High Schools

Best Buddies High Schools pair high school students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, we are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.

Best Buddies High Schools provide a platform for mutually enriching friendships between a student with an intellectual disabilities and a student without a disability. Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. By becoming a high school peer buddy, you will not only befriend someone with an intellectual disability, but you will also learn about yourself in the process.

Each chapter is a registered student organization within the school and is maintained by student leaders (A Chapter President and team of officers) with the support of a Faculty Advisor, Special Education Advisor, and Best Buddies staff (Program Manager).  Buddy pairs commit to making weekly contact (phone calls, emails, letters) and getting together on their own twice a month. Additionally, the club meets regularly as a group and plans group activities (about 4-6 activities during the school year).  These activities range from anything as simple as a picnic to a sports outing to something as elaborate as a trip to an amusement park.  The main goal of Best Buddies is to increase social opportunities for students with disabilities and for everyone to have fun.

Connecticut High School Chapters

Amity High School - Woodbridge *
Branford High School *
Brien McMahon High School - Norwalk
Bristol Central High School *
Bristol Eastern High School *
Cheshire High School *
Coventry High School *
E.O. Smith High School - Mansfield *
East Granby High School *
East Lyme High School
Glastonbury High School *
James Hillhouse High School - New Haven
Jonathan Law High School - Milford
Joseph Foran High School - Milford
New Canaan High School
New Milford High School
Newtown High School
North Branford High School *
Norwalk High School
Old Saybrook High School
Ridgefield High School
Rocky Hill High School *
Seymour High School
Shelton High School
Simsbury High School *
Southington High School *
Staples High School - Westport
Suffield High School *
Watertown High School
West Hill High School - Stamford
Wilbur Cross High School - New Haven
Wilton High School
Windsor High School *

For more information about our High School Chapters please contact:
Bianca Smith, BiancaSmith@bestbuddies.org, or Ryan Sweeney (*), RyanSweeney@bestbuddies.org, or call our office at 203.234.3996.