The CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts was established in 1985 by the Capitol Region Education Council. GHAA is an interdistrict magnet high school focused on the arts, that serves students in grades 9-12.

The curriculum at GHAA is designed to prepare gifted and talented students to pursue post-secondary studies and professional careers in creative writing, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theater, musical theater, technical theater, visual arts or a study in interarts.

A full day program incorporating arts and academics was established in 2007. 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 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM Monday through Friday. Following lunch, full day students join the half day students for classes in the arts. All classes end at 4:15 PM.

Half day students attend classes at their hometown high schools in the morning and then attend the Academy, located at the Learning Corridor in Hartford, for classes from 1:00 to 4:15 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

All GHAA students spend at least 13 intensive hours per week pursuing artistic excellence under the guidance of practicing arts professionals and educators. Students involved in productions and exhibitions spend additional time in rehearsals and in preparation outside of 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 are expected to maintain a minimum of a "B" average to remain in the program.

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

School Nutrition
In response to concerns about the use of food additives and artificial ingredients, the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Annex has put nutrition initiatives in place. Click here to read.

We also offer some great web-based nutritional information.  Whitsons Nutri-Café and Smart Calc Meal calculators are fun, easy way for students and parents to see the food items offered in your cafeterias and get the nutritional information on those items.  Whitsons Nutri-Café and Smart Calc Meal calculators can help highlight the nutritious foods we offer, as well as promote healthy choices and nutrition education. With drag and drop functionality and easy clickable item choices, users can easily see the difference in nutritional values of food items offered and build a healthy meal in minutes. Click here to access the website.