Geraldine Johnson School

 School History

Opened in August 2008, Geraldine W. Johnson School accomodates approximately 750 students in grades PreK-8th.  The school was named for a lifelong Bridgeport resident who became the city's first female and African American principal and the first female and African American superintendent. Ms. Johnson was born, raised, and educated in Bridgeport attending McKinley, Harding, and Bridgeport Normal Schools. She taught elementary and middle school before becoming Bridgeport's first female and African American Principal. From 1969-1976, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools and was Superintendent from 1976-1981. She later became Interim Superintendent of Fairfield Schools and Associate Dean of Fairfield University. In addition, Ms. Johnson has served the community in many roles including Director of Developmental Programs, Title I (1964-1969),Director of the Council on Adolescent Pregnancy, Scholarship Chairperson of Ettinger Scholarships in Norwalk, former secretary of the Board of ABCD, Board member and vice president of YWCA, and is a member of NAACP and Advisory council of HECUS. Awards and commendations bestowed on Ms. Johnson include honorary doctorate degrees from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, and University of Bridgeport, recognition by Former Governor Ella Grasso as one of Connecticut's 100 Distinguished Women (1976), and was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the Girl Scouts. Ms. Johnson was also is an accomplished cellist and pianist. She is a former member of the Connecticut Symphony. At nearly 90 years old, Ms. Johnson continued to volunteer her time at the Classical Studies Academy in Bridgeport.