O
Open
CHOICE
Hartford Region
Your Choice . . .
. . . Our Future
PROGRAM
Excellence in Education
2014-2015
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice
openchoice@crec.org
Open Choice Makes a Difference
The Hartford Region Open Choice Program (formerly
Project Concern), a 47-year-old program, offers Hartford
students the opportunity to attend public schools in
suburban towns, and suburban students the opportunity
to attend public schools in Hartford, at no cost to the
student’s family.
The goal of the Open Choice Program is to improve
academic achievement, reduce racial, ethnic and
economic isolation, and provide all children with a choice
of high quality educational programs.
Studies show that students in integrated schools are
more likely to graduate from high school, go on to college,
and graduate from college. The Capitol Region Education
Council (CREC) is one of four agencies in Connecticut
that are legislatively mandated to manage the statewide
program. Funding is provided by the Connecticut State
Department of Education.
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
O
Our Open Choice team includes bilingual staff who work closely with
school districts to help support students and their families. Together,
we help your child participate in a rewarding, diverse, educational
experience that will prepare him/her for a successful future.
Open Choice Early Beginnings (OCEB)
OCEB is the pre-school and kindergarten component of the Open Choice
Program. The goal of OCEB is to improve the academic success and
transition of Open Choice students. Students receive both social and
academic instructional support in a full-day school program in order
to meet the rigorous goals of the school district and the Connecticut
Department of Education. Through the combined efforts of all educators
involved in the Early Beginnings program, students receive a wellrounded education. Resources include CREC Math and Literacy
facilitators for kindergarten students, high-quality instruction aligned to
state standards, an integrated educational setting, and home-to-school
communication supported by the Early Beginnings Resource Specialist.
Children entering the prekindergarten lottery for OCEB should be toilet
trained prior to entering school.
“Science Everywhere” Summer Academy
The Summer Academy is available to Open Choice elementary and
middle school students in grades 1 through 8. Students are accepted
into the program based on recommendations from their parent,
school, or Open Choice staff. Students who participate in the “Science
Everywhere” Summer Academy are involved in daily enrichment activities
including a hands-on science and math curriculum and field trips in July.
Transportation is provided, as well as breakfast and lunch. Families may
also choose to participate in the summer program offered in their child’s
district.
Choice After School Academy (CASA)
CASA is an after-school program, available to Open Choice middle and
high school students in grades 6 through 12. The program focuses
on providing students with academic support and social/emotional
strategies. Students participate in tutoring services, ongoing academic
assessments, and social activities. Student achievement is assessed
through the analysis of academic work and feedback from school
guidance counselors and social workers. The certified social worker
provides one-on-one and small group counseling for students as needed.
The program runs for 27 weeks, through two semesters, allowing
students to register at any time from October to May. Transportation is
provided to CASA’s Hartford location from the student’s district.
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
Benefits of the Open Choice Program
yy Full Day Preschool and Kindergarten programs.
yy Once enrolled, students attend school in the Open Choice district
until high school graduation.
yy Effort is made to place siblings in the same school district at the
time of placement
yy Open Choice team (including bilingual staff) works closely with
school districts to help support students and their families
yy Special education facilitators to support families of children with
special needs
yy Literacy and Math facilitators for kindergarten students
yy Athletic programs in all districts
yy After School Academy for middle and high school students
in Hartford
yy Summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students
yy People Empowering People leadership training program for all
Open Choice parents
yy Free tuition and transportation
Facts about the Open Choice Program
For the 2013-2014 school year, there are approximately 2,000
students enrolled in 134 schools in 29 school districts through the
Open Choice Program.
yy Hartford resident students may apply to attend public school in the
25 surrounding suburbs.
yy Suburban resident students may apply to a attend designated
Hartford Public School.
yy Free transportation is available to Hartford PK4-12 residents and
suburban K-12 students residing in the RSCO transportation zone.
yy All students are encouraged to apply for the program, including
gifted and talented students, English language learners, and special
education students.
yy The majority of Open Choice high school graduates attend higher
education institutions, including four year colleges such as Boston
University, Howard University, and Arizona State University.
