A+ News
Capturing Creativity: An A+ Gallery of Learning
![Black Mountain Primary (Buncome County) Kindergarten Artwork- Self-portraits focused on their teeth (or lack thereof).](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2024-06/black-mountain-primary.png?VersionId=PgpssXz14g.3VFBgEFNIaMjvrUhPFA47&itok=kFIiErhu)
Welcome to "Capturing Creativity," a visual celebration of the creative and engaging work happening in A+ Schools. This collection of photographs and captions offers a glimpse into the vibrant classrooms, dynamic projects, and dedicated individuals who are practicing A+ philosophy every day.
Catching up with A+ Schools Of North Carolina
![Michelle Burrows](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2024-03/MB%202%20Leadership%20Fall%2023-2.jpg?VersionId=dcQTWknx7prgaYddVK9zkmMwjJBCaq9Q&itok=K5PwQwqN)
To celebrate Arts in Our Schools Month, we’re shining a spotlight on A+ Schools of North Carolina. Established in 1995 by the Kenan Institute for the Arts, A+ Schools is the longest-running arts-based whole-school transformation model in the nation.
Governor Cooper Visits an A+ School
![Governor Cooper and A+ leadership at Pinewood Elementary](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2024-01/Pinewood%20visit.jpg?VersionId=ORk.PcFA9nPVIgeoNlRvmRndoETjqLSr&itok=hzFEOGvL)
In December, Governor Roy Cooper visited Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County and had a chance to see A+ practice in action.
Remembering Joan
![Joan Certa-Moore](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2024-01/Joan%20profile%20pic.jpg?VersionId=wXY9JhEPcbncWz4PlJ9ZTAFpx5pdqZpZ&itok=fWySr2tc)
A+ Schools of North Carolina remembers and honors long-time A+ Fellow and arts education advocate Joan Certa-Moore.
A+ in Action: Summer Workshops for Teachers Yield New Experiences for Students
![A+ educator stands in front of personal flags created by workshop attendees](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2023-12/Flags%20Workshop.png?VersionId=kGGVe21ZrjIZ7tjr59xlgD5scqtloSMP&itok=i62az4kb)
School’s in for summer!
A+ Principal Spotlight: Marcus Edge
![Aplus-principle-Marcus-Edge.png A+ Principle Marcus Edge](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2023-11/Aplus-Marcus-Edge.jpg?VersionId=EdKowlGE8HAKLWBRn3s3Y72fhMpirN7J&itok=OeJFU0sT)
Marcus Edge, the newest principal at Clarkton School of Discovery, has a special connection to his A+ middle school in Bladen County—he was a Clarkton student from 1997 to 2000!
A+ Schools of N.C. selects 12 new apprentice fellows
![A+ fellows clapping and smiling during an exercise A+ fellows clapping and smiling during an exercise](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2023-02/_L7A7021_0.jpg?VersionId=RszoiL.C86U9_ijqfD9cW5AnPZBQzQKx&itok=oEZKsHYr)
A+ Schools of North Carolina provides high-quality professional development to A+ educators through skilled facilitators known as A+ Fellows. Every other year, a new cohort of Apprentice Fellows is selected following a comprehensive application and training process.
A+ Schools win national honors
![Blue ribbon schools 2022 Blue ribbon schools 2022](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2022-11/blue-ribbon-schools.png?VersionId=dc1c5VhpCeKiU41d_NPS5_uYfNntLDYR&itok=gx7Mwnq2)
Two schools in the A+ network have recently received national honors. We congratulate each school’s staff and students on their exemplary work in building a creative and engaging learning environment that helps students enjoy school while achieving success.
Nearing their 30th Anniversary, A+ Schools Of North Carolina's philosophy is as Impactful as ever
![A+ interactive group shot A+ School children in the classroom](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2022-11/a-interactive-group-shot_b_0.jpeg?VersionId=0nOTKc9cjKa2c_2vbm3H9fwlQgJmkzwt&itok=NhzMtDG9)
Since 1995, A+ Schools of North Carolina has transformed how schools approach teaching and learning. Each school in the network teaches the state’s mandated curriculum in a collaborative, multidisciplinary way, and weaves the arts into every aspect of a child’s learning experience.
A+ Schools Of North Carolina is recruiting A+ Fellows
![A+ Schools of NC is recruiting new A+ Fellows](https://files.nc.gov/arts-council/styles/article_card/public/images/2022-11/Aplus-school-recruitment_0.png?VersionId=g6OoNJFCj4RBQ6sTdq.kQMVm8K5iQ9Kf&itok=S9xKuDaW)
Are you interested in becoming a learning and contributing member of a diverse network of professionals? Do you have a collaborative spirit and the ability to facilitate large and small groups of adult learners?