Middletown City School District is well known for its strong, comprehensive educational programs. Curriculum improvement, instruction, and support services are the focal point of the district. To maintain a contemporary educational program, the course of study for each subject area is reviewed by a committee comprising teachers and administrators who recommend revisions to the curriculum and modernized instructional resource material. The educational program also includes a variety of teaching methods and instructional programs and extracurricular activities to meet students' special needs and interests. The faculty stays on top of current research in the field of education by attending professional development sessions offered by the district and area universities. In-service opportunities are designed to help the staff develop and reinforce the skills necessary to meet the changing needs of their students. Individually, the staff and students consistently earn local and state recognition. Middletown High School graduates are accepted into the best colleges and post-secondary institutions in the country. In 2003 the Middletown community passed a $75.8 million bond issue to replace or remodel all of Middletown's elementary schools with state-of-the-art school buildings. Eight elementary buildings house grades pre-school through fifth grade; two middle schools accommodate grades six through eight; and grades nine through twelve occupy Middletown High School. These accomplishments are the result of an ongoing team effort that involves the dedication and hard work of students, administrators, teachers, support staff, and community members. Middletown City School District works hard to build a "spirit of community where people come together for learning experiences that develop responsible and successful world citizens."