With the arts being minimized–if not altogether cut–from public school budgets and curriculum, arts-based education has become an endangered species. At Wilmington School of the Arts, founding board members have pledged to replenish its ranks.
It started around four years ago at a downtown brew pub, better known as a place the community gathers. A 40-year veteran of K-12 education, John Westberg was relatively new to town. Having crossed paths with several community artists, he and these like-minded thinkers met at Flytrap Brewing to talk ‘what’s missing in our public schools.’
Educational relevance and academic rigor; attention to multiple learning styles; arts integration within every classroom: Wilmington School of the Arts was born.
“Throughout my travels in public education, I’ve noticed a void of cultural context,” says Westberg, Executive Director of Wilmington School of the Arts. “We want our students to do more than memorize, or learn things in isolation. Our teachers will encourage kids to explore connections outside the classroom.”
Arts education promotes innovation, connection, and tolerance for new ideas. And through project-based learning, Wilmington School of the Arts promotes community involvement.
Championing diversity and hoping to reflect Wilmington’s various neighborhoods and communities, WSA strives to become multicultural and multiracial, open to children from all walks of life. “The larger we grow our roots, the more the community will thrive,” says Westberg.
As a nonprofit venture, WSA’s board of directors, board members, and dedicated staff have set about enlisting the support of passionate and progressive thinkers. Community events and open houses—fueled by Truck’s Chicken and Fish, who generously feeds the school’s growing audience—have increased visibility around local neighborhoods.
And as the world turns virtually, Wilmington School of the Arts is staying in touch. From educational blogs to virtual programming, and creative ideas for artists-scholars at home, WSA continues to build and serve community.
K-2 Open Enrollment rolls on, as the school readies for the 2020-2021 academic year—with an additional grade level each year, Wilmington School of the Arts will eventually extend through the eighth grade.
First-year classrooms are located in Sunset Park, and free or reduced lunch programs are available to qualifying families. As a public charter school, all students are enrolled tuition-free.
Enroll your K-2 student today at wilmingtonschoolofthearts.com/enrollment.
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