Through the integration of artistic and academic learning, students prepare for success in the 21st century, as they develop their skills as critical thinkers, collaborators, creators and effective communicators.

ACT’s academic courses, which are based on the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Curriculum Frameworks and Connecticut Core Standards in English and math, thoroughly integrate concepts from the performing arts. Small class sizes and differentiated instruction allow students’ individual learning needs to be addressed, while hands-on learning experiences and performance-based assessments measure student growth in arts and academic subjects.

ACT’s academic subject areas include core requirements and electives in math, science, social studies, English, world language, and physical education. Students get to choose other electives such as Historical Documentary, Revolutionary Sounds: The History of Popular Music, Culture of Film, and Newspaper. In their senior year, students complete a Senior Capstone Project. The purpose of this project is to engage each student in a personalized learning experience that represents the culmination of their learning in the arts-based pathway of their choosing.

ACT students choose a pathway based upon their individual interests and talents. These pathways give students a chance to focus on an area of interest with purpose and intent. Students can choose from Acting, Creative Writing, Dance, Integrated Arts & Management, Media Arts, Music and Technical Theater (sets, lights, costumes). Each pathway has its own required courses in addition to ACT’s required courses for graduation.

In addition to college prep and honors courses offered at ACT, an agreement with Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) enables students to earn college credits at no cost by attending university classes. Additional opportunities to pursue college-level work are available thanks to a partnership with CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley, formerly Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC).

ACT graduates are currently attending, or have attended, the following colleges and universities: