Arts Philosophy

The purpose of our program is to provide an educational performing arts curriculum that is closely connected to the diverse cultural foundations and creative process of each performing art form and to develop real world formative experiences that help students critically think and develop community. Active participation in performing arts helps students develop the Social Emotional Learning Competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making in conjunction with the National Arts Standards of creating, performing, responding, and connecting. The symbiotic nature of emotional and artistic development propels the social growth and skills to overcome emotional challenges students face through their formative years. They become the foundation of life skill development that carries into their future experiences.

2023-24 Performance Calendar

Middle School Arts 5th-8th grade

At the beginning of every year, arts faculty evaluate all new and returning students and place them in the appropriate level of study. All middle school students choose either piano or choir as their chosen music fundamentals course.  Middle school students also choose from the series of selected arts: dance, theatre, or a musical instrument. ASA’s arts curriculum helps students develop skills in the creative process, regular practice, focused individual concentration, and teamwork.

High School Arts 9th-12th grade

The high school arts curriculum consists of three performing arts areas: music, theatre, and dance. By junior year, students narrow their focus to one area and declare a major. In high school, all new and returning students are reviewed annually for correct class level placement.

ASA Seniors have the opportunity to apply to receive the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency to earn recognition from the Arizona Department of Education for inclusion on their ASA diploma. In addition, all ASA juniors who are planning on professionally pursuing the performing arts and who will be majoring in their specific area of artistic concentration in institutions of higher education are invited to apply for the Performing Arts College Prep Course for their senior year. Further details on both of these programs can be found under each arts department link.