The evidence is clear: study of the arts contributes to student achievement and success. Its multiple benefits are academic, basic and comprehensive. What is less clear is how to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn about and experience the arts in the school. Despite convincing research and strong public support, the arts remain on the margins of education, often the last to be added and the first to be dropped in times of strained budgets and shifting priorities.

These are the kinds of circumstances many Savannah public schools are facing today. Out of the seven high schools in the area, only one school puts art on the pedestal it should be on. The Savannah Arts Academy is proof of how the arts can better a child’s education. Here are just a few facts about the school and the outcome of an enriched arts program curriculum.

100% of students receive a College Prep Diploma, with some earning an additional seal for College Prep with Distinction, and with Communication Arts students earning an additional Tech Prep seal. Therefore, some of our students graduate with three seals on their diplomas.

SAT and ACT scores exceed the state and national averages.

100% of the members of the Class of 2006 were eligible for the HOPE scholarship.

Students have consistently won at the District, Region, State and National levels in various visual and performing arts competitions.

Regional, state, national and even international award-winning extra-curricular teams.