We have discovered that by integrating the arts and technology into our academic program we create a more hands-on learning environment that better fits the learning styles of our diverse population of students. To accomplish this, we employ only Arizona certified teachers in areas and seek out partnerships with volunteer agencies, schools of higher learning and community businesses. A variety of
artists from the community work with our students creating a positive climate that celebrates the gifts of each student. Recently, the Arizona Charter School Association rated Mesa Arts Academy as one of the top three schools in Arizona for increasing student achievement and the Arizona Department of Education honored us with the 2011 Math Excellence Award. Our classrooms are enriched with numerous volunteers from partnerships with Mesa Community College, ASU, and the Volunteer Center. Federal grants provide an aide in every classroom to assist the teacher and students. We offer free before and after school care at our on-site Boys & Girls Club, as well as the National Free and Reduced breakfast and lunch program to those who qualify. Our school day is extended by an hour to allow us to both have a rigorous academic program and still have time to devote to our arts programs. Our arts classes vary by grade level, with younger children taking a variety of arts classes, including General Music, Dance, Band, and Visual Arts. Older children select from elective classes, including Visual Art, Guitar, Dance, Photography, STEAM, Percussion, and Advanced Music. Parents are required to be active participants in this process with a daily requirement to check and sign “home-school binders” and a mandate that they contribute a minimum of 50 hours of family participation each year.
