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. It all started with 25 schools training together to better understand how the arts could be central to teaching and learning in all subjects. The network of schools has expanded across the state and today serves more than 25,000 students annually.
Topics Related to A+ Schools
A+ Schools of North Carolina remembers and honors long-time A+ Fellow and arts education advocate Joan Certa-Moore.
In December, Governor Roy Cooper visited Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County and had a chance to see A+ practice in action.
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. Each summer, the staff of multiple A+ schools come together for networking and professional development, led by teams of A+ Fellows who plan and facilitate sessions focused on the A+ Essentials, building a creative culture, and exploring arts-integrated curriculum.
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! Marcus has returned to lead his alma mater with hopes of strengthening its arts programs and commitment to the A+ Schools philosophy. He shared with us a little about himself, his background in arts and education, and his vision for Clarkton.
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. Apprentice Fellows spend at least one year shadowing veteran A+ Fellows, observing professional development sessions, and learning the unique processes of A+ implementation.
The A+ Fellows who conduct high-quality professional development for A+ schools and our partner organizations enter the network as apprentices with a wide range of expertise and experience. They are asked to serve in a “cognitive apprenticeship” role for one year, observing and assisting veteran A+ Fellows as they conduct professional development. Meet the nine A+ Apprentice Fellows who joined A+ Schools in 2021.
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.
Our A+ schools cultivate engaging learning environments for students every day, and we love highlighting the creative work that is happening across the A+ network. Here are a few of the initiatives, projects, and lessons taking place in A+ schools. If you have interesting news from your A+ school, please contact us and let us know.
Join A+ Schools of North Carolina for our new online A+ Educator Conference!
August 3 and 4, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
There is something for everyone!
This online conference is for the entire A+ Schools of North Carolina network.
A+ educators and administrators may register individually
and select sessions "a la carte" based on interests and schedules.
View a conference agenda overview.
Registration is now closed.
August 3 and 4, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
There is something for everyone!
This online conference is for the entire A+ Schools of North Carolina network.
A+ educators and administrators may register individually
and select sessions "a la carte" based on interests and schedules.
View a conference agenda overview.
Registration is now closed.