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
Eligibility
Hartford residents who are interested in attending a suburban public
school in grades PK4-10 are eligible. Suburban residents who are
interested in attending designated Hartford Public Schools in PreK to
grade 12 are eligible.
Participating Open Choice Districts
The Hartford Region Open Choice districts include Avon, Berlin,
Bolton, Bristol, Canton, Cromwell, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington,
Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Newington,
Plainville, Portland, Region 10, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor,
Southington, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor,
and Windsor Locks.
Lottery Application Process
The Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) assists and supports
parents in completing RSCO lottery applications and making educational
choices. You must submit a RSCO lottery application either online at
www.choiceeducation.org, or using the paper application available at the
Regional School Choice Office, by Friday, February 28, 2014.
Students are selected through a blind lottery process and will be
informed of placements beginning in April 2014. Students who are not
selected during the lottery process will be placed on a waitlist, which
expires annually.
For more information about Open Choice, attend a RSCO fair and
an Open Choice information session. RSCO fair dates and Open Choice
information session dates are available on the RSCO website at
www.choiceeducation.org.
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
RSCO Lottery Placement Procedures
yy Hartford resident applicants may select up to five (5) suburban public
school districts by residential zone and may also select “All Districts”
as their last or only selection.
yy Students who apply to both Open Choice and a magnet school(s)
will receive only one placement offer and will be removed from all
waitlists once a placement offer has been made. If a student receives
a placement in Open Choice, they will be removed from all magnet
school waitlists and all remaining Open Choice district waitlists.
yy The sibling of an Open Choice student will receive preferential
placement if there is a seat available for their grade in the same
town as the enrolled student as long as the enrolled student remains
enrolled for 2014-2015. In order to receive the preference, the
applicant must select the enrolled sibling’s district as their first choice
on the RSCO lottery application.
yy To receive sibling preference at the time of an initial application,
applicants must rank the same school districts in the same order on
both student applications.
yy Students who only select Open Choice on the RSCO lottery application
will be given a placement preference after enrolled siblings and before
general waitlist applicants.
District Placement
On the RSCO lottery application, Hartford students may select up to five
(5) suburban public school districts within the zone in which they reside.
Hartford Residential Zones
Suburban Public School Districts
Zone 1
Avon, Canton, East Granby, Granby,
Simsbury, West Hartford
Zone 2
Bolton, East Granby, East Windsor,
Ellington, Enfield, Somers, South
Windsor, Suffield, Vernon,
Windsor Locks
Zone 3
Berlin, Farmington, Glastonbury,
Newington, Plainville, Southington,
West Hartford, Wethersfield
Zone 4
Berlin, Cromwell, Glastonbury,
Newington, Portland, Rocky Hill,
Wethersfield
All Zones
“All Districts” may be selected as the
only option or as the last selection on
the RSCO lottery application.
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
On the RSCO lottery application, Hartford students residing in the
residential zones below may select up to five (5) suburban public school
districts listed within that zone.
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
Hartford Region
Open Choice Program
Suburban Public School Districts
Hartford residents applying for Open Choice may
be placed in any one of the following suburban
school districts in grades PK4-10:
District: Avon
Website: www.avon.k12.ct.us
Location: 10 miles west of Hartford, CT
Zone:
1
Description: Coupled with supportive government agencies and
a beautiful location, Avon is considered to be one of the most
desirable communities in the state. Avon has demonstrated a
strong commitment to education by its emphasis on student
achievement, improved school facilities, and parent involvement.
