Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy
Our logo is three interlocking circles, which represents the three-ring conception of giftedness that was developed by our founder, Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli. The three rings represent the characteristics we are looking for in our students: task commitment, creativity and above average ability.
Special Features and Highlights
SEM: School-wide Enrichment Model
Curriculum implemented from the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) located at the University of Connecticut
SEM-R: School-wide Enrichment Model in Reading
Academic Competitions
National History Day participation
Annual Science Fair
Enrichment opportunities
Foreign languages
Technology-rich environment
Students participated in Future Producers Academy (CT Public TV) and produced news clips
The Renzulli Academy served as an Action Lab for the New England Conference for Gifted and Talented Education (NECGT)
Renzulli Academy Music Department offers Band, String Ensemble, and Choir for all grade levels
We offer In-School lessons and low-cost instrument rental--Nearly all students play an instrument
General Music class includes basic piano, guitar, and drumming skills, sight-singing, music composition, and Orff Instrument activities
Renzulli students represent the school each year at the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford) Band and Orchestra programs, Litchfield Jazz Camp, and
Northern Regional Music Festival. Many of our students are awarded scholarship funds to participate in these groups and to pursue private study
Creative Arts classes which include visual arts, performing arts, mindfulness meditation and movement
Advanced art classes
Interest based, hands on, project based learning
Students participated in the National Geography Bee and the school winner qualified to compete in the 2019 State Competition
Student participated in the Spelling Bee and in 2019, the school winner qualified to compete in the 2019 state competition
Students participated in the 2019 CT History Day State Competition
In 2019, a student won the Award of Excellence from the Wadsworth Atheneum at the annual Hartford Youth Art Renaissance Festival
Recognition:
The Renzulli Academy has been presented at the World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children in Prague, Czech Republic, The New England Conference for
Gifted and Talented (NECGT) in CT and VT, and National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Annual Conferences in GA and LA
Susan Hanjian Music Director received the CMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award, 2016
Sarah Cheney Middle School English Language Arts teacher received the William A. Yandow Educator Award from the Bushnell in 2019. In addition she was the
Renzulli Academy 2019 Teacher of the Year.
Kara Ledger Middle Social Studies teacher was nominated by the National History Day program in Connecticut for the 2019 Hannah E. (Liz) MacGregor Teacher Award.
Special Points
We have a staff that is specially trained in gifted education and pedagogy.
Our curriculum matches our students to their academic abilities and is individualized to ensure academic needs are met.
Students are exposed to many academic competitions during the year that offers ways to showcase their academic talent, creativity and innovation.
Students are offered a variety of experiences both in and out of the academy that stimulate and develop new and exciting interests. Students participate in many field trips and attend musical and theatrical performances just to mention a few.
Students have multiple opportunities to perform including Talent Show, choral and instrumental concerts, Improvisation , Music and Poetry Composition.
Grades 4-8: Khaki bottoms and navy polo shirts or Academy sweatshirt