House of Arts Letters and Science (HALS) Academy

The House of Arts Letters and Science Academy is on Grove Street in the Downtown area. This school is for kids in grades 6 to 8. There are 196 students in total. The student–teacher ratio is 14:1. Math and reading proficiency is 87%. The gender mix is 43% female and 57% male. The school keeps a close-knit and very focused learning environment for its students. The atmosphere is professional, and students are expected to fully engage with a challenging and varied curriculum. The school has a strong sense of community and gives each student a lot of attention because it is small. Students are encouraged to work hard in school and explore their own intellectual interests every day. The environment values artistic expression and scientific inquiry in a supportive and academic setting. Staff members work closely with students to help them develop a love of learning and doing well in school that will last a lifetime. Prices for homes in the area usually range from $180,000 to $325,000. A lot of families praise the high academic standards and the one-on-one attention that students get. The academy is one of the best middle schools in Connecticut.

HALS Academy students achieved the highest average scores in New Britain on the 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessments in both Math and English. HALS Academy was celebrated for 100% of its graduating 8th graders being accepted into their first-choice honors high school programs for 2026. HALS Academy introduced a "Junior Scholars" research program in early 2026 to foster university-level inquiry skills.

Q1. Are there honors classes at HALS Academy?

Ans. The academy offers honors-level classes in core subjects to push students and get them ready for tough high school academic programs.

Q2. Does HALS Academy have competitions for students?

Ans. To show off their skills, students often take part in academic competitions at the state and local levels, such as science bowls and math leagues.

Q3. What kinds of things does HALS Academy do to help students get ready for college?

Ans. The school includes activities that prepare students for college in the curriculum. This helps them learn how to study and develop the habits they will need to be successful in the future.

Q4. Is there a student council at HALS Academy?

Ans. A student-led council gives students a say in what happens at school and helps them learn how to be leaders by organizing community service and projects.

Q5. What does the HALS Academy do for the arts?

Ans. The academy has a strict academic program, but it also includes arts and letters in the daily curriculum to make learning more interesting and well-rounded.