Avon parents are encouraged to participate in school affairs and
have demonstrated their support for education at town meetings
through a strong volunteer program and an active PTO in each
school.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 19.5:1 for grades K-4
District:
Website:
Location:
Zones:
Berlin
www.berlinschools.org
15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT
3 and 4
Description: The purpose of
public education in Berlin is
to stimulate and guide, along
with parents, the intellectual,
emotional, and physical growth
of all students in the community
toward responsible, selfdisciplined, creative, contributory, and perceptive citizenship in a
free society. To accomplish this purpose, the system of education
must recognize individual differences while helping each student
to develop toward his or her full potential. Each and every
student in the Berlin Public Schools will achieve established,
rigorous performance standards in all areas of student learning
by becoming independent strategic readers, problem solvers,
and critical thinkers.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District:Bolton
Website: www.boltonpublicschools.com
Location: 15 miles east of Hartford, CT
Zone:
2
Description: The Bolton Public Schools
community collaborates to encourage
learners to become ethical citizens
who are innovative, influential leaders
in their world. Current initiatives
include engaging the community,
staff, families, students, and alumni in
supporting the schools and improving
educational outcomes for all students
and coordinating an ongoing review
of student performance for program
evaluation and program development.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 10:1
District:
Website:
Location:
Zone:
Canton
www.cantonschools.org
13 miles west of Hartford, CT
1
Description: Our mission is to
prepare productive, tolerant,
and responsible citizens
with the character and
independence to embrace
and contribute to the world.
Individually and collectively,
the community, families, faculty, and the Canton Board of
Education hold these values for themselves and for
the children they serve. Canton Public Schools shape the future
of its students by opening minds and transforming lines
through creative and innovative programs. Canton Public
Schools shape the future of its students by opening minds and
transforming lives through creative and innovative programs.
Our school district is a lighthouse district, one to which other
communities look.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
District: Cromwell
Website: www.cromwell.k12.ct.us
Location: 13 miles south of Hartford, CT
Zone:
4
Description: The Cromwell Public School district comprises
four educational facilities which include Cromwell High School
(Grades 9-12), Cromwell Middle School (Grades 6-8), Woodside
Intermediate School (Grades 3-5), and the Edna C. Stevens
Elementary School (Grades
PreK-2). Approximately
2,000 students are enrolled
in the district. The proximity
of our four schools to
one another affords us
the opportunity to share
resources and personnel in
the most educational and cost-effective manner possible. Our
dedication to 21st Century learning has been enhanced through
a multi-year commitment to technological improvements. These
upgrades have connected all buildings via cable for data, voice,
and video exchange for internal communications. Additionally,
the entire district has access to the Internet through our
Connecticut Education Network affiliation. The Cromwell Public
Schools strive to educate and inspire all students to apply the
essential skills needed to become productive and responsible
citizens in a rapidly changing world. In pursuing this mission, the
Cromwell Public School community believes that all students are
valued and deserve an education that addresses their academic,
physical, and social/emotional needs, and that all members of
the community must uphold high expectations, be accountable,
and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District: East Granby
Website: www.edline.net/pages/east_granby_public_schools
Location: 13 miles northeast of Hartford, CT
Zones:
1 and 2
Description: East Granby Public Schools is a learning community
where students are inspired and engaged in rigorous and
authentic learning
experiences that prepare
them to meet the demands
of a changing world.
Students pursue knowledge
in 21st century learning
environments that foster
individual talents, skills, and interests so they may achieve their
personal and career goals. Educators, parents, students, and
community partners are important stakeholders in the success
of the schools. Together, we work to ensure that students
achieve high expectations and actualize their full potential to
contribute to society.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1
District: East Windsor
Website: www.eastwindsorschools.org
Location: 16 miles north of Hartford, CT
2
Zone:
Description: East Windsor is known for its pastoral beauty –
acres of rolling fields and woodlands blanket the town. East
Windsor Public Schools
provide a climate that
inspires the school
community to achieve
their full potential through
continuous improvement,
mutual trust and respect.
