ACT offers an integrated approach to instruction, infusing standards-based academic courses with a variety of arts disciplines, and providing differentiated instruction to address individual learning needs.

Students in grades 9-12 study with certified academic teachers and professional artists in our small, arts-focused learning community. Each grade is limited to about 35 students, making this an intimate, focused, artistic learning environment.

ACT’s extended-day schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; a later start time than other high schools in the area. On Fridays, classes meet from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A semester-based schedule allows students to take up to 12 different classes per year, increasing the number of credits students can graduate with and allowing more time for intensive study in the arts. 

Areas of artistic study include Acting, Creative Writing, Dance, Integrated Arts & Management, Media Arts, Music and Technical Theater. ACT students have access to a pre-college academic boost, thanks to a partnership with CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley (formerly Quinebaug Valley Community College) and Eastern Connecticut State University that allows qualified upperclassmen to attend college classes and earn free college credits while attending ACT.