Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy

The Talcott Mountain Science Center and Academy inspires a love of learning through discovery and engagement. We engage children in exploring the interconnected nature of science, technology, and our ever-changing world. We are the catalyst that unlocks the potential within each individual.

We offer summer, Saturday and vacation programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade; a full-time, independent school for bright and gifted students in kindergarten through eighth grade; outreach and school programs; teacher training; and programs open to all ages -- including our popular Skygazing nights.

On October 1, 1967, the Talcott Mountain Science Center (TMSC) was established under a program of the U.S. Department of Education. The Science Center was a dream of educators and public officials of the town of Avon, including Avon School Superintendent Francis Driscoll, Avon School Board member Dr. Alvin Liftig, and science teachers Dr. Donald P. La Salle and George C. Atamian. The Science Center was an inspired dream, indeed, that could see an educational park devoted to science, mathematics and technology rising out of a barren mountain top and former military facility.

Over the last 50 years, TMSC has trained thousands of teachers and educated hundreds of thousands of students through inspirational lessons, state-of-the-art technology and real-world applications taught by a passionate and dedicated staff.

In 1983, the Talcott Mountain Academy was added as a division of TMSC to accommodate the special needs of gifted students, built on TMSC’s original premises of a hands-on approach and an innovative curriculum that weaves together all aspects of education into an integrated learning experience.

After 50 years, TMSC has maintained a growing facility with new technologies and new buildings but has remained committed to the principle that children learn by doing and benefit from the passion of inspired teachers.