Choices for Non-Hartford Residents
CREC Magnet Schools
Choose from CREC’s 17 award-winning magnet schools (and one magnet program), which are located in state-of-the-art facilities and have the latest technology, prepare students for college, and have high student achievement. Join over 9,000 students from more than 85 Connecticut towns who have chosen a CREC education.
Choose CREC and provide your child with a themed-based curriculum that allows students to develop their talents and interests in diverse learning communities and participate in real-world experiences that enhance their daily learning.
A CREC Education is Waiting For You at One of the Following Schools
CREC Elementary Schools (PreK-5)
CREC Preschool at Progress Drive (PK3 and PK4 only)
Academy of Aerospace & Engineering Elementary School
Academy of International Studies Elementary School
Ana Grace Academy of the Arts
Discovery Academy
Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School
Montessori Magnet School
Museum Academy
Reggio Magnet School of the Arts
University of Hartford Magnet School
Per Connecticut General Statutes, families of newly enrolled preschool students whose family income is above 75% of the state median income (SMI) will be required to pay a tuition fee for the school year. The fee for preschool students will be determined annually, but will not exceed $4,900 per child. Families whose income is at or below 75% of the state median income will not be required to pay tuition. For more information about preschool tuition, please review the Frequently Asked Questions document.
CREC Middle and High Schools
Academy of Aerospace & Engineering
Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Middle School
Academy of Computer Science and Engineering
Academy of International Studies 6-12
Academy of Science and Innovation
Ana Grace Academy of the Arts
Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day
Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day Program
What to Expect at a CREC Magnet School
- Diverse learning communities
- State-of-the-art facilities that provide the latest technology and resources to all students
- Quality early childhood programming for 3- and 4-year-olds and kindergarten students
- Interscholastic middle and high school athletic program
- Advanced Placement and early college opportunities
- Competitive Interscholastic Athletics is offered at most of our middle and high schools.
- Attending a school outside of your home district to help prepare your child for real-world experiences by learning from, and interacting with, students from different backgrounds
Open Choice Program
The Open Choice program offers students who live outside of Hartford the opportunity to attend a non-magnet Hartford public school. Transportation is provided for all students.
The non-magnet Hartford public schools available to suburban residents who choose Open Choice are:
- Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School (K-5)
- Global Communications Academy (K-12)
- Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy (4-8)
Although the school name may have “Academy” listed, these are regular public schools and you can select as many as five schools in which you would be willing to accept a seat.
What to Expect as Part of the Open Choice Program
- Once enrolled, you can continue in the Hartford public school system until high school graduation. You will have to reapply in order to transition to the next school.
- Students will be placed at a school outside of his or her home district, but that means new experiences with new people without having to move.
- Longer bus rides (between 60 to 90 minutes each way). Learn to use time wisely! For example, do homework, read, or take a nap on the bus.