Preschool & Elementary Schools
At CREC Schools, students learn alongside classmates from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Educators focus on developing each child’s specific talents and interests. Our theme-based academics and challenging core curriculum help us achieve our vision that every student can and shall learn at high levels. We invite you to learn more about which of our CREC Schools may be right for you and your family.
Preschool (PreK3-PreK4)
CREC Preschool at Progress Drive
Aerospace Pathway: Early Childhood, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School Pathway: Early Childhood, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
University of Hartford Magnet School Pathway: Early Childhood, Multiple Intelligences
PK Tuition on a Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4
123 Progress Drive, Wethersfield, CT
(860) 240-6615
CREC’s Preschool at Progress Drive is an extension of three CREC magnet schools: Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary, Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School, and University of Hartford Magnet School. In partnership with our families and community, we shape the social, emotional, and intellectual development of our preschool students. We provide a developmentally appropriate play-based learning environment that nurtures and encourages uniqueness and creativity and respects equity, diversity, and inclusion. Play-based learning helps children grow in all areas while having fun. When kids build and sort during play, they learn about sizes and solving problems, boosting their thinking skills. Playing with others teaches them how to share, work as a team, and understand each other's feelings. It also helps them to express their own emotions and manage them in different situations. Through activities that spark curiosity, children explore, ask questions, and think creatively. Plus, play often mirrors real life, helping kids learn practical skills like organizing and making decisions, all while enjoying their day. We strive to create a positive, safe learning environment where children learn, play, grow, and thrive together. Our philosophy emphasizes respect for self, others, and the classroom environment.
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Unique opportunity for a direct pathway to either the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary, Glastonbury East Hartford Magnet School, or the University of Hartford Magnet School.
- Developmentally appropriate play-based learning environment
- Strong partnership with families and the community to support student growth
FUTURE READINESS
Our curriculum uses the State of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) as a guideline for curriculum development. The CT ELDS are learning and developmental outcomes to be intentionally addressed through planned experiences, materials, and interactions. Learning outcomes are achieved through hands-on discovery activities, responsive staff who meet individual needs, reflective practices creating an inclusive environment, and partnerships with families, fostering reciprocal relationships. Our students develop caring, creativity, and curiosity, preparing them for future educational success.
*PK Tuition Note: Magnet schools operated by the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and Goodwin University Magnet School System (GUMSS) charge prekindergarten tuition on a sliding scale based on your family’s income. The fee for prekindergarten is determined annually but will not exceed $2,351 per child in accordance with Connecticut law. Some schools provide a discount for multiple student enrollment. Please check with the school for specific details.
Preschool at CREC
All of our CREC Magnet Elementary schools include prekindergarten (grades PreK 3 and PreK 4). In addition, we have prekindergarten classrooms at CREC Preschool at Progress Drive. Our PreK classrooms offer a safe, nurturing, and rigorous learning environment that promotes independence, develops cognitive skills, and fosters the overall development of the whole child. We invite you to explore!
Elementary Schools (PreK3-Grade 5)
Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
7 Gardner Way, Rocky Hill, CT
(860) 529-1652
Why Choose Us?
Our students explore new materials and create in state-of-the-art Maker Labs, and participate in leadership opportunities such as Town Hall meetings, Safety Patrol, and the Student Action Team. These experiences prepare them for the future by fostering imagination, collaboration, and strong community involvement.
Discovery Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
176 Cumberland Avenue, Wethersfield, CT
(860) 296-2090
Why Choose Us?
We prepare students academically for the challenges of middle and high school. Our commitment to Social Emotional Learning includes daily class meetings, monthly celebrations, and Inclusion Clubs for all. We believe STEM education should extend beyond classroom walls, and by working with community partners, students engage in additional science experiences and field studies. This deepens their connection to the school theme and the real world, making them critical thinkers and strong problem solvers equipped with skills for middle school, high school, and beyond.
Museum Academy
Museum Studies
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
11 Turkey Hill Road, Bloomfield, CT
(860) 231-7800
Why Choose Us?
We prepare students for a successful future by providing rigorous integrated units of study that strengthen students’ 21st-century skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and cultural awareness. By incorporating the principles and practices of museum studies, we provide a comprehensive education that prepares our students for a multifaceted world of lifelong learning.
Academy of International Studies Elementary School
International Baccalaureate (IB)
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
625 Chapel Road, South Windsor, CT
(860) 291-6001
Why Choose Us?
Students in PK3-grade 5 discover the interconnectedness of the world through the arts, foreign language, and multicultural education. Our teachers and staff inspire a lifelong love for learning while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and intercultural understanding. The focus on the whole child prepares students to be successful 21st-century citizens who understand the impact of “one” on an ever-changing society.
Glastonbury East Hartford Magnet School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
95 Oak Street, Glastonbury, CT
(860) 633-4455
Why Choose Us?
We nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our STEAM curriculum equips students with a range of skills, including innovation, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, all of which are critical to success. By integrating the Arts, our STEAM approach sparks imagination and creativity, naturally aligning with STEM learning principles. We prepare students academically and socially for future educational challenges and success.
Reggio Magnet School of the Arts
Reggio Emilia
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
59 Waterville Road, Avon, CT
(860) 674-8549
Why Choose Us?
We prepare students for the future by fostering a love of learning and creativity. Our philosophy is based on the belief that young children come to school with skills and knowledge already learned from life experiences. Parents, teachers, and children are all part of the learning process that involves listening, investigating, reflecting, and constructing new knowledge together. Talented educators pair challenges with loving support, guiding students through individualized academic programs to ensure accelerated learning and future success.
Ana Grace Academy of the Arts
Visual and Performing Arts
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
129 Griffin Road North, Bloomfield, CT
(860) 677-0380
Why Choose Us?
Our diverse, comprehensive curricula provide students with the skills they need for success: inquisitive minds, innovative thinking, effective discussion, and collaboration. We believe all students can achieve at high levels when given the opportunity and resources. Our students are curious, creative, and collaborative, exploring various art forms, using their imaginations to grow and learn, and respecting different perspectives and experiences that strengthen every group.
Montessori Magnet School
Montessori
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1460 Broad Street, Hartford, CT
(860) 757-6100
Why Choose Us?
Our learning approach combines individual challenges with nurturing support. Our intentional teaching spaces, equipped with materials to ignite learning passion, offer hands-on learning of complex concepts. We foster a supportive and inclusive community, empowering student learning and embracing diversity. Our students develop confidence, persistence, and critical thinking, preparing them for future academic challenges and rigorous educational programs with confidence.
University of Hartford Magnet School
Multiple Intelligences
PK Tuition on Sliding Scale*
Grades: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
196 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT
(860) 236-2899
Why Choose Us?
We prepare students for the future by fostering a love of learning and creativity. We believe that your child’s education began with you, and we will partner with you to continue their growth and development. Thoughtfully designed lessons maximize each student’s potential while celebrating differences in how people learn. By encouraging our students to become aware of how they learn best and to set and achieve goals, we prepare them for future academic challenges and success.
*PK Tuition Note: Magnet schools operated by the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and Goodwin University Magnet School System (GUMSS) charge prekindergarten tuition on a sliding scale based on your family’s income. The fee for prekindergarten is determined annually but will not exceed $2,351 per child in accordance with Connecticut law. Some schools provide a discount for multiple student enrollment. Please check with the school for specific details.