Inspiring a love for learning
ProgramsInspiring discovery
Children are fascinated by the world around them, constantly wanting to know the why and how of everything. Using this natural curiosity, science is taught from a hands-on, inquiry and discovery approach and is thematically enriched in all curricular areas and experience. Field trips enhance the overall curriculum, as do special presentations from the Science Center staff. Students have an opportunity to enjoy the unique resources located at the Science Center. These include telescopes, microscopes, the Alan L. Bean Hypospherium (the largest planetarium in Connecticut), meteorology lab, HyperMedia Library, Electronic Music lab and nature trails. The Talcott Mountain Academy provides a nurturing environment for young, gifted children where they can be challenged to take full advantage of their talents and abilities.
You taught my children to expect more from education… you taught them to ask questions and research new ideas. You taught them that they could have friends that understood them. The teachers, staff and families at Talcott were a very important part of my family for the past four years. I know that we are better for our journey with you.
FOR CHILDREN
FOR
ALL AGES
FOR EDUCATORS
For Children
From Shakespeare to Socrates, Lincoln to Leonardo (da Vinci, of course), Talcott students dive deep into all aspects of humanities.
K-8 Academy
Connecticut’s premier independent school for bright & gifted students grades K-8. Learn more at talcottacademy.org.
Summer
Week-long, hands-on programs are perfect for K-8 children who are scientific, artistic, or inquisitive. They’ll explore, create and make new friends on a campus full of instruments of discovery — where everyone cares about kids, and your child can thrive! Learn more >
Vacation
Vacations should be fun, and so should learning. That’s why students love spending some of their vacation week with us! Two- or three-day programs for grades K-3 and 4-8 keep your child’s sense of discovery and accomplishment going strong! Learn more >
Saturdays
Make the most of your weekends with our Saturday programs, which provide hands-on discovery, exploration and research with guidance and skill-building from Talcott scientists. (The thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of success are included!) Learn more >
For All Ages
Students build rockets and robots, explore the universe and so much more! Inquiry-based, hands-on instruction brings the sciences to life.
Skygazing
Bring your family and friends to see the stars, planets, the moon and more! No special equipment or knowledge required! (We’ve got that covered!)
Family Science
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On the Shoulders of Giants
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For Educators
Decision making, perseverance, focus and accountability–these are just a few of the benefits of integrating the arts into education.
Professional Development
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In-School Programs
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Field Trips to Talcott
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Teaching with Technology
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.
Beyond the Classroom
Learning extends beyond the classroom. It is our goal to help students develop a passion for learning that reaches into all facets of their life. This is why we encourage students to try new things and explore the unknown. Enrichment programs, field trips and our visiting professionals allow them to spread their wings and try new things in a comfortable, safe and nurturing environment.
Enrichment
In addition to our standard curriculum, students have the unique opportunity to explore subject areas of interest through Talcott’s enrichment program.
Areas of focus differ each semester, but have recently included hydroponics, creative writing, publishing, web design, yearbook, amateur radio, dramatic arts, math theory, orchestra and more.
Field Trips
Experiences outside of the classroom are integral to hands-on learning. Students have visited professional sites including bioengineering labs, aerospace manufacturers and hydroponic greenhouses. Other fun, but educational, experiences include trips to the Bushnell, whale watching, marine life exploration at Hammonasset, and Ellis Island, NY.
The highlight for most upper-suite students is their week-long trip to Herkimer, NY to learn about geology. Students enjoy getting their hands dirty digging for fossils and mining for Herkimer diamonds.
Visiting Professionals
Students often question how their classroom learning applies to ‘real life’. Our visiting professionals show them!
Through in-classroom visits and special evening presentations through the Talcott Mountain Science Center’s On the Shoulders of Giants series, Talcott alumni and other visiting professionals give students a glimpse into their chosen careers… and the road that lead them there.
These visiting professionals often make connections with students who have exceptional interest in their fields, with many providing counsel or serving as mentors for student projects.
Awards & Achievements
Students from Talcott Mountain Academy showcase their knowledge and talents in science, math, history, writing, the arts and more throughout the year at numerous local, regional and national competitions. They consistently take top awards at the following competitions:
- Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair
- Connecticut Invention Convention
- MathCounts
- Connecticut History Day
- National Geographic Geography Bee
- Connecticut Student Writers Contest
- Inspiration to Innovation Challenge
- Prudential Spirit of Community Award
- FIRST LEGO League
- Trinity College Firefighting Home Robot Competition