community of warehouses, stores and a tavern grew on both sides of the river and became the Village of Saugatuck. The first church was established in 1711 (Green’s Farms Congregational Church); and this served as the hub of all town activities. Over time, churches and temples of all faiths blossomed, and Westport has truly now become an interfaith community.
When the period of mills and farming dwindled, Westport developed into a Mecca for artists. Famous writers, artists and actors relocated here. They found that Westport was a quiet retreat away from all of the frenzy of NYC, and that it was a convenient train ride as well. The peace and beauty enveloped them. By the 1920’s, many artists brought Westport to the forefront. The town began to be included in plays, novels, artwork and movies. Celebrities continue to love Westport. Notable celebrities such as Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, and Michael Bolton reside in this beautiful town. For years Martha Stewart both resided and filmed her television show in Westport. Bette Davis and F. Scott Fitzgerald also once called Westport their home.
Westport has grown over the years and now houses many executives and professionals from all arenas. There are now approximately 26,200 residents in all. New buildings have also been slowly and thoughtfully added to the landscape. Westport has been able to maintain its small town ambience, while still including very impressive architecture and a sophisticated vibe.
Education in Westport also benefits from the generous support and involvement of the town’s residents. As a result, Westport has one of the state’s best school systems with special programs for both the gifted and the special education students. There are five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The public school emphasizes a strong academic curriculum with an ever-widening spectrum of enriching programs as students progress. Both college preparatory and vocational paths are offered. Westport is very proud of the caliber of its teachers. The faculty has an average of 15 years of teaching experience and approximately 93% have obtained advanced degrees. Student’s scores consistently exceed state averages. The high school students have approximately 37 interscholastic athletic teams. They consistently excel in a variety of different sporting events. They also have stood out in their production of their own yearbook, newspaper, literary arts magazine, scholarly journal, television production studio, music and drama departments and also their own radio station. It is evident that these high school students are being given the tools that they need to excel.
Westport and Weston have often been called the Beverly Hills of the East, many stage and screen performers have sought out and settled in this area for decades. The Westport Country Playhouse is now in its 72nd season. It remains at the forefront of American theater. Its old red barn is listed on the Ct. Registrar of Historic Places, and was first a cow barn and then the Kemper Tanning Factory. In 1930 it was renovated for use as a playhouse. More than 800 plays have been produced at the Westport Country Playhouse since it’s inception. Some of those stars that have graced the stage include: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Geraldine Page, Gene Kelly, Lillian Gish, Jane Fonda, Helen Hayes, Liza Minelli, Paul Newman, and Joanne Woodward. The list goes on and on. Recently the Playhouse was expanded and renovated and now is an all year theater. A new restaurant owned by Paul Newman should soon be opening on its grounds.
The Levitt Pavilion is housed on the banks of the Saugatuck River behind the Westport Library. Throughout the season there are performances that appeal to all tastes and ages. Every Tuesday night at 7:30 there are concerts especially for children. This is a wonderful experience. People come with chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy dinner with the concert!
The Westport Community Theatre is located in Westport’s Town Hall. They present five major productions every year. There is fresh new work by debuting playwrights, drama, comedy and experimental theatre. The White Barn Theatre of Lucille Lortel is another summer indulgence. It is innovative, and filled with cabaret and stage magic. Performances are exciting and unique. Chamber music concerts are performed by the Westport Friends of Music in the fall and winter, and the Greens Farms Center for the Arts offers theater, music and art exhibits throughout the year.
Westport offers a myriad of outdoor opportunities, regardless of the season. The Westport Recreation Commission oversees 210 acres of public fun space. Compo Beach offers tons to do. There is of course, the beautiful beach itself; a long stretch of sand, looking out onto the Long Island Sound. There is a pavilion for parties and an informal restaurant/cafeteria. There is an incredible new playground that the children love. There is a rollerblading park, an 18-hole golf course, 26 tennis courts, and the Longshore Sailing School. There are also walking trails and in the summer there is “Beach Camp.” Also, there is the Longshore swimming pool. (Additional swimming pools are available downtown at the Westport YMCA and at Staples High School). In the wintertime there is even ice-skating. There are also other beaches in Westport. These include: Old Mill, Burying Hill, Cockenoe Island Beach, and the 300-acre Sherwood Island Beach.
Westport has several private clubs; Birchwood Golf and Country Club with its beautiful award winning 9-hole golf course, swimming pool and tennis program. The Fairfield County Hunt Club with swimming pool and horseback riding and the Saugatuck Rowing Club, with fabulous exercise facilities and rowing program. All have superb dining rooms. Westport also has several private yacht clubs: Cedar Point Yacht Club and Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club.
The Nature Center for Environmental Activities is devoted to public environmental education, preservation and conservation. It is on a 62-acre parcel which welcomes approximately 80,000 visitors/year. There are miles of interconnecting trails, as well as a building for exhibits and interactive educational displays. The Nature Center Nursery School hosts programs for children, as well as outdoor summer programs. They also are a terrific resource for birthday parties-it is a pleasure to watch the children as they enjoy petting various animals!
The Westport YMCA offers a wealth of experiences. These include: tubing, cycling, skiing, rafting and caving. Every summer the “Great Race” is held on the Saugatuck River and is accompanied by a vast array of seaworthy crafts and designer specials. The YMCA also runs a terrific day camp on the grounds of Camp Mahackeno. The Rolnick Observatory is open, weather permitting to show our celestial splendor!
Elementary Schools
Coleytown Elementary School
65 Easton Road
Westport, CT 06880
203-341-1700
Green’s Farms Elementary School
17 Morningside Drive
Westport, CT 06880
203-222-3600
King’s Highway Elementary School
125 Post Road
Westport, CT 06880
203-341-1800
Long Lot’s Elementary School
13 Hyde Lane
Westport, CT 06880
203-341-1900
Saugatuck Elementary School
170 Riverside Ave.
Westport, CT 06880
203-221-2900
Middle Schools
Bedford Middle School
170 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203-341-1500
Coleytown Middle School
255 North Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203-341-1600
High School
Staples High School
70 North Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
