According to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), students with gifts and talents perform—or have the capability to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential. Students with gifts and talents:

• Come from all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, as well as all economic strata.
• Require sufficient access to appropriate learning opportunities to realize their potential.
• Can have learning and processing disorders that require specialized intervention and accommodation.
• Need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their areas of talent.

To view common traits of gifted and talented students, click here.

Yes and no. Students do not wear a uniform. They are expected to be neat, clean and dressed appropriately for daily activities and weather outside as we are a campus. When representing the school at various functions such as concerts and on field trips, students must wear their green Talcott polo shirt and dark pants or skirts.

Yes, all students must take the bus to and from school.  We are located on a private road and do our best to limit traffic for the benefit of our neighbors. There are, of course, occasions when a parent needs to drive their child or pick them up to due appointments.

The T in STEM means technology. It’s a little about the “hi-tech” hardware, but mostly how it’s used and how it inspires young learners to create new solutions. So yes, you’ll see TMA students mastering 3-D printers, robots, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors and drones. What really happens to make it all work is the applications – creating new learning spaces with open source devices and apps, inventing devices that can help the lives of those with challenges and special needs, helping the world see new ideas through data and visualizations, and learning that no problem is too big to try and tackle. Technology and creativity are twin partners in our future, and Talcott has the track record of inventors and leaders to get us there.

Average class size is 10 students. The student/teacher rate is approximately 8:1.

We call our age-grouped students Suites rather than Grades. Grades imply a level at which the students are working. Within an age cohort, our students are working at various levels that differ between subject areas.

Students in grades six, seven and eight have faculty advisors. Advisor groups are small, usually five or six students in a group. Advisor groups meet one period per week.  Advisors assist students with academic and social issues and can coordinate parent/ teacher meetings if necessary.

Talcott offers a wide array of extracurricular activities for students including Science Bowl and Math Counts. The Talcott Parent Group and the Student Council also sponsor special events and activities throughout the year to further enrich student learning and community.

Through our enrichment program, which meets once per week throughout the school year, the Academy invites students to delve into their chosen subject matter. Enrichment offers the chance to explore specialized subjects like creative writing, publishing, web design, yearbook, amateur radio, dramatic arts, math theory, hydroponic gardening and band, among others. Talcott students also participate in a school-wide theatrical production where they can choose to participate on-stage or work behind-the-scenes on scenery, lighting, costumes or publicity.

Talcott Mountain Academy has Talcott Parent Group (TPG) run by a steering committee. The TPG provides support for the school in a variety of ways…

Talcott Mountain Academy graduates are accepted at top secondary schools and colleges. The Dean and Assistant Dean assist families with the search and application process. We offer a Secondary School Fair in the fall with a parent workshop preceding the event.

See the list of Secondary schools

See the list of Colleges