The administrative team includes nine professionals throughout
the district – a principal and assistant principal in each of
East Windsor’s three schools, an Assistant Superintendent of
PreK-12 Education, a Director of Special Education, and the
Superintendent of Schools.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
District: Ellington
Website: www.ellingtonpublicschools.org
Location: 18.9 miles northeast of Hartford, CT
Zone:
2
Description: Ellington Public Schools prepare students to enter a
rapidly changing and complex world with strong academic skills,
breadth of knowledge, depth of understanding, commitment to
others, and the attitudes
necessary to become
productive, contributing
citizens. Keeping
children as the focus
of our endeavors, we
ensure that students can
achieve our vision by
creating a safe and orderly learning environment. We maintain
high standards for the traditional components of a basic
education and integrate research-based, innovative programs
that challenge and encourage students to reach their individual
potential and prepare them for productive lives and responsible
citizenship.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
District: Enfield
Website:www.enfieldschools.org
Location: 20 miles north of Hartford, CT
2
Zone:
Description:Enfield Public Schools offer a comprehensive
PreK-12 program. A full array of academic, co-curricular, and
extracurricular opportunities are offered. The district consists
of four PreK-2 primary schools, three grade 3-5 intermediate
schools, a grades 6-8 middle school, and two high schools
(grades 9-12). Approximately 5,640 students are enrolled in
the Enfield Public Schools. The district is governed by a nine
member Board of Education.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District: Farmington
Website: www.fpsct.org
Location: 12 miles west of Hartford, CT
Zone:
3
Description: Farmington Public Schools believe that all students
are capable of acquiring the knowledge, skills, and dispositions
needed for productive,
ethical, and responsible
citizenship in an evolving
world community. As
an innovative learning
organization, the
Farmington school
district is deeply
committed to continuous improvement. Thus, collaborative
interactions among students, educators, parents, and families
emphasize the importance of clear expectations, rigorous
standards-led curriculum, inspired instruction, personal effort,
and engaged relationships leading to high levels of achievement
for all learners. The mission of the Farmington Public Schools
is to enable all students to achieve academic and personal
excellence, exhibit persistent effort, and live as resourceful,
inquiring, and contributing global citizens.
District: Glastonbury
Website: www.glastonburyus.org
Location: 6.9 miles southeast of Hartford, CT
3 and 4
Zones:
Description: Glastonbury Public Schools, in partnership with the
entire community, prepares and challenges every student to
become a successful and
productive member of
our diverse and evolving
global society. A total of
nine schools compose
the Glastonbury Public
Schools system, including
one high school, one
grades 7-8 middle school,
a grade 6 school, and a total of six K-5 elementary schools.
Approximately 95% of the town’s school age children attend
Glastonbury Public Schools, with approximately 7,000 students
enrolled in the district.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
District: Granby
Website: www.granby.k12.ct.us
Location: 20 miles northwest of Hartford, CT
Zone:
1
Description: Granby Public Schools provide a comprehensive
educational program for approximately 2,200 students in
grades Pre-K-12 dedicated to every student graduating on time,
prepared for 21st century citizenship. Granby is an outstanding
rural school district
with a dedicated and
talented staff, enthusiastic
student body, and an
extremely supportive
community. The district
is characterized by its
academic excellence, a
rich variety of athletic, artistic, and co-curricular opportunities,
community service, and high standards of personal behavior. A
21st Century vision and mission drive the work of the district.
Granby has actively and successfully participated in Open Choice
since its inception over thirty years ago. The district embraces
cultural diversity. Students from Hartford start school in Granby
in kindergarten and they are fully included in the life of each
school. Equity of outcomes for Hartford students is a district
expectation.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
District: Newington
Website: www.npsct.org
Location: 8.9 miles south of Hartford, CT
Zones:
3 and 4
Description:Newington Public Schools’ curriculum provides a
comprehensive, diverse, and challenging array of rich learning
experiences to meet the
needs of all students.
Based on state and national
standards, the curriculum
provides the framework of the
student’s educational journey
from kindergarten through
senior year in high school. Measurable student learning objectives
and methods of assessing learning allows for the monitoring of
every student’s progress and achievement.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District:
Website:
Location:
Zone:
Plainville
www.plainvilleschools.org
14 miles west of Hartford, CT
3
Description: Plainville Public
Schools promote higher student
achievement in English/language
arts, mathematics, and science
through continuous improvement.
