Who we are

In the heart of New Haven’s Audubon Arts District, a unique rhythm pulses through the halls of a historic building every afternoon. A violin echoes down a corridor. A dancer’s foot meets the floor in a perfect arc. A new story takes shape on a blank page. This is the **Educational Center for the Arts (ECA)** where the next generation of artists discovers who they are and what they can become.

Since 1973, ECA has served as a public, half-day arts magnet high school, welcoming talented students from more than 25 towns across Connecticut. Mornings are spent in traditional high schools, but the afternoons belong to the arts—an immersive experience in Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts.

Every day, students walk through ECA’s doors full of potential. They leave filled with confidence, new skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Whether it's mastering choreography, crafting original songs, performing in a play, or developing an artistic portfolio, ECA offers more than instruction—it provides transformation.

But this transformation doesn’t happen alone. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of families Parents for Arts Centered Education (PACE) works tirelessly to support the ECA community. 

PACE is a parent-led organization that enriches student experiences through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. From organizing receptions for performances to helping fund critical supplies and scholarships, PACE ensures creativity at ECA thrives.

Learn about all of the projects & events that PACE helps support at ECA.

From prom night to teacher appreciation, senior gifts to The Great Give, PACE is behind the scenes making it all happen. Learn about the events, initiatives, and programs our parent community supports every year—and find out how you can be part of it.

Contact us

Interested in supporting ECA? Fill out some info and our parent team will be in touch shortly.