It serves students from not only East Lyme but also the town of Salem, Connecticut, which has no high school of its own.
The school's athletic teams have consistently placed among the top in the region, capturing titles in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, crew, swimming, volleyball, cross country, track, lacrosse, tennis, fencing, field hockey, wrestling, and marching band.
[citation needed] East Lyme Middle School (ELMS) enrolls grades 5–8.
In this design concept, small groups of students (approximately 80) are co-located in a classroom setting, where most of their daily instruction takes place.
This structure allows a large physical plant to resemble a smaller school, while allowing students the learning opportunities (life skills, technology, art, music, and sports) available at a larger institution.