Our schools are consistently
improving CMT and CAPT
achievement, and exceeding the state and DRG averages in all
grades. A strong intervention program has decreased the number of
students not achieving proficiency in math, reading, and writing.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
District: Portland
Website: www.portlandct.org
Location: 17.9 miles southeast of Hartford, CT
Zone:
4
Description:Portland Public Schools prides itself on its small
class sizes and first-rate education provided by dedicated, caring
teachers. Our goal is for every student to become a successful
reader, writer, and mathematician, with a sense of personal
responsibility and respect for others. Portland’s Intermediate
School recently received a National Blue Ribbon School of
Excellence Award and Portland was recognized as one of
America’s Top 100 Small Towns.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
District: Rocky Hill
Website: www.rockyhillps.com
Location: 9 miles south of Hartford, CT
Zone:
4
Description: Rocky Hill Public Schools are committed to providing
an educational environment in which all students discover and
achieve their maximum potential in preparation for productive,
meaningful lives and responsible citizenship. All Rocky Hill
students will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and
mastery of communications skills (reading, writing, speaking,
listening), mathematics, physical/life sciences, and social
studies. All Rocky Hill students will develop habits conducive to
health, personal responsibility, and good citizenship essential for
living cooperatively and productively in an increasingly complex
world.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
District:
Website:
Location:
Zone:
Simsbury
www.simsbury.k12.ct.us
12.7 miles west of Hartford, CT
1
Description: Simsbury Public
Schools prepare students
for a global, interconnected
society, which requires facility
with relationships, higher
order thinking, technology,
and languages. Teachers
collaborate on a regular basis and instill joy and excitement
about learning. They are experts in instruction and content
knowledge, emphasizing 21st century skills across all curricular
areas. The curriculum emphasizes critical and creative thought,
problem solving, effective communication, artistic expression, an
understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, as well as
physical, social, and emotional wellness.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
District:Somers
Website: www.somers.k12.ct.us
Location: 24 miles northeast of Hartford, CT
2
Zone:
Description: The vision of Somers Public Schools is to challenge
our students and staff to pursue excellence, foster creative
expression, and to develop a
concern for the quality of life
for all. Our vision embraces a
culture and environment that
promotes lifelong learning,
develops self-worth, supports
uniqueness and diversity, and
empowers individuals to make choices that lead to lives filled
with dignity, respect, happiness, and opportunity.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District: South Windsor
Website:www.southwindsorschools.org
Location:8 miles north of Hartford, CT
Zone: 2
Description: South Windsor Public Schools promotes an
engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepares
students to achieve their own
individual excellence. Within an
emotionally safe environment,
educators will foster students’
academic, social, and personal
growth. Our students will
demonstrate critical and creative
thinking, self-direction, collaboration, adaptability, compassion,
and civic responsibility in an ever-changing global society.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 20:1
District: Southington
Website: www.southingtonschools.org
Location: 18.8 miles southwest of Hartford, CT
Zone:
3
Description: Students engage in a
range of educational experiences
to become informed, adaptive
problem solvers who effectively
communicate, rise to challenges,
and are committed to improve
themselves and their communities.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
District:
Website:
Location:
Zone:
Suffield
www.suffield.org
19 miles north of Hartford, CT
2
Description: Suffield Public Schools
believes that one of its most
important responsibilities is to work
with parents and the community to
prepare students to be confident,
thoughtful, contributing citizens,
now and throughout their lives. We believe that our school
system helps develop these qualities by creating an atmosphere
that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance. This supports
students as they learn and grow and prepare to take their places
in our rapidly changing world.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
District:
Website:
Location:
Zone:
Vernon
www.vernonschools.com
17 miles east of Hartford, CT
2
Description: Vernon Public Schools,
in partnership with family and
community, is committed to provide
a quality education, with high
expectations, in a safe environment,
where all students become
independent learners and productive contributors to society.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 20:1
District: West Hartford
Website: www.whps.org
Location: 3 miles west of Hartford, CT
Zones:
1 and 3
Description: Providing all students with high expectations, a
rigorous and relevant curriculum, and dynamic teaching in order
for them to realize their potential is the central goal of the West
Hartford Public Schools’ commitment to continuous improvement.
