Arizona School for the Arts Celebrates Twenty Years of Inspiring Creative Thinkers

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) July 15, 2014

The 2014-2015 school year will be a year of celebration for Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) in Phoenix. Celebrating 20 years as an innovative educational model with a concentration on college preparation through immersion in the performing arts, ASA (http://www.goasa.org) is planning special celebrations throughout the year including student performances and a spring gala event.

ASA was one of the first charter schools established after the Arizona State Legislature created charter schools in 1994. Recognized for its rigorous yet creative approach, ASA has transformed the face of education by providing an environment for children to become thinkers, leaders, activists, and innovators. The school was envisioned as a high achieving academic school intended for students who wanted to work with professional artists as part of the core school experience. Partnerships with leading professional arts organizations, including The School of Ballet Arizona, Phoenix Theatre, and Phoenix Symphony informed the development of the school's arts curriculum. The school has added many partners over the years to enrich the college preparatory and performing arts program.

Throughout the year, the school hosts distinguished guest artists and instructors who bring a wealth of experience to nurture creativity and innovative thinking in ASA students and faculty. Famed vibraphonist, Joe Locke, recently visited ASA to work with students in two workshops at the school, the first one focusing on improvisation in classical music and the second on improvisation in jazz. The ASA percussion ensemble and jazz orchestra had a unique opportunity to perform with Locke at a concert at the Phoenix Art Museum. ASA is planning similar events for the 2014-2015 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Since opening its doors to 155 students in 1995, the school has grown to serve more than 800 students in grades 5-12 and boasts a 100% graduation rate; 96% of ASA graduates pursue four-year postsecondary education. ASA has a rich academic history and is acknowledged as a national model for exemplary education gaining both academic and artistic recognition. The school has won many awards including the GRAMMY Signature Schools Enterprise Award in 2011 and the Governor’s Arts in Education Award in 2012.

“We are excited to celebrate twenty years as a beacon of academic excellence in the heart of Phoenix,” said Leah Fregulia Roberts, head of school/CEO of ASA. “Our students come from all areas of metro Phoenix to participate in a proven curriculum of arts and academics that provides a rigorous yet creative approach to education. Our excellent teaching staff as well as our partnerships with Arizona arts organizations and with local and world-renowned artists allows us to offer students a most comprehensive and experience-rich education.”

ASA will open many of its 20th Anniversary celebration events to the public; more information about each event will be posted to the ASA website at http://www.goasa.org. Students interested in enrolling for the 2014-2015 school year are invited to view the admissions process for ASA at http://www.goasa.org/.    

About Arizona School for the Arts
Arizona School for the Arts is a public charter school with a current enrollment of more than 800 students in grades 5-12. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the school is a unique model, receiving an A grade from the state of Arizona and national rankings for its academic results. Over 96% of its graduates attend colleges and universities and, additionally, the school places students in top conservatories and professional companies across the country. In 2011, ASA became the first school in Arizona to receive the GRAMMY Signature School Enterprise Award. In 2012, ASA earned the Governor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Arts Education Organization.

http://www.goasa.org

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