Photo courtesy of the Texas Center for Arts + Academics

Open enrollment is underway for Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts. The two public charter schools, under the guidance of the Texas Center for Arts + Academics, provide children with the opportunity to explore their love of the arts without sacrificing a well-rounded education.

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA) was founded in 2001 to give third through twelfth graders the opportunity to explore the performing and visual arts more deeply. In 2007, Texas School of the Arts (TeSA) was founded to offer kindergarteners through sixth graders the same experience.

“Every day, our students are getting the four fine arts: choir, visual art, theater, and dance,” said Monica Sheehan, Marketing Communications Manager for the Texas Center for Arts + Academics. “In high school, students elect a specific art path and begin a deeper concentration in their chosen area.”

Photo courtesy of the Texas Center for Arts + Academics

The curriculum for both schools is STEAM-based [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math] and follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills guidelines, set forth by the state. So while your child is exploring and developing artistically, they are also getting a competitive college preparatory education.

When asked how COVID-19 has impacted the schools, Sheehan acknowledged that the schools had to get creative. “Some classes have moved outside, and instead of performances in an enclosed theater, we have live, online events and even drive-in performances.”

Both in-person and at-home learning options are available for students. “About 60% of the student body is in-person right now,” Sheehan said. “That makes social distancing easier. In addition, everyone wears a mask, and our youngest students wear face shields as well as masks.”

If you are interested in learning about FWAFA and TeSA, both schools are offering small group, in-person tours. In addition, the virtual open houses are available to view via Facebook or on the website so that parents can learn more about the schools.

Open enrollment runs through February 15. Once the applications are submitted, there is an audition process with acceptance letters going out in mid-March.

Photo courtesy of the Texas Center for Arts + Academics

Both TeSA and FWAFA are designed to instill a love of creative exploration while offering your child a complete and competitive college preparatory education. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Texas Center for Arts + Academics website.

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