The mission, core values that inform the mission, and the fouryear goals all serve to drive the purpose, focus, and work of the
organization. The District Model of Continuous Improvement is
driven by these established goals and community expectations of
the schools.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
District: Wethersfield
Website: www.wethersfield.k12.ct.us
Location: 5 miles south of Hartford, CT
Zones:
3 and 4
Description: Education in Wethersfield
is the shared responsibility of
schools, students, families, and
other community agencies working
together so that Wethersfield students
may realize their full potential. Accordingly, the mission of the
Wethersfield Public Schools is to ensure that all students will:
• acquire skills and knowledge for life-long learning;
• be equipped to compete in a global economy;
• develop self-discipline and function as responsible citizens of
society; and
• develop and understand their ethical, cultural, aesthetic, and
intellectual values and respect those of others.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
District:
Windsor Locks
Website: www.wlps.org
Location: 22 miles north of Hartford, CT
Zone:
3
Description: The district is working hard to ensure every child achieves
at rates never before imagined, and we are having tremendous
success. CMT and CAPT scores have improved significantly two years
in a row and our NWEA MAP assessment scores show every grade
performing above the national norm in reading. We are proud to
announce that the Class of 2020 will be the first graduating class who
will earn their diploma based on competency.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Hartford Region
Open Choice Program
Hartford Public School Districts
Suburban residents applying for Open Choice may select
from the following designated Hartford Public Schools.
District:
Hartford, CT
Website: www.hartfordschools.org
Location: Connecticut’s Capitol City
Description: Hartford Public Schools provides all students the
chance to participate in a global economy through attainment
of CT academic standards and readiness for post-secondary
education. The schools selected from “The Capital City’s Portfolio
District of Excellence” offer theme-based curriculum relating
to student interests, rigorous college-ready curriculum, and
enhanced teacher and staff commitment.
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School (ELAMS)
101 Catherine Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: PK4-5
The Expeditionary Learning model energizes student motivation
and engagement through high-level tasks and active roles
in the classroom. Students at ELAMS participate in learning
expeditions, case studies, projects, conversations with community
experts, fieldwork, service learning and exhibitions of student
work. Expectations are set and followed, helping students learn
characteristics such as respect, responsibility, teamwork and
commitment to high-quality work. The school supports students
as they embark on a personal journey to develop a moral and
educational compass for navigating their path to college readiness,
fulfilling careers, and responsible citizenship.
Global Communications Academy
305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: K-7, 10-11
Global Communications Academy implements a rigorously
tested college preparatory curriculum. We offer a rigorous
academic curriculum with three embedded themes: global
issues, global systems, and global cultures. Emphasis is placed
on critical thinking, advanced communication in languages,
sciences and mathematics. Global Communications Academy
is part of the Association of IB World Schools, offering the
Primary Years Programme.
Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted & Talented Academy*
121 Cornwall Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: 4-8
The Renzulli Academy offers high quality and distinctive programs
to accommodate identified gifted and talented youth. The Academy
uses the School-wide Enrichment Model, which emphasizes
engagement and the use of enjoyable and challenging learning
experiences constructed around students’ interests, learning
styles, and product styles. The Renzulli Academy curriculum is
implemented from the National Research Center on the Gifted and
Talented, located at the University of Connecticut, and serves as a
model site for the replication process of three additional Renzulli
Academies in Connecticut and
New York.
*To apply and enroll, students must be formally identified as gifted
and talented on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through their
home district’s special education process.
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
Academy of Engineering & Green Technology
55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: 9-12
The Academy of Engineering and Green Technology is an accredited
member of the National Academy Foundation (NAF). The academy’s
focus is engineering and related fields such as technology,
environmental science or scientific research. Students complete
a rigorous curriculum drawn from two national programs: Project
Lead the Way (PLTW) and the National Academy Foundation.
