By Peggy Burt, CAAE Project Manager
The Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network recently announced the winners of the Creative Ticket National School of Distinction Award for the 2003-2004 School Year.
Once again, we are proud to have a California winner: Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy, Sacramento. Here is a complete list of the winners:
- Aspen Community School (Woody Creek, CO)
- Baton Rouge Magnet High School, (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource School (Crystal, MN)—
- Hand Middle School (Columbia, SC)
- Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy (Sacramento, CA)
Each year, five schools are recognized by the Kennedy Center that have done an outstanding job of making the arts an essential part of the education of their students. Each school receives a cash award to support their arts education program, and an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in March 2005.
Selection criteria at the national level includes a review of the ways in which arts education is an essential component of the school curriculum, how the program creates and uses imaginative learning environments for teaching and learning in, through and about the arts; how the arts program provides opportunities for parental involvement in education; how the program provides opportunities for learning about other cultures through the arts; and how the program links arts education to community cultural resources.
Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy stated in their Creative Ticket application, "our mission is to provide students in grades 6-12 with an intense, integrated academic and arts program which focuses on a developmental approach to learning using high academic and artistic standards."
A charter school is a public school established to provide students and parents with more choices in the types of educational opportunities and programs than are available in the traditional public school system. Since they are public schools, charter schools do not charge tuition. The Natomas Unified School Board approved a community-based charter school in the Spring of 1993.
The school has grown and flourished since that time, moving into new facilities in the year 2000. The beautiful campus includes dance studios, music facilities, theatre space and a professional style recording studio – home of Blackrock Records.
When students enter the school in sixth grade, they are provided arts instruction that gives them an overview of the various artistic disciplines and allows them the opportunity to view and participate in live performance while developing their academic skills in rigorous courses. As students progress from grades seven through twelve, they are able to choose an arts discipline (dance, music, theatre or visual arts) and explore that discipline in depth. The school requires at least 60 credits in the performing and fine arts for graduation.
Another key factor in this school’s success is the philosophy "that parental involvement is an integral part of the school". Because the charter’s mission is to provide unique learning experiences to its students, the school relies on committed parents who are willing to assist the staff and faculty. The parents contribute 30 volunteer hours per year at the school or school-related functions as part of their overall participation.
The future looks bright at Natomas! Soon, the ground will be broken for a brand new theatre… As I watched the students involved in their dance and music classes, I was struck by the sense that every single one of them truly wanted to be there. In fact, since this is a school of choice there are long waiting lists. It is quite a gift to be in an educational environment where the faculty, staff, parents and students collaborate so beautifully – quite a masterpiece!
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