The CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts (the Academy), established in 1985 by the Capitol Region Education Council, is an interdistrict magnet high school focused on the arts that serves up to 400 students each year in grades 9-12 from the 35 school districts in the CREC region and beyond.

The program is designed to prepare gifted and talented students to pursue post-secondary studies and professional careers in creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theater/ musical theater, technical theater, visual arts and voice.

Students must apply and audition to attend this half-day program in conjunction with their hometown high schools, where they receive instruction in core subjects, such as math, science and English.

A full day program (arts and academics) was established in 2007 and is offered to incoming 9th grade students. Students in the full day program attend classes Monday – Friday until 4:15 p.m. Classes offered include: English, history, math (algebra and geometry), Spanish and science. Classes are held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following lunch, “full day students” join the “half day students” for classes in the arts. All classes end at 4:15 p.m. Students interested in the full day program must follow the same application/auditions procedures as students for the half day program.

Students attend classes at their home high schools in the morning and then attend the Academy, located at the Learning Corridor in Hartford, for three periods of classes from 1:00 to 4:15 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

Students spend at least 13 intensive hours per week pursuing artistic excellence under the guidance of practicing arts professionals and educators.  Those in productions and exhibitions spend additional time in rehearsals and in preparation outside of the normal school hours.

These classes count toward the state’s high school graduation requirements in the areas of physical education, social studies and the arts.  The curriculum is professionally oriented, highly structured and academically rigorous.  Commitment to serious study is expected of all students, who must maintain a minimum of a “B” average to remain in the program.

It is understood that students progress at different rates.  Attention is paid to the individual needs, backgrounds, strengths and limitations of each student.  Nonetheless, all students are expected to meet each and every course objective.