Welcome to the Salt Lake Arts Academy!

We offer a dynamic middle school option that delivers a responsive and quality education for students in grades 5 - 8.  As a public charter school, our state requires the Salt Lake Arts Academy to teach core curriculum and meet accountability expectations laid out in federal and state mandates.  Our approach to meeting these requirements sets us apart!

At the Academy, we teach students through a thematic curriculum that integrates verbal, mathematical and symbolic language.  Our goals are that our children demonstrate dexterity in their ability to view their world and their work through multiple lenses.   Our mission is to develop Academy students into thoughtful, responsible contributors to a world community that they will help shape and design.

Strong Academic Focus

Our curriculum teaches students the needed skills and content of the Utah State Core. We teach many topics, or “units” through thematic integration. We design courses to challenge students at a personal level by differentiating materials, expectations, and assessments.

Students are tested through the same State assessments as other public school students.

Coursework is taught by State certified teachers and supported by community experts and arts professionals.

·       Curriculum based on Utah State Core

·       Exemplary mathematics program that places students based on competency level

·       Hands on science labs

·       Differentiation to meet student needs

·       Accountability

Intimate School Size

We have 270 students in four grades.  Classes are structured to ensure a personalized learning environment where students are taught in flexible, mixed-age groupings.  Students work closely with teachers who have been selected for their commitment to students at this important age in addition to their teaching expertise.  Our small size also allows for exciting fieldwork in downtown Salt Lake City, in settings as varied as the Main Library, the new Clark Planetarium and the University of Utah.

·       Individual attention

·       Mixed age groups

·       Highly qualified faculty

Quality Arts Education

Students understand and experience visual arts, dance, drama, and music throughout their school year.  Our curriculum provides a strong academic program that integrates these various art forms. We aim to train our students to respond to the world, to look beyond themselves, to see the connectedness of human society through their arts instruction.

·       Daily instruction by professional arts educators

·       Arts integration in science, math, literature, and social sciences

·       General exploration of the arts in Grades 5 and 6

·       Specialized instruction in Grades 7 and 8 based on personal interest

Downtown Location

We moved into our location at 844 South 200 East four years ago.  Our three story building, which houses only our academy, was designed and renovated just for us.  We have music, dance and visual arts studios, science labs and outdoor recreation facilities as well as seven individual classrooms.

The Arts Academy campus extends beyond the classroom and into the community.  We have negotiated a special rate for students to purchase a UTA pass that allows them to travel throughout the city as we access rich educational resources.  Our curriculum includes lessons in civic responsibility, social etiquette and public safety.

·       Real life learning

·       Opportunities for outdoor class instruction and field research

·       Access to city libraries, community centers, theaters, museums and U of U departments

·       Collaboration with many education and arts organizations

Academic Results That Count

The Salt Lake Arts Academy meets state and federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements. In addition, our students score high on state Criterion Reference Tests*.

Spring              2004         2005        2006         2007         2008        2009

% of student who received 3’s (sufficient) or 4’s (substantial) on State Criterion Reference Test (CRT).

A Public/Private Partnership

As a public charter school, the Salt Lake Arts Academy does not assess tuition. But, the Academy is engaged in a public/private partnership around quality education. By encouraging private donations along with public support, the Academy can ensure the highest quality in arts-integrated education. We welcome contributions from individuals, businesses, corporations, civic groups, and foundations. Call the Salt Lake Arts Academy today and learn how you can partner in our efforts.

It is our goal to create a middle school program that trains young adults to become the future designers and decision makers of their community. Through an education that is rooted in arts, academics, and action, we prepare students to be in tune with the complexity of their world as we equip them with the necessary skills and sensitivities.

Other Important Facts

·       1:18  Our Teacher:Student Ratio.  Total enrollment of 270 students, 5th-8th grades.

·       Our school year begins in late August and ends in June.  Our academic year has two semesters and each semester has two terms or
quarters.

·       All students have schedules of multiple classes and teachers

·       Student population includes students who qualify for gifted education as well as special education.  Students come from all over the Salt Lake area and as far away as Sandy, Magna, and Clearfield. 

·       All students are selected through a lottery.  Preference is given to children of founding parents and siblings of current students.

·       The Academy is guided by a collaboration of educators, parents, students, and community leaders, including the Parent Leadership Association (PLA), Student Leadership Association (SLA), and the Governing Board.

The best learning rarely happens in a classroom; it happens in the real world.  SLAA makes the city their campus.  If our students start learning about the community now, they will be ready when their turn comes to contribute and lead in Salt Lake City.  Stephen Hurlbut  (parent)

There is no place like the Salt Lake Arts Academy. It's unique and diverse. Here we are free to express ourselves in many different ways!
Molly Pace (student)

 Salt Lake Arts Academy is truly a unique school. Nowhere else can you find such a rich blend of academics and art.  Our students experience a higher level of learning through an integrated curriculum, and together, students and teachers embrace and celebrate the rich resources our city offers. Salt Lake Arts Academy is truly a cut above the rest!
Jane Walsh (humanities teacher)