Curriculum that Challenges, Inspires & Cultivates
Talcott Mountain Academy understands the innate curiosity of gifted and talented children who constantly seek to understand the “why” and “how” of the world. Our mission is to provide a robust and challenging curriculum that helps students unlock their full potential.
Our curriculum is not confined to textbooks; it’s a hands-on, inquiry-driven adventure woven into every aspect of our teaching. Science is integrated thematically across all curricular areas, allowing students to explore mathematics, literature, and the arts while nurturing their natural curiosity.
Learn more about:
HUMANITIES
From Shakespeare to Socrates, Lincoln to Leonardo (da Vinci, of course), Talcott students dive deep into all aspects of humanities.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Students read and analyze literature and learn about composition and grammar. (Many of our students love to read! It’s not uncommon to find them absorbed in their favorite book at recess, in study hall or on the bus.) “Think more deeply” is the goal in our middle school language arts. There is an emphasis on critical thinking to enhance close-reading skills for high-level comprehension and more effective written expression. The writing process is emphasized from brainstorming and creating an outline to revisions and the final draft. Real-world connections help the students engage with the classics, and creative writing is an important and popular part of the curriculum.
WORLD LANGUAGE: Students in Grades K-5 learn Spanish, and grade 6-8 can continue Spanish or learn Latin, German French or Italian online with Rosetta Stone.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Students explore American history, world history, world cultures, civics and living history. They also learn about Geography and test their knowledge with their peers at Talcott and throughout Connecticut by competing in GeoBee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS
Students build rockets and robots, explore the universe, investigate animals, propagate plants and so much more! Inquiry-based, hands-on instruction brings the sciences to life.
MATHEMATICS: From elementary math to calculus, students learn based on their capabilities, not their grade level. We take a traditional approach using text books and manipulatives. We use curriculum compacting so that students can accelerate.
LIFE SCIENCE: Learning is never confined to the classroom! Biology lessons can take place anywhere on our campus as we examine plants and chase down butterflies. Field trips to the beach and to museums enhance our curriculum. Lab activities range from gel electrophoresis to squid dissections. We strive to give students hands-on experiences and a chance to learn real scientific techniques.
EARTH & SPACE: Astronomy, meteorology and geology come to life for students thanks to the professional equipment available through the Talcott Mountain Science Center, including an on-site weather station, planetarium, astronomical observatories, telescopes. Our mountaintop location is the perfect place for weather and nighttime observing, or learning about Connecticut’s peaks and valleys.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Students learn about chemistry, physics and engineering by hypothesizing, experimenting and analyzing results. Whether they’re measuring, mixing, building or breaking, Talcott students learn by doing.
THE ARTS
Decision making, perseverance, imagination, motor-skills, focus and accountability–these are just a few of the benefits of integrating the arts into education. At all grade levels, students participate in music, studio and performing arts.
STUDIO ARTS: Our students love to get creative…and we emphasize the ‘A’ in STEAM with art theory, art history, art appreciation, drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, graphic and 3D design.
MUSIC: From music theory and composition to performance, students of all ages participate in music. All students learn strings and participate in singing. Talcott also encourages students who have learned an instrument at home contribute their talents to our musical performances.
DRAMATIC ARTS: Lights, camera, ACTION! Each year, Talcott students combine their unique talents to present a grand-scale musical in our planetarium! In addition to acting and musical performances, students are also responsible for lighting, costumes and scenery. It’s a perfect way for the entire school to celebrate the end of the school year!
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom; it extends to the world beyond. Field trips and captivating presentations from our Science Center staff and guests are integral to our curriculum. The Science Center itself offers a wealth of resources for Academy students–including knowledgeable faculty who not only create curriculum for the classroom, but also expertly lead students through it; and access to instruments and equipment that includes telescopes, microscopes, a tech lab that includes 3-D printers, and the Alan L. Bean Hypospherium, Connecticut’s largest teaching planetarium. Students can take a deep dive into subjects that excite them – like astronomy, meteorology, geology and entomology, to name just a few. They also often find joy and inspiration along our nature trails.
Talcott Mountain Academy is a nurturing haven where gifted children are encouraged to reach their fullest potential. Join us on this educational journey where curiosity is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and every day brings an opportunity to unlock and realize your child’s full potential.
