A+ News

A+ school spotlight: White Oak Elementary
Student with hand on heart

A+ school White Oak Elementary in Carteret County transforms classrooms using arts-integrated curriculum woven throughout daily lessons.

A+ Schools of North Carolina: an environment for creative learning
An A+ School of North Carolina teacher with a room full of her students standing with their arms raised into the air in movement,

A revolutionary way of approaching education started in North Carolina nearly 30 years ago, and it has been transforming the lives of students and teachers ever since. A+ Schools of North Carolina is a whole-school transformation model that views the arts as fundamental to teaching and learning.

A+ Fellow Spotlight: Gideon Young
Gideon. Young

A+ Fellows are leaders in the arts and education, and each year they facilitate high-quality professional development for A+ schools and partner organizations. Meet Gideon Young, one of our most enthusiastic A+ Fellows!

There’s nothing like an A+ Summer!
5 participants of the A+ Summer Institute in Asheville take a photo with silly mustaches and hats in front of a A+ Schools of NC banner

Photo: Teachers from Odyssey School at the 2024 A+ Summer Institute in Asheville. Photo credit: North Carolina Arts Council.

Capturing Creativity: An A+ Gallery of Learning
Black Mountain Primary (Buncome County) Kindergarten Artwork- Self-portraits focused on their teeth (or lack thereof).

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

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.

Remembering Joan
Joan Certa-Moore
A+ Schools of North Carolina remembers and honors long-time A+ Fellow and arts education advocate Joan Certa-Moore.

Governor Cooper Visits an A+ School
Governor Cooper and A+ leadership at Pinewood Elementary
In December, Governor Roy Cooper visited Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County and had a chance to see A+ practice in action.

A+ in Action: Summer Workshops for Teachers Yield New Experiences for Students
A+ educator stands in front of personal flags created by workshop attendees

School’s in for summer!

When students begin their summer vacation, teachers at many A+ schools return to learning at an A+ Schools of North Carolina summer conference.

A+ Principal Spotlight: Marcus Edge
A+ Principle Marcus Edge

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!