Students learn how science and math are used to design and
construct the equipment, structures, and power/energy sources
and explore concepts of earth friendly technologies. The Academy
partners with local high-tech manufacturing/ alternative energy
companies that offer on-site learning, job shadowing and internship
opportunities.
Law and Government Academy at Hartford Public High School
55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: 9-12
Students in the Law and Government Academy study the liberal
arts and sciences in preparation for success in college and careers
in public service areas, including law, government, community
leadership and public safety. After participating in exploratory
coursework as freshmen, students have the opportunity to focus their
studies in either law and government or public safety. The significant
emphasis on communication, critical thinking, problem solving and
advocacy enables students to see unlimited connections between
their classroom studies and the challenges of the world today.
Students have opportunities to take early college experience courses
through the University of Connecticut. All students participate in
yearly, interest-based capstone projects of their own design.
Nursing and Health Sciences Academy at Hartford Public High
School
55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Grades: 9-12
The Nursing and Health Sciences Academy is an accredited member
of the National Academy Foundation (NAF) and the curriculum
is based on the concept of C.A.R.E. (Character, Accountability
Responsibility and Excellence). The Academy prepares students
to successfully pursue a degree in nursing or related health care
services. Students have many opportunities to apply what they learn
in the classroom to real work situations. The school partners with
University of Connecticut School of Nursing and Capital Community
College to prepare competent, compassionate practitioners who
possess a solid knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and
anatomy and physiology.
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
I believe my children’s teachers and school system
truly care about their improvement and success.
Open Choice Parent
Glastonbury Public Schools
Open Choice emphasizes any child’s talents or
abilities. It allows them to expand on that and
makes them more of who they are. My advice to any
parent: if you want to see the full potential of what
your children can be, Open Choice is a good place
to start.
Open Choice Parent
Avon Public Schools
I am really happy to see how the skills my son
is developing in school are transferring to his
learning at home. My family is excited to be part
of a multicultural environment where diversity is
recognized and celebrated.
Open Choice Parent
Hartford Public Schools
I began my tenure in Project Concern in 1985 and
graduated from Granby High School as the class
of ’92. The opportunity afforded me the chance
to overcome adversity through cultural diversity.
I truly had a positive experience: I was able to
experience the best of both worlds, having an innercity background and a suburban background.
Project Concern Alumna
Granby Public Schools
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
In Simsbury, we continue to build upon our
successful partnership with Open Choice. By
welcoming students and families into our system,
we enrich the experiences of all involved. We
are pleased to welcome preschool students into
our district, providing families and students the
opportunity to begin our journey together by
engaging in an interactive and developmentally
sound early childhood program.
Matthew T. Curtis
Superintendent of Simsbury Public Schools
The Open Choice program has helped me get ready
for the real world and prepare me for college. At
Wethersfield High School, the academics were
very strong and they wanted to make sure all their
students did well, so whatever help you needed they
gave you, and they wanted to make sure that you
could reach the highest level of achievement.
Open Choice Alumna
Wethersfield Public Schools
Open Choice was an enjoyable experience for me.
I was able to play sports – soccer, football, and
basketball. I also met a lot of new people and new
friends with whom I have remained in contact.
Open Choice Alumnus
Newington Public Schools
I’m really happy that we took advantage of the
Open Choice program. My son has shown great
improvement since participating in this program,
and if I had to do it all over again, I would
definitely make the same decision and place him in
the Open Choice program again.
Open Choice Parent
Simsbury Public Schools
860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice • openchoice@crec.org
Look inside to learn about the
Hartford Region Open Choice Program,
an exciting opportunity for your child’s education.
Excellence in Education
Hartford Region Open Choice Program
34 Sequassen Street Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-524-4010
www.crec.org/choice
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Apply online at www.choiceducation.org
by Friday, February 28, 2014.
Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)
Phone: 860-713-6990 openchoice@crec.org
www.choiceeducation.org