The Arizona School for the Arts opened in 1995 and has an enrollment of 370 students per year in grades 6th through 12th. The school is very unique in that the core subjects are taught in the morning hours and in the afternoon students are involved in the performing arts.

The school is one of the first in the state to become a non-profit charter school offering college preparatory classes along with the unique blend of the performing arts.

An example of the curriculum offered for middle school students include English, social studies, science, math, life skills, and piano. High school student’s curriculum includes social studies, science, math, and foreign language during the morning hours. Extra curricular activities at the school include band, chorus, dance, orchestra, and theater. Special programs include academic contests, newspaper, student council, community service, and yearbook.

Reviews of the school from parents, students, and the community as a whole are overwhelming good. Most parents are truly happy with the progress they see with their children once they start attending the school. You will on the other hand hear some negative remarks due to a few of the being replaced with new ones, which has caused a bit of change in the school. A few students explained that the new teachers and staff are not as caring as teachers and staff they replaced, but that the curriculum is still strong.

The school strives on creating hard workers that do their best. As reported by a student, the curriculum is hard and will push you to do your best with teachers that provide guidance when needed.

As a public charter school, the AIMS exam is required to measure if students are meeting the standards set by the state of Arizona. The percentages of students that passed or exceeded the exam along with the percentage of students across the state that passed or exceeded the exam are listed below.

In reading, 98% of 5th graders passed with the state average at 79%, in writing 78% with the state average at 55%, and in math 87% with the state at 63%. In reading, 97% of 6th graders passed with the state at 81%, in writing 93% with the state being 56%, and in math 83% with the state average at 59%. In reading, 99% of 7th graders passed with the state average at 82%, in writing 87% with the state at 53%, and in math 93% with the state average being 61%. In reading, 97% of 8th graders passed with the state average at 71%, in science 97% with the state at 63%, in writing 100% with the state at 86%, and in math 85% with the state at 54%. In reading, 98% of 10th graders passed with the state average at 78%, in science 91% with the state at 42%, in writing 100% with the state at 68%, and in math 97% with the state average at 60%.

Arizona School for the Arts
1313 N. 2nd St., Suite 6
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-257-1444