East Hartford Public Schools is proud to announce the East Hartford Science & Technology Academy (EHSTA), launching in Fall 2027.
It will be an innovative district-operated, school-within-a-school STEM academy offering students career-connected pathways and project-based learning via university and industry collaborations.
The academy will serve approximately 150–200 students in Grades 5–8, with an initial rollout in Grades 5–6. It will be in a dedicated wing of East Hartford Middle School equipped with technology labs designed for robotics, prototyping, aerospace, data science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
“The East Hartford Science & Technology Academy is the latest example of the East Hartford Public Schools investing in its students and community,” remarked Superintendent Thomas Anderson. “This academy will offer our next generation an exclusive future-forward learning experience housed within existing space at East Hartford Middle School.”
The primary goal of EHSTA is to create a seamless Grades 5–post-secondary STEM pathway that prepares students for high-demand, high-paying careers in robotics, aerospace, data science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
STEM occupations are projected to grow significantly faster than average — roughly 8–12% over the next decade, more than double the rate of non-STEM fields (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
“As the headquarters for Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford is already a hub of aerospace manufacturing. The establishment of the East Hartford Science & Technology Academy is a natural synergy,” remarked Superintendent Anderson. Adding, “Relying solely on a college to career pipeline is too little, too late. East Hartford is poised to become a regional leader in hands-on, future-ready education by igniting curiosity and ingenuity early. Our students can receive a top-tier, STEM-focused education without leaving East Hartford.”
EHSTA is collaborating with university and industry partners, including the University of Hartford and the Connecticut Science Center, to give students access to an ecosystem of opportunity to attract, recruit, and retain the problem-solvers of tomorrow, today.
Key Features of EHSTA:
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District-operated, selective application academy with a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum.
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Hands-on experiential learning supported by a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab/Maker Space.
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School-within-a-school model to foster strong community and connection.
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Community collaborations providing students with mentors, resources, and project-based learning.
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Full integration of core subjects while preserving music, art, athletics, and all extracurriculars.
Admissions will be selective but will utilize a holistic scorecard that evaluates academic foundations alongside demonstrated curiosity, grit, creativity, and teamwork through applications, interviews, and performance-based measures. Applications for the inaugural cohort will open in winter 2027. The district will hold information sessions in the coming months to provide families with more information.