Students at the Academy commit to a rigorous two-year foundational program that is both grounded in tradition and progressive in its vision. During their first year, students focus on historical approaches to the development of critical observational skills and technical facility. In year two, these methodologies are applied to painting, through increasingly challenging studio work with the cast and in the model room. With studios open until midnight or beyond, many students work late into the night, creating, collaborating and having fun. Weekends arent just for homework; theyre for hiking in the local hills, walking along our pleasant beaches or just relaxing in one of our quaint coffee shops. For those in need of a little more excitement, Connecticuts capital city of Hartford and the vibrant college town of New Haven, where Yale University is located, are both less than 45 minutes away. Similarly, New York and Boston are both just two hours by train or car.