To learn, to sing, to dance, to play, to act…...these are the aspirations of our young performers.  SLSPA is being created from a realization that education with a focus on the arts can enhance learning.  Both national and local educators agree that arts education is a stimulant for academic achievement as well as training for artists and the development of cultural appreciation. By focusing on the arts, our students and staff will generate a lively, happy and successful community in which they thrive academically and socially.

SLSPA will offer the same academic curriculum and graduation requirements as all SLCSD schools.  The major difference in the academic program is that we will offer the added ingredient of correlating the arts with academics, rather than treating either as isolated disciplines.  The arts program at SLSPA will take on particular significance as it will be the primary focus of the school, rather than simply a course offering. For example, a theater arts program will be offered, which includes technical theater classes.  These classes would involve instruction in sound and lighting, set construction/painting, and costume design.  Additional examples of course offerings will include an orchestra/band program, with a jazz band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, music theory class, music production, and A.P. music program.  Piano, guitar, dance, mixed choir, women’s choir, madrigals, and concert choir classes will also be available.  All students will take at least one visual/performing arts class per year. 

Our academic curriculum will include coursework in English, science, social studies, mathematics, technology, and foreign language study.  It is proposed that SLSPA students will take these courses at Highland High School in conjunction with Highland’s normal academic sequence.  SLSPA will be committed to its role as a college preparatory school, making students aware of the variety of opportunities they have for future training at colleges or universities, advanced art institutes, and conservatories. Inasmuch, A.P. and Honors programs that are offered at Highland will be emphasized to SLSPA students.

Special Education will also take a prominent position in our academic program. Remediation and tutoring will become a daily part of